Latest news with #cashless
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘It's wrong': Student who refuses to accept cashless parking meter takes fine to court
A Wollongong student who refused to accept that a car park at his university had gone cashless is taking his $97 parking fine to court. Oliver Griffiths has styled himself a 'cash crusader' and in a video recently shared on Facebook, he outlined his plan to challenge his fine in a bid to push back against a society that's increasingly rejecting cash payments. 'I've fallen victim to the incoming cashless society,' Mr Griffiths, dressed in a 'cash is king' T-shirt, said. He claimed that: 'Last year, my university made parking only available through digital payment'. 'Instead of following along with the modern digital agenda, I left notes on my dashboard offering to pay in cash.' The handwritten notes listed the student's mobile number and asked the parking inspector to call him to organise cash payment for parking. Unsurprisingly, the letters did not do the trick and Mr Griffiths was fined for parking without a ticket. Businesses in Australia do not have to accept cash as a payment method, although according to the ACCC, they should make their accepted payment options clear to consumers. In this case, Mr Griffiths claimed that at the time he received his fine, signage stating that payment could be made 'by credit card or coins' was still visible in the car park. 'I, like so many other Aussies out there, believe cash is king,' he said, before vowing to challenge his fine in court. In the video, Mr Griffiths also outlined a number of pro-cash arguments popular with many Australians, including that cash protects an individual's privacy and data, doesn't incur bank fees and can make it easier to budget. Some 1.5 million Australians still prefer using cash to digital payments but as many as one in four businesses no longer accept cash payments. In response to the ever-shrinking options for those still attached to cash, almost 210,000 Australians recently signed a Cash Welcome petition calling for guarantees for 'reasonable local access' to cash and banking services. Cash made a big comeback around the pandemic, with cash use in Australia increasing by 22 per cent, or $19 billion, between March 2020 and December 2022, according to the Reserve Bank. At the end of last year, the Albanese government unveiled a plan to protect cash as a payment method. The cash mandate, which is expected to be brought in early 2026, will mean 'essential' businesses will have to accept cash. Among those that have made the essential list are supermarkets, pharmacies, dentists, GPs, hardware stores, insurers, pet stores, vets, service stations and mechanics.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
PM directs provinces to cooperate with center to implement ‘cashless' system in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed provincial governments on Monday to fully cooperate with the center to move the country toward a 'cashless' system, a statement from his office said as Islamabad attempts to digitize its economy for greater transparency. Pakistan is a cash-dominated market where a significant portion of transactions, particularly in the informal sector, are conducted using cash. The country's central bank has taken steps in recent months to ensure a transition toward a more cashless economy so that financial transactions are more traceable, reducing chances of tax evasion and corruption. Pakistan's digital payments have also been on the rise. Since its 2021 launch, the central bank's Raast system has processed over 892 million transactions worth Rs20 trillion ($72 billion). Sharif held a weekly review meeting on Pakistan's cashless economy and digitization efforts on Monday, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. 'The federal government should hold meaningful consultations with the provincial governments for effective and comprehensive implementation of the digitization transformation plan,' the PMO quoted Sharif as saying following a review meeting on cashless and digital economy. 'He further directed that all provincial governments, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, should fully cooperate with the federal government in digitizing the economy and moving toward a cashless system.' The premier said that with coordination from provinces, the federal government's digitization transformation plan should be made more efficient so that its goals are achieved within the stipulated time. During the meeting, Sharif highlighted that digitizing the economy will enhance transparency and offer greater convenience to the public without incurring additional costs. 'The government is encouraging digital payments and digital transfer of funds through policy measures,' the PMO quoted him as saying. Pakistan launched the Merchant Onboarding Framework last week that requires banks and payment providers to equip all merchants with Raast-enabled digital payment tools such as QR codes and POS [Point of Sale] systems. Earlier in July, Sharif ordered the doubling of all key digital economy targets including mobile-based payments, QR code adoption and overall transaction volumes as part of the same plan. The government in May also approved setting up the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority to regulate blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Pakistan, a country of over 240 million people, has a vast informal economy and low tax compliance. The government has long identified digitization as a key tool to improve governance, reduce corruption and expand the country's narrow tax base.
