The rupee’s steadily declining value against the dollar, and most other currencies, is leading to a spurt in illegal money exchange in the city. While business is dull in the authorised transaction market, which deals in both buying and selling of foreign currency, illegal transaction agents are now on a buying spree. And with the black market giving better rates, areas near the Charminar, especially around Sheran Hotel and bylanes in the vicinity, are doing roaring business.
There are hundreds of agents in the Charminar area who attract not only Indians back from abroad, but also a large number of foreign nationals staying in the city. The agents said people looking to exchange currencies take this black market route since the market is popular for its “reliability” and customer-friendly ways. On Monday, with the dollar going for slightly over Rs 55, the black market offered more than the market rate.
Visiting the area, this newspaper was first quoted Rs 45 for $1, which finally went up to Rs 57 per dollar, a shade above the worst the rupee has ever slid. The transaction in the black market takes place real quick, and a customer may not even get the time to check whether the currencies are genuine. But an agent, who claimed to be in the business for the last 30 years, said no customer has till date returned with any complaint. Most illegal currency traders also said the police “don’t really have an idea” about the trade going on here.