I find money in other countries to be very interesting. Money and how people react to it. I was handed a beautiful 5 lempira note today and it got me thinking...
For example, at what denomination do people check to see if a bill is counterfeit? In the US, I'd say this happens with hundred dollar bills. Here, people crinkle, scratch and hold my 500 lempira notes up to the light. This is roughly $25. Almost without fail. I've even had someone check my 100 lempira bill. That is $5.
Also, when do people struggle or refuse to make change? Here, it is at the $25 amount. I've had taxis laugh and shake their heads when I try to pay with my $25. Silly gringo.
Another note (ha, get it?) -worthy aspect is to what amount the bills go. Check out the most beautiful 25 cents you've ever seen. After trading in all of my other cash I managed to snag some 5 cent notes also.
Lastly, just how little buying power does the treasury bother minting? If you thought a penny was worthless let me introduce you to the half and quarter penny.
Apologies for the poor pictures, the g11 is still out of commission.
what happened to the g11? did you drop it in the water again?
ReplyDeletei think a lot of places here check jacksons
Perhaps the "laugh and shake your head at the prospect of breaking that bill" level could be an alternative economic index across countries, like the Big Mac Index?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can never decide if countries that have ultra-low paper denominations (e.g. a bill for five cents) are more efficient--because their pockets are lighter without coins--or less--because bills wear out faster than heavy pieces of metal.
you are a silly gringo-glad that is a fact that transcends cultures. I think $20 get checked fairly often.
ReplyDeleteI'm down with BM as to the index. Granted it is a little more subjective. I got another L. 100 note checked yesterday. I guess I look suspicious. Oh, and now they call me "Chele" (whitey) instead of being puzzled as to why a gringo is in their midst. I guess I'm blending in?
ReplyDeleteThe G11 battery was stupidly left in the US of A. Sad face.
ReplyDelete