Some of the visitors lamented that they were forced to return without cash after the banks failed to issue them with the much-needed cash, while many other complained they were provided with far less cash than they needed. [break]
“I wanted money for taking a trip round the Annapurna circuit. But the bank did not provide me enough money,” said Shallom, an Israeli citizen, who was in his maiden trip to Nepal. Other tourists too complained that shortfall in cash supplies has affected their shopping and tour plans.
Most of the commercial bank operating ATMs in the city have stopped issuing money through the machines. Others too have sharply curtailed the withdrawal limit. They said they do not have enough money to meet the withdrawal demand, and hence, have not replenished their cash dispensing machines.
Tourists, on the other hand, said they were not aware of why they were not given as much cash as they demanded. “The situation is surprising and also painful,” said the Israeli tourist.
There are about half a dozen of ATMs of various banks in the Lakeside area. Of them, Standard Chartered has notified that its machine has been closed. ATM of other banks are dispensing far less cash than in the past.
Bank officials based in Lakeside said they were rather giving money on the basis of Master and Visa Cards. “We are issuing Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 from the counter after the customers produce the cards,” said a bank staff. On holidays, such mechanism will not be possible though.
Hoteliers informed Republica that the cash crunch has started to turn tourists anxious and worried. It has also hampered their businesses.
“Tourists complain that banks are not giving them enough cash, and they have not been able to buy commodities they like or go out on a trip as they wish to,” said Biplav Paudel, a hotel operator.
There are some 140 banks and financial institutions in Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones. Of them, 115 are in Pokhara and the banks operate about two dozens of ATMs in the city.
Nepal Rastra Bank, Pokhara office, has announced that the daily demand for cash has soared to some Rs 200 million in the city during this festive season. Owing to the short supply of notes, it has not been able to meet the demand.
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