Quick review:
Experience on December 1, 2016, after the recent demonetization of the 500 and 1000 rupee bills in India.
I called ahead and received a low quote for rupees. However, walking into the TD bank, I was told that none of the banks are exchanging rupees right now at all.
I arrived at College Currency and I was told that they had rupees, but they could only give me maximum 5000 rupees.... in 500s and 1000s, OLD NOTES.
That wouldn't help me, and perhaps would make my problems worse when I get to India with that money. However, he was very clear in stating that these were old notes. And, considering that none of the banks were even trading in rupees, I suppose the option was better than nothing.
Looking forward to playing ATM roulette in india....