Hyderabad Struggles with ₹2,000 Notes as Some Establishments Refuse to Accept Them

Hyderabad: Weeks after the RBI decided to withdraw ₹2,000 denomination currency notes from circulation, people were still finding it to use them in the market though they continue to be legal tender.

"The RBI has clearly advised people to approach bank branches for deposit or exchange of these banknotes. Despite this, hotel staff at an eatery in Lakdikapul are treating them as invalid," said Mohan Beesa, a customer whose birthday lunch at a restaurants turned embarassing when it was time to pay the bill.

Others complained that some outlets do not announce that they are not accepting the ₹2,000 notes. "My husband and I spent more than an hour to pick six items and we were told about their refusal to accept ₹2,000 notes only afterwards,” said Shanti Anuma. “They weren't accepting UPI payments, saying their network was down.”

She had to go to an ATM to withdraw cash and clear the bill. If it weren't for the offer or the time spent at the mall, they would've walked away, she said.

Some establishments have put up notice boards that say that ₹2000 notes will not be accepted. Others say they do accept the notes, but don’t have small change.

"Things were a lot worse at the first week after the announcement was made. But we don't have a choice,” said a hotel manager in Himayatnagar. “We need different denominations to be able to return change for those who pay their bills in cash. To travel to the bank everyday is not a viable option, hence the notice."