Chennai, India Plus Venmo, stolen sneakers, and socks on the plane

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, FAQ is: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Venmo?

Today’s Destination is: Chennai

Today’s Misstep- Stolen sneakers in Acalpulco

Travel Advice: Carry socks on the plane

FAQ: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Venmo?

Venmo, like any financial service, has both positive and negative aspects. The perception of whether Venmo is considered good or bad can vary based on individual preferences, needs, and experiences. Here are some factors to consider:

On my trip, I had the opportunity to use Venmo in Turkey to pay for a hostel that did not accept credit cards. It worked smoothly. I’ve been using the app for several years, and here are the good and the not so good—first, the advantages.

• Convenience: Venmo is known for its ease of use, allowing users to send or receive money quickly through a mobile app. It has become famous for splitting bills, sharing expenses, and making small transactions among friends and family.

• Social Integration: Venmo incorporates a social feed that allows users to see and comment on their friends' transactions. This social aspect can make money transfers more engaging and interactive.

• Wide Acceptance: Many online and offline merchants accept Venmo as a payment method. This widespread acceptance can be convenient for users who want to make purchases or payments through the app.

• Security Features: Venmo has implemented security features, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, to help protect users' financial information.

• Free for Standard Transactions: Venmo generally doesn't charge fees for standard transactions when using a linked bank account or debit card.

Disadvantages of Venmo:

• Privacy Concerns: The social feed feature on Venmo can lead to privacy concerns, as transactions are often visible to others by default. While you can adjust privacy settings, users should be cautious about sharing sensitive information.

• Fees for Certain Transactions: While standard transactions are usually free, Venmo charges fees for particular transactions, such as using a credit card or transferring funds to a linked bank account instantly.

• Limited Customer Support: Some users have reported challenges with Venmo's customer support, experiencing delays or difficulties in resolving issues.

• Not Ideal for Large Transactions: Venmo is designed for small, peer-to-peer transactions. Due to potential limitations and security concerns, it may not be the best option for large or business-related transactions.

• Risk of Scams: As with any digital payment platform, there is a risk of scams or fraudulent activities. Users should be vigilant and follow best practices to avoid scams.

Whether Venmo is considered good or bad depends on individual preferences, needs, and how well the platform aligns with a user's expectations and usage patterns.

Today’s destination: Chennai, India

My first visit to India was to Chennai, formerly Madras, which was my first city in the southeast part of the country.

I flew from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Chennai.

Air Asia Airlines was my carrier. I came via Kuala Lumpur.

My first thought, arriving at midnight, was that I didn’t want to get ripped off by the taxi driver.

That happened.

The driver promised it was him, threw my bag in the trunk, and closed it. I was not stuck. He left the car as soon as the vehicle left the airport. Another driver, shoeless, jumped in to take me to my hotel. This driver had no change. He said I needed to pay him in cash and could not refund or change any bills. Fortunately, my hotel was able to step in and help me. I paid him from my hotel bill, so they added the charges to my account. I had cash, but all 2000 rupee note bills were worth about $25.00 each. No one seemed to be using this denomination anymore. The country has stopped using this currency. I was swindled in Vietnam, too, because they would have known this.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/personal-finance/why-has-rbi-withdrawn-2000-rupee-note/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_500-rupee_note

What are some other things to do?

Explore Fort St. George:

• Visit Fort St. George, the oldest British-built fortress in India. You'll find the St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum inside the fort, showcasing the city's colonial history.

Shopping at T Nagar:

• T Nagar is a bustling shopping district where you can find a variety of traditional silk sarees, jewelry, and other handicrafts. It's a good place to experience the vibrant local market scene.

Attend a dance Performance:

• Chennai is famous for its classical dance form, Bharatanatyam. baa·ruh·taa·naa·tee·uhm

• Check out local schedules for dance performances and enjoy this beautiful art form.

Try South Indian Cuisine:

• Indulge in the delicious South Indian cuisine. Try traditional dishes like dosa, idli, sambar, and coffee at local eateries. I especially liked the dosa, but not the spices on it. I had my peanut butter when I could not eat the chili spices.

While exploring Chennai, it's essential to prioritize your safety. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, use reliable transportation options, and be cautious of your surroundings.

Today’s Misstep- Stolen sneakers in Acalpulco

Today’s Travel Advice: Walking contributes to heart health, weight management, and mental health.

Ask the Mission Walker, Edie Littlefield Sundby. She walked more than anyone I know after being diagnosed with cancer.

Walking is not a cure for illnesses, but it can contribute to overall health and well-being, potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases and improving various aspects of physical and mental health. Regular physical activity, such as walking, is associated with several health benefits.

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