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Experts advise packing lightly on cash when travelling
Nicole Hui, a travel and lifestyle content creator, shown in this handout photo while in Iceland in May 2024, says her go-to is no-fee credit cards when travelling but she still brings a small amount of emergency cash. (@canadiantravelgal — Nicole Hui) When was the last time you pulled out cash to pay for something? Many Canadians might have to think long and hard, especially if they're younger. Canada has gradually moved toward becoming a cashless society, with most people paying for purchases with smartphones or credit cards. However, whether or not you should carry cash — and how much — can still be a point of contention when travelling abroad. 'The question shouldn't be whether cash is still worth it, but it's how to use it wisely, especially when every dollar counts,' said Amra Durakovic, a spokesperson for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc. She said the decision to carry cash and the amount depends on the destination, purpose of travel and how prepared a traveller wants to be. When Durakovic was travelling to Nicaragua, she knew the airport transfer cost and driver tips would likely be a cash-on-hand situation. For her Morocco trip not too long ago, she said she carried small bills in U.S. dollars when visiting local markets and to pay for taxis. Even if you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, carry some cash for tipping staff, Durakovic suggested. 'We would recommend that you do carry a modest amount in bills, ideally in the currency that's most widely accepted locally,' she said. Durakovic said she personally takes at least US$100 in cash when travelling abroad, mostly in smaller bills. She also emphasized paying gratuities on all-inclusive trips in Canadian dollars ahead of time to avoid exchange rate surprises or finding out there are no ATMs on-site at the resort. Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can include gratuities in a daily service charge, allowing travellers to account for tips in their budget ahead of time. Prepaid gratuities are typically broken down per night and per guest. For example, Disney Cruise recommends a prepaid gratuity of between US$16 and US$27.25 per night, per guest. Travel tips Nicole Hui, a travel and lifestyle content creator, shown in this handout photo while in Patagonia in May 2023, says her go-to is no-fee credit cards when travelling but she still brings a small amount of emergency cash. (@canadiantravelgal — Nicole Hui) When Nicole Hui was preparing to travel to Japan earlier this year, one of the first things she researched was whether it's a cash-reliant economy. The travel and lifestyle content creator said she brought some cash to cover the initial transit from the airport, meals and tipping. But she took out money she needed after that from an ATM at a Japanese 7-Eleven — with a better exchange rate than what she would have received at Canadian banks. But usually, Hui's go-to is her no-fee credit card. 'If it's a less cash-heavy place, I usually just stick with using (a credit) card, but still bring $100 to $200 of local currency for the trip, just in case it's needed,' Hui said. But experts say exchange rates should be kept top of mind when travelling abroad. 'My issue with cash going abroad is it's really expensive to exchange, depending on where you're going,' said personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi. Choi's turning point was when he travelled to Brazil and Argentina almost a decade ago and faced an exorbitant exchange fee at the bank. Ever since, Choi said he prefers either a no-fee credit or prepaid cards, or he will withdraw money at ATMs abroad, if needed. He advised looking for a travel card that allows charge-free ATM withdrawals, credit cards with no or lower exchange-rate fees or a multi-currency card, such as Wise. He does not recommend exchanging money at the airport. Choi's decision to carry cash and the amount comes down to researching what the acceptable currency is in the country he's visiting. He recalled travelling to the United States earlier this year and not using cash once during his trip. Another downside to getting cash is the leftover local currency you may never use, Choi said. 'Why I tell people to carry less cash is: Back in the day, you would keep exchanging all this money, you'd pay high fees to begin with, and then you're left with these random currencies that you may or may not use,' he said. There's a chance of losing money when exchanging leftover local currency for Canadian dollars, depending on the exchange rate fluctuations. But Choi said he still carries US$50 in local currency that can cover a meal or taxi ride, just in case. 'There are still a lot of stores that only take cash, so you could be in the middle of nowhere or even a country where you don't speak the language,' he said. 'You should always have some kind of backup cash, even if it's U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, or whatever.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025. Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press
