A week with no cash – is it possible?
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Two weeks ago I did an experiment. I tested whether, within a week, I could keep my usual way of life without cash payments. Here’s what happened:
I have to share with you, I am often tempted to write about topics that are not related to fashion. Topics, I feel close because of my profession. After working so many years in the field of finance, I realize I would always be involved in matters like financial awareness and culture. And when VISA contacted me, I responded with sincere interest.
I did the experiment from 23 to 29.10.2017. I tried to stick to my usual day-to-day activities. I also included ad hoc events.
What did I get to pay with my contactless card?
- Daily shopping at the supermarket and the drugstore, coffee with friends and business meetings, lunch at the restaurant, hairdresser, subway monthly subscription, fresh juices, chocolate and cakes, taxi ordered via mobile app, food to take away, pair of shoes, cosmetic gifts for the upcoming holidays.
What did I pay online?
- Monthly bill for the mobile operator, airline ticket (I am not buying tickets every week, but this time it coincided), masterclass fee, books. (I even got a 10% discount for the books for paying with a VISA card.)
What did I have to pay cash?
- A bus ticket, bought from the driver, a dance class lesson, a late dinner at restaurant (as there was no connection to the POS terminal), late flowers shopping (because they had closed the cashier, whatever that means), entrance for a night club, beauty treatment, a taxi caught on the street.
In most of the cases I managed to pay online or contactless. I even was asked, when handing a banknote, if I would prefer to pay by card. I realize though, it is a matter of habits. Visiting places that make it easy for me to pay cashless and help me save time.
Conclusion: Currently, there is no way to go totally cashless. Also, I have to have in mind a nearby ATM to withdraw money. Which, btw, is super annoying and totally not client-oriented. I do not think it’s OK, if I pay for a product or service, that I waste my time looking for ATMs and cash. And on top of that, being asked “don’t you have the exact amount or a change“? I’m not fine either, when ATMs give me banknotes of 50 BGN.. I cannot use them to buy a bottle of water and a pack of chewing gum, for example, because “it is too complicated for the change”. I’m not a fan of cash payments also because that makes me an easy game for pickpockets and because it’s harder to track my daily spending.
And what is your experience in everyday life? Do you often pay cash or contactless?
Photos: Martina Todorova
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