India, Africa and Asia.

[MEL_Traveller]

We just used an ATM at the airport on arrival in India. State Bank of India or something. Used NAB(ex citi)… no fees or charges, and the interbank rate.

 

[RooFlyer]

One time I went to India, the government had just done their snap currency change-over (trying to flush out the vast amounts of stashed cash that were being untaxed). Couldn’t get INR of either sort in Australia, or Singapore, and in country the lines at ATMs were horrendous ( and for India, that’s saying something). Fortunately, my private guide, anticipating this, acted as my ATM for a few days until we found an accessible ATM.

 

[Pushka]

One time I went to India, the government had just done their snap currency change-over (trying to flush out the vast amounts of stashed cash that were being untaxed). Couldn’t get INR of either sort in Australia, or Singapore, and in country the lines at ATMs were horrendous ( and for India, that’s saying something). Fortunately, my private guide, anticipating this, acted as my ATM for a few days until we found an accessible ATM.

We got caught up in that and not in a good way. We'd saved our INR from a trip a few years earlier. Went to use it at a store and the guy looked at us almost in horror and said he might have to report us to the police as the note size we were using was now illegal contraband. I think the. 20,000? This was in 2023. Not sure if he was joking but we exited.

 

[drron]

I don't use ATMs. Only used one once in Tasmania and it gobbled my card. Not going to try again no matter how fantastic people say they are. I like dealing with people not mahines.

 

[SYD]

I don't use ATMs. Only used one once in Tasmania and it gobbled my card. Not going to try again no matter how fantastic people say they are. I like dealing with people not mahines.

As above, SBI (State Bank of India) is fee free for foreign cards (you just need a fee free Oz card).

As mentioned elsewhere, their ATMs don’t like Macquarie. They didn’t like my ING but SYD+1s worked…. UBank worked for me.

We fortunately stumbled upon an SBI ATM last night. No one in Jaisalmer takes cards (cash only) and we were going to quickly run out of cash - despite withdrawing cash from ATMs along the way….

 

[drron]

Our last night in Singapore and the food was the best of our stay. the hot canapes.

Which included beautiful egg tarts and yakitori.



Now we were talking to the manager of the lounge and I missed the 8pm closing. I was going to have a couple of egg tarts to finish. At 8.01 pm they had vanished. I jumped up and asked if it ere possible to get 2 more. The ffellow went out to the kitchen and this was delivered to me.

I couldn't upset the staff by not eating them could I.

The last morning we went to the lounge for breakfast. this is their hot buffet.






So I had the fruit and ordered eggs Benedict.




Then a taxi to the airport.

 

[drron]

A quick trip to the airport. No waiting for checkin. Immigration I was grteful for the help as agent scanned my passport. I am a bit slow at E gates trying to find an extra hand with my walking stick in one hand, carryon in the other. At least I have learnt to take my glasses off before getting there and putting them in a pocket. I often have problems at Changi with the camera verification. i thought I was going to get knocked back again as a lengthy wait before the green tick and gate opening.

Straight to the SKL and as usual tun right after entering as easier to find a seat. It was virtually empty.



Lovely orchids as usual.




The main part of the SKL was also quieter than I have ever seen it. The food selection in the smaller end is less extensive than in the main section I find it adequate. no difference in wines. The buffet.






















Chicken in pandan leaves is nice but messy.


I'm not sure who needs their sandwiches.


My plate.


When I first redeemed this flight it was due to leave at 1445. Not long after changed to 1640. Now I had forgotten about the change and had only checked the original email. A travel mistake but a pleasant one having to spend an extra 2 hours in the lounge.
An interesting chat with an elderly cleaner. He had been a businessman. survived 2 recessions but not a divorce. The children went with their mother. He was obviously lonely which is why he has this job. It ges him out of the house and enjoys talking to other staff and passengers. he particularly enjoyed talking to us about our experiences of Singapore during our stays in the 70s and early 80s.