Cashless Society

After my trip to Australia (specifically Sydney and Melbourne) it was instantly obvious that New Zealand is the ultimate cashless society. I know I never carry cash, so can’t make coin donations easily, or buy raffles to support other causes. Now sometimes it’s a little embarrassing, but I would understand it to be the norm in New Zealand.

Cash Only

There were many signs at stores saying the minimum is a $AUD20 transaction (this was the norm, but 10-15AUD was common), or 2% of any amount (ouch!). When we consider in good old Aotearoa we take it for granted EFTPOS works everytime, and takes a few seconds to process our transactions and we’re done. I joking told many vendors that I have a wallet full for receipts in NZ rather than a wallet full of cash.

Doing Business the Australian Way

I did take cash only to save on bank fees (which in NZ are expensive if you don’t have large deposits, or a Visa card) and I’m glad I did, as I paid everything with cash, but did run out when I went to Taronga Zoo - whoops!

I do hate cash, but when in Rome…