The Taj Mahal has not accepted American dollars since November 2007. Due to the declining value of the United States dollar, tourism officials in India have decided to no longer accept the American currency at the site of the Taj Mahal and 120 other Indian historical sites. The monument has refused to take dollars since November, as such, any American tourist wishing to visit the white domed marble mausoleum of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal will pay over 500 Indian rupees (US$ 12.80 at the current exchange rate) to be allowed in and additionally receive a free bottle of water. Tourism Minister Ambika Soni told CNN-IBN that it seemed more practical and will save tourists money because "the dollar was weaker against the rupee," Soni added "Before the dollar lost its value, there was a demand to have (admission tickets) just in rupees."
The Taj Mahal has not accepted American dollars since November 2007. Due to the declining value of the United States dollar, tourism officials in India have decided to no longer accept the American currency at the site of the and 120 other Indian historical sites. The monument has refused to take dollars since November, as such, any American tourist wishing to visit the white domed marble mausoleum of Mughal emperor for his wife will pay over 500 (US$ 12.80 at the current exchange rate) to be allowed in and additionally receive a free bottle of water. Tourism Minister told CNN-IBN that it seemed more practical and will save tourists money because "the dollar was weaker against the rupee," Soni added "Before the dollar lost its value, there was a demand to have (admission tickets) just in rupees."
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Taj Mahal
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Shah Jahan
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Mumtaz Mahal
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Indian rupees
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Ambika Soni