[justmakebelieve]

I'm in desperate need of a new wallet, and as I'm headed off to India for 6 months soon I need a suitable one - I can't remember what size rupee notes are, but I've a vague feeling that some are bigger than average British pound notes?

And how many coins am I likely to pick up?

[dani]

here you can find the sizes: http://en.wikipedia....ki/Indian_rupee

[justmakebelieve]

Ah, cool, thanks. Looks like the larger notes are larger - will have to find a longer wallet!

[Vik]

justmakebelieve, on Aug 29 2006, 03:52 PM, said:

I'm in desperate need of a new wallet, and as I'm headed off to India for 6 months soon I need a suitable one - I can't remember what size rupee notes are, but I've a vague feeling that some are bigger than average British pound notes?

And how many coins am I likely to pick up?

Rupees Ten : Size 137 x 63 mm
Rupees Fifty : Size 147 x 73 mm
Rupees One Hundred : Size 157 x 73 mm
Rupees Five Hundred : Size 167 x 73 mm
Rupees One Thousand : Size 177 x 73 mm

A usefull site for a bit of history following Gandhi on currency notes:

http://www.mahatmaga....com/notes.html

[john.sw]

Quality leather goods in India can be found at a very reasonable price.

Why not pick up a wallet in India?

[justmakebelieve]

john.sw, on Aug 29 2006, 04:18 PM, said:

Why not pick up a wallet in India?

The trouble is, everyone says "wallets are cheap in India" "medicines are cheap in India" "clothes are cheap in India" etc etc - and though I will buy various replacements (toiletries, medicines etc) I would rather pay the extra and have stuff before I go than have to spend my first week rushing around buying everything! Plus, I wasn't going to buy a leather wallet, as I wouldn't want to take it into certain temples, but also wouldn't want to leave it outside.

[H.Nick]

...Is your wallet leather, sir? Would you mind leaving it outside, please?

Hee Hee! that's a good one! If ever I'm broke I might try it in the tourists visiting the Mylapore temple. Thanks for a great idea!!!!

Seriously. Rupees are not very big, but you are likely to need a thickesh wad of the lower denominations. so don't choose a slim-line purse/wallet

I have a fabric purse I paid silly money for from a London Travel shop. Unlike leather it can go in the washing machine!  And it has lasted several years now (daily use for the past year or so) with no sign of wear  ---so perhaps I didn't pay too much after all

[crvlvr]

justmakebelieve, on Aug 29 2006, 08:23 AM, said:

I wasn't going to buy a leather wallet, as I wouldn't want to take it into certain temples, but also wouldn't want to leave it outside.

why would anyone want you to leave your wallet outisde a temple?

[justmakebelieve]

crvlvr, on Aug 29 2006, 10:16 PM, said:

why would anyone want you to leave your wallet outisde a temple?

I doubt anyone would ask, but as I have been asked to remove all leather items (shoes, belts) before entering temples before I would prefer not to take a leather wallet in - seems somewhat hypocritical that just because my wallet contains money it is allowed where other leather may not go.

[iwanttogoback]

I seem to remember collecting a fair few coins which are useful for buying chai and newspapers and the like. keep them on you, so you'll need a coin purse. although I just kept all mine in my money belt, which is fabric and not leather. but you might not feel like wearing a money belt for six months.

Edited by iwanttogoback, 30 August 2006 - 06:03 AM.