Loose Change
Have plenty of loose change when travelling to rural areas. Ever been in a situation when you cannot buy food or anything because all you have are big bills? In rural areas, even a fifty-peso bill can be a ‘large’ one. We suggest that you load up on 10’s and 20’s, and as much five-peso, one- peso, and 25-centavo coins as your pockets can carry without bursting. Forget about one-centavo coins. While legal tender, these are generally ignored. For practical purposes, the 25-centavo coin is the lowest denomination legal tender to carry.
And, out of courtesy to rural storeowners, do ask if they can change your ‘big’ bill before you start eating consumable purchases. Generally, they would accommodate you if they can. And if they can’t? Your alternatives are: borrow from a companion, buy more than you originally intended to, or simply not buy anything. If you are starving? Just say so, or offer anything in return. Rural folks are more accommodating than city folks.
