Money

Now that I have some, I´m going to make an observation. Though prior to the point, I want to preface the thought. Seven point 5 (7.50) Quetzales is worth about $1 American. The sum of a dollar in the states doesn´t buy much; and actually, most items cost slightly to well over the $1 mark. In particular, a basic package of mints is roughly around $1.20. So, as a shopper, the $5, $10, and $20 bills are quite common. And are easy forms of monetary tender to barter with. Occasionally, one does get into trouble when going to a convenience store and attempting to purchase something with a $50 or $100 bill, but not that often.

(I want you to think back for a moment, when the last time you experienced problems purchasing something and a vendor in the states did not have appropriate change. I personally can´t. But, I know there have definitely been times.)

Money here is really confusing. Throughout the last couple weeks, and actually, more broadly, throughout the total time spent in Gaut, I continue hearing the words ¨¿Tu Tienes poco combio?¨ (Do you have smaller change?). This was reasonable at the beginning of the trip, because the only thing ATM´s spit out are 100q bills (if I request withdrawal of 1000q I´ll receive 10 100q bills). As you can imagine, the lack of smaller bills is quite annoying and normally forces you to enter the bank -after withdrawing money from the ATM- so you can get change. Although, this doesn´t always prove wise, as at any particular time of day, you´re opt to find a line stretching across the block to enter a bank!

OK, now that you have a full background concerning cambio, I´ll get to my point. No one here has change! I just returned from a late breakfast. My bill was 15q. I gave the woman 50q and immediately received an agitated glare and the words ¨¿Tu Tienes poco combio?¨. I told her sorry but no. I now need to go back, in about 20 minutes from now and retireve my change- Because she didn´t have any to offer.

The following are past experiences concerning the same situation.

- After finishing breakfast at a restaurant called Nicks, in San Pedro La Laguna, I handed the waiter exact change for the meal. Though, the amount I gave him didn´t include propina. So, after paying, I asked if he had combio para diez q. He immediately replied with no. So, I didn´t leave him a tip.

- At an Internet cafe, after spending 5q worth of time, I handed the lady 20q. She didn´t have change and asked that I return mas tarde to pay. I did.

- When picking up my laundry. I received the bill for 28q. I handed the guy a 50q. He didn´t have change, and asked if I could return mas Tarde.

- A breakfast place I regularly frequent on the weekdays. All I had was 50q to pay for the 15q breakfast. She didn´t have change. So, for the last couple days I´ve been eating off the credit of my 50q.

Well the list could go on... and on... and on. But, I will stop, as I think you get my point.