The Exchange Rate Showdown
Every month, before sending money home to his parents in Pune, Ravi checks the rupee conversion, and then checks it again. Then Sharma Uncle announces he got a better rate, and the family meeting begins. This NRI Problems episode is about the refresh button, 1995 prices, and negotiating with the universe.
Full transcript
The exchange rate is not a number, it is a family meeting. Every month, before I send money to my parents in Pune, I check the rupee conversion. Priya says, ‘Ravi, they need it today.’ I say, and today the rate needs to respect us.
I refresh my phone so often, it thinks I’m a weather app. Sharma Uncle tells me he got a better rate. I say, ‘Wonderful, did you also get a trophy?’ Then I compare today with 1995, when everything was cheaper and my hair was darker.
Arjun says, ‘Dad, just send it.’ I say, ‘I am sending it, beta. I’m negotiating with the universe first.’ My useful tip: compare the full transfer cost, not just the exchange rate.
How do you handle money sent home? I send it with love and one last refresh. For more NRI money stories, visit IndiaPay dot com.
Stories are lovely, but the money news never stops: read The Daily Rupee, IndiaPay’s satirical money paper.