In Argentina, buying a pack of gum can throw you into a standoff with the cashier, who, due to the country’s coin shortage, often lacks the correct change.
Facing similar problems, nearby Paraguay has adopted a socially acceptable solution for vendors: when you don’t have change or need to round up, candy is acceptable currency.
If Americans place as much value on Jolly Ranchers or Skittles as on pennies, could this practice assuage those who fear being ripped off in a penniless society?
But this form of currency already posed a problem in Indonesia, when an Australian expat tried to pay for his groceries with a wallet-full of candy.
(Hat tip: James B.C.)
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Great Idea.
But doesn’t “penny candy” cost 2 for 25? now?
OMG, we have to get rid of dimes too!
In Brazil, it?s common to round up or sometimes even round down the final prices of what are you buying. No problem at all! It?s only a matter of cultural behavier. When I go to the USA and Europe, I like to receive back all my pennies or cents… I admire it
They give you candy for any change under 1 rupee in most big Indian cities. Earlier it used to be for change under 50 paisa (100 paisa = 1 Rupee). Approximately 45 rupees = 1 USD.
TT:
Don’t you mean at most 4 cents?
I spent 2 months in Argentina this summer and can verify the validity of this story. When buying items from the local store I would generally receive a piece of candy in place of correct change. Also, shop owners would suggest buying an extra small piece of merchandise in place of making change. Maybe it’s all part of a plan to increase sales.
Anyway, thanks for bringing back the good memories.
http://bkrugh.blogspot.com
The solution’s simple. Don’t use candy instead of pennies, make pennies out of candy!
Sugar prices are rising, but it’s still cheaper than copper. Make pennies that melt in your mouth, not in your bank account!
But what flavor candy should use?
Mint, of course.
@ Comment #6. That is not really accurate about AAFES. I used pennies at AAFES for years, from the 90s-2004. The only exception to that is overseas, where we got reamed daily by the policy. All you guys saying 4 cents isn’t a big deal ignore what happens when you multiply that few cents by the thousands of transactions you’ll do over your lifetime.
Is there a standard for the candy that is given? Can you request coins if the candy is sub par or do you just have to lump it? Do retailers try to find the cheapest candy to try and win on the exchange, are they gaming the system? Can you use the candy at the next store? Does anyone actually eat the candy? How many hands has the candy passed through (street level) before it gets to you?
So many questions.