Cash? 3 weeks in UK with only cards

[TheRealTMA]

I assume you always asked to be charged in the local currency when using your 28degreescard? If so, how often did they charge you in Australian dollars without asking?

The problem is more European than in the UK in our experience. But one has to be vigilant.

 

[Viridis]

Here's an example of where cash might be useful.

A few years ago, my wife was "caught short" on Clapham Junction station, and the only way she could relieve herself was to pay 50P (in coins) at one of the station's lav's. Could have been embarrassing (or worse)...

I think @Lynda2475 answered that one

And don't try and travel on a local bus in Thailand without it..

I thought the conversation was about the UK.

Spent about A$30 cash in Vietnam on taxis & Grab scooters but moved to just using the hotel car and putting the cost on our room bill.

 

[RooFlyer]

I thought the conversation was about the UK.

We do occasionally stray a little off topic here on AFF

 

[Lynda2475]

I wouldn't bother getting cash before you leave or on arrival given in UK highly unlikely to need it, and if you find you do ATMs are plentiful

 

[clifford]

I think @Lynda2475 answered that one

Yes, but not everyone in the world is exactly like Lynda2475, and I dare say that my wife is not quite as youthful (being a pensioner).

But feel free to continue with your cashless journeys around the world. Each to their own.

 

[clifford]

I wouldn't bother getting cash before you leave or on arrival given in UK highly unlikely to need it, and if you find you do ATMs are plentiful

That's probably a fair comment, but if you are travelling to somewhere like Bucharest and having to pay for your apartment cash in advance, then maybe a little cash could be useful. This was the situation I was in recently, but a friendly ATM helped me out.

As for the UK, I always have a few notes in my wallet and a few coins in my pocket, even though I have an account and cashcard with one of the major banks there (having lived in the UK for over 25 years).

 

[VPS]

Here's an example of where cash might be useful.

A few years ago, my wife was "caught short" on Clapham Junction station, and the only way she could relieve herself was to pay 50P (in coins) at one of the station's lav's. Could have been embarrassing (or worse)...

And don't try and travel on a local bus in Thailand without it..

I’ve been in the same situation but others will try and tell you it’s not necessary

 

[Viridis]

But feel free to continue with your cashless journeys around the world.

Post automatically merged: Apr 24, 2023

............. but others will try and tell you it’s not necessary

Because it's not ............ in the experience of 'others'.

 

[aikman]

Surely, pay toilets would upgrade to card payment soon, if they haven't already.

 

[Lynda2475]

UK is the land of pubs = free toilet

YMMV but I've had zero need for cash on last 3 UK visits (2018, 2019 and 2022) so I'm confident won't be required this year either.

Interesting statistic released the only day that in Australia in 2022 only 6% of supermarket purchases used cash.

 

[SYD]

Surely, pay toilets would upgrade to card payment soon, if they haven't already.

Yes, I used one when no pub in sight. 50p to pee but got one of my 5 monthly ING taps in the process...

 

[Anna]

Have just done 2 weeks in U.K. and the only time cash was essential was for a 'pay and display' car park in the Worcestershire countryside at Stourport.

No need any longer for an Oyster card in London - just tap and go with a credit card on tube and buses, and even the Heathrow Express. (Possibly different for those eligible to use a rail card for discount fares?)

 

[Bundy Bear]

With labour day holiday yesterday I went through a few envelopes of foreign cash found about50 GBP worth pity its one of the old 20 GBPnotes

Probably all i need in cash which is good.