Citi never (makes us) sleep

I am not sure of others but I am having a bitter experience with them in almost all transactions.

I was having a master card [credit card] for about 20 years and recently they 'upgraded' it to VISA platinum [benefits (for me) unknown].  As per the letter that I got, it mentioned that all the SI and merchant details will be transferred to new card [believed].  I can use the same TPIN , but have to generate a new IPIN.

OK tried to generate, but was getting error that "Account Type" was missing.  Citibank GOD only knows what it is as its a drop down box that I selected "Credit Card" from it and it says "Account Type" is mandatory.  Tried several times carefully not to make any mistakes, but every time in vain.

Called citiphone and first 'heard' the benefits of the new VISA platinum (actually for me nothing).  I was charged a accident insurance premium about 150k/month,  I inquired what it is assuming that they have enrolled me in an accident insurance, so that I will be having a cover for any medical treatment.

Unfortunately, I heard that the 'personal accident insurance' will be covering the liability on the card.  So that at any risk Citibank can get their money (there by my family can benefit - my max liability = 93k).  I asked whether I have enrolled to it?  I heard that it is a 'added' advantage of the VISA Platinum.  Then I asked whether this is mandatory or optional, I heard the answer as optional. Ok then go ahead and cancel it.  Paying 1.8k/per anum to cover 93k (I think) its absurd.  There are several good policies out in the market to cover this.

OK now coming to the issue of IPIN generation, I was asked to do it again, ok did patiently, but still the same error.  May be I am being 'dumb' with having experience about 25yrs in the IT field don't know to use citibank website.

Ok any alternative?  Yes we can generate the request through telephone, can you please enter your CVV and TPIN?  Adhered to the instructions of the IVR but... hmmm... why this is only happening to me... seems I entered incorrect CVV and/or TPIN.

I am able to use the TPIN of the old card successfully, as per the letter and the confirmation from the citiphone I should be able to use the same TPIN, but I was not.  I think again I am being 'dumb' in entering the new 3 digit CVV number... ok any alternative? I was asked several questions to be answered.  ok now I have to wait for 7business days to get the TPIN and IPIN to reach my registered address...

Citi never (makes us) sleep

First experience in landing at Bangalore International Airport

Boarded Air Asia Flight AK221 with profound excitement as I was awaiting to see my family after 3 months.  The flight was scheduled to take off at 1530hrs and actually taken out of hangar 10 min late.  Some how we are on air flying above about 10km.  Could not sleep as the flight was for
3.5hrs. Food was served *BLEH*.  Suddenly was seeing a gulf and was betting to myself that it must be 'Gulf of Mannar' (later verified and confirmed with http://maps.google.com What a beautiful Gulf, given a choice I will stay there.
Few minutes while flying over Trichy was seeing river Cauvery, was great to see with water flowing.

Finally landed at Bengaluru International Airport, Devanahalli. While I was wondering why the h*** the aircraft is parked crossly, there came a vehicle to tow it away. Seems the pilot went to a wrong hangar, where it cannot fit.

10 min later the door was open. Every body rushed out as if, if they delay a minute the aircraft will take off again, hee hee me too joined the crowd.

Immigration: was quick no questions asked except "What are you doing in Japan Sir?" I answered him and came out, there waiting an attendant to check the immigration seal.

After his verification proceeded to the hand luggage checking section, put my back pouch, with the tablet and the luggage and was walking across the metal detector. No beeps...

"Sir are these your luggages?", asked a madam and a sir. "Yes", claimed I. "Oh please come this side sir", said the Officers. I went near them. "Are you carrying currency?" the officer asked me. "Yes" answered I with out any hesitation, as I was carrying some Indian Rupees.
"How much Sir?"
"about two thousand" said in a guess.
"It will be more"
"OK say five thousand", said I.
"No Sir it MUST be in lakhs", claimed the Officer.
I was very sure that the Officers are upto something and said, "if you don't believe I can show it to you". "OK which bag should I open"? I asked the Officer.

He pointed the bag that does not have the currency. "No sir no cash on that" claimed I.
"OK show the other one", said the Officer

I sincerely opened the back pack and removed the hip pouch, then that Officer said to his fellow Officer in Kannada, "tumba chikkatu bit bidi" and said "ok ok you may go Sir".

After grabbing all the items, I proceeded to the baggage claim. Was waiting for about 20 minutes then my big box came with 'X' marks all over it. Waiting for the next smaller box I was thinking, not sure what this 'X' mean.

Ah there comes my small box. Proceeded to customs. "Come sir we have to scan your luggage" said the Officer. Oh dear not again...this time what is going to be their claim.

Loaded the box on the x-ray machine, "Come here" called the officer looking at me. As I went near him he asked me pointing the three items that were high lighted. Admiring three technology I was scratching my memory to recollect what I packed. Unfortunately I could recognize only one item that was bought for my brother and identified to him "this is a ceramic knife". "is it wrapped?" asked he. "yes sir these are just on their pack, I bought several gifts and just dumped them in last minute, cannot remember which is which.

The officer was ok with my answer in identifying the knife, but was adamant in knowing what the other two items were...Unfortunately I could not recollect it at all. After struggling for 20 min the officer gave up, he asked my passport, saw me twice from top to bottom then left me.

With a big thanks I left the place. and now its another challenge, the taxi drivers. I have to go to White Field and I am sure it will cost more than what I paid for KUL-BLR sector. Dodging them I reached the bus stop, to my surprise there waiting a bus to leave in another 5 min.

Loaded the bus with my luggages, came out again to keep the trolley in its proper place. Although the bus was scheduled to leave in 5 min. Mean while few more boarded the bus and they did not bother about the trolley which was left haphazard...

I said to myself "Welcome to India".