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The ATM saga!

 




Venturing into the ATM saga in India is like entering a game show, the "Kaun Banega Crorepati" of financial transactions. Selecting language, account type, amount, and pin...

Sounds easy, right? 

But wait, if you crave over ₹10,000, prepare for the OTP obstacle course. It reaches your phone and invariably it has either  been forgotten at home or has gasped its last breath. Attempting to key in the OTP in 59 seconds feels more like a "fast fingers" round victory of KBC than a secure transaction.

Eventually when the American ATM voice declares, "Your transaction is being processed," it's akin to winning an Olympic gold, MBE-level accomplishment!!!

Now, the cross-border digital fiasco unfolds. Attempting to use British GPay in India without an Indian account leads to embarrassing encounters at the shopkeepers and especially the 'bhaaji wala.' Explaining your lack of GPay or Paytm transforms you into a technological imbecile, leaving the vendor bewildered. One sabjiwala even proclaimed, 'Tai, तश्या तुम्ही शिकलेल्या दिसता हो!' तुमच्या कडे GPay न्हाई म्हंजे अजबच !!

Making cash payments at the vendors, is another art form. Notes must be pristine, unfolded, and sans scribbles. Beware of sneaky old notes trying to infiltrate your wallet.(Believe me I got duped on couple of occasions!! ) 

Through these trials, I've realised our dependence on digital currency and mobiles. They've replaced computers, cameras, telephones, and payments. But let's not let them replace friends! Now, off to meet cousins for a glass of 'Indri,' the world's best single malt—because surviving the ATM Olympics deserves a celebration! Cheers!


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