Fox News
6 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Why Fetterman is right: The fight against cashless stores defends Main Street and working-class Americans
Sen. John Fetterman may be a Democrat, but on the issue of banning cashless-only businesses, he's 100% right – and every small business owner, working-class American and financial realist should take note. As a financial planner and entrepreneur, I've seen how pushing the U.S. toward a fully cashless society doesn't just inconvenience people – it hurts them. It widens the wealth gap, excludes millions from daily commerce and puts Main Street businesses at a competitive disadvantage. When Fetterman says, "It's simple – it's legal tender. If you accept money, you have to accept all money," he's not just making a populist statement. He's standing up for every American who gets punished simply for trying to pay with the money they earned. Cashless Policies Punish the Working Class Let's look at the numbers: When a store refuses cash, it's essentially telling millions of people – especially seniors, low-income earners and minorities – that their money isn't welcome. As the Pennsylvania senator put it, "We can't let stores discriminate against people just because they don't have a credit card or a smartphone." Cashless = Classless This push toward a cashless economy is driven by tech elites who assume everyone has digital access. Aren't you sick and tired of the guilt tipping button that now asks you for 20 or 25 or 30% tip with a server watching over you to see what you are going to give them. But this isn't Silicon Valley – it's America. Here, you should be able to buy lunch or medicine with a few bucks in your pocket. And for many Americans, cash isn't optional – it's essential. Why It's Bad for Business As someone who works with business owners every day and having owned a concrete driveway installation company, I can tell you, going cashless is bad for business. Here's why: Privacy and Surveillance Concerns Every digital transaction is tracked. Your location, purchases and habits are cataloged and monetized by Big Tech and banks. Cash, on the other hand, protects privacy. No monthly statements, no tracking, no algorithms. The more we give up cash, the more control we give away – to institutions that charge fees, track behavior and limit access. The Federal Fix: A Simple Ban on Refusing Cash Cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco and New York have already banned cashless-only retail. It's time to go national. Fetterman's proposed federal law would: It's not about resisting innovation – it's about ensuring inclusion. Legal tender should mean what it says: legal for all debts, public and private. Final Thought: Cash Is Economic Freedom Once we lose cash, we lose a piece of our freedom. We become more dependent on banks, apps and companies that profit off our transactions and control access to our own money. Fetterman nailed it: "We're going to keep pushing until every American – regardless of income – can walk into a store and buy what they need with a few bucks in their pocket." He's right. And if we care about fairness, privacy and keeping Main Street open to all, we need to get behind him. Because cash isn't just currency. It's economic liberty – and it's worth protecting.
National Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Experts advise packing lightly on cash when travelling
When was the last time you pulled out cash to pay for something? Many Canadians might have to think long and hard, especially if they're younger. Article content Canada has gradually moved toward becoming a cashless society, with most people paying for purchases with smartphones or credit cards. However, whether or not you should carry cash — and how much — can still be a point of contention when travelling abroad. Article content Article content Article content 'The question shouldn't be whether cash is still worth it, but it's how to use it wisely, especially when every dollar counts,' said Amra Durakovic, a spokesperson for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc. Article content Article content She said the decision to carry cash and the amount depends on the destination, purpose of travel and how prepared a traveller wants to be. Article content When Durakovic was travelling to Nicaragua, she knew the airport transfer cost and driver tips would likely be a cash-on-hand situation. For her Morocco trip not too long ago, she said she carried small bills in U.S. dollars when visiting local markets and to pay for taxis. Article content Even if you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, carry some cash for tipping staff, Durakovic suggested. Article content 'We would recommend that you do carry a modest amount in bills, ideally in the currency that's most widely accepted locally,' she said. Article content Durakovic said she personally takes at least US$100 in cash when travelling abroad, mostly in smaller bills. Article content Article content She also emphasized