Why go
Payment is part of choosing where to shop. A formal store may accept a card, while a small roadside seller may need cash or another local method. Sorting this out before bargaining on Colaba Causeway or Linking Road makes a purchase simpler and leaves you free to walk away if the payment terms do not suit you.
The full story
A shopping day can move quickly between a formal shop and a roadside stall. The way you pay may change with the seller, so settle the method before agreeing to buy. For a small item at a street market, carry enough cash for the amount you intend to spend rather than assuming your card will work. In a larger store, ask which cards or other methods are accepted before the sale is processed. If you use a foreign card, check your own bank’s charges and the amount shown by the payment terminal. Keep a receipt for a significant purchase and match it to the agreed price. An ATM can provide cash, but its fees and availability depend on your bank and the machine; do not make an exact budget rely on finding one at the last minute. The simplest plan is to decide a spending limit before browsing, keep a small cash reserve, and verify the final amount in the same currency as the purchase.
Useful to know
- Ask about payment methods before bargaining or placing an order.
- Check the final amount and keep a receipt for larger purchases.