#3
Post
by Pontius Navigator » Tue Mar 16, 2021 8:37 am
When the pound floated, early 70s, The Military rate of exchange didn't. We were in Cyprus but visited all over. There were cash limits on what we could draw but our allowances were paid in Cy£ at parity, though the Cy banks on base would only charge you 950mils. Down town 850. I moved my bank down town.
So trip to UK, return with £25, convert to Cy£ at parity. Other currencies were at a Forces Fixed Rate. So trip to Kenya, drew £25 from Cy Bank. To Nairobi, to the market, to the Indian butcher on the right, exchange £25 for 5,000/Ksh. Return to Akrotiri, exchange at 15/6 Ksh to £ for Cy£. Return to bank down town, rinse and repeat.
Small beer perhaps but since my monthly allotment in Cy was £50 it was worthwhile.
Eventually the accountant officer was given career advice. Either observe the legal system at close quarters or seek alternative employment. Nice girl, her sister was in ATC.