This is a Serious Cash Economy
This has never happened to me before. I’m pretty sure it won’t ever happen again, except maybe in Azerbaijan. I talked, way back, about the way ATMs work in Azerbaijan here. This is another great day for ATMs. As Eli went to take out some cash, the bankomat machine scrolled out a message suggesting that instead of the 60 Manat he wanted, he should ask for 20 instead, because the ATM was only stocked with 1 Manat bills. Yes, you read that right. 1 Manat bills. Could you imagine taking out 20 bucks in singles? Brilliant, guys.
The best part of this adventure to the bankomat were the guys in front of us. We hadn’t seen the message yet, but we watched as they were repeatedly taking out cash, and we were getting a little impatient. Then we watched them pack up and walk away with a stack of 1’s that was more than two inches thick. A huge stack of ones. How would you like having to take out your 200 Manat, 20 Manat at a time, all in singles? Again, brilliant, guys.
Aaron in Azerbaijan 
Oh dear, this brings back memories. I did Peace Corps in Azerbaijan 2004-2006 (they switched the currency in 2005), and the ATM nearest my village occasionally gave out 1000 manat (20qepik) notes.
Elspeth
March 5, 2010 at 3:19 pm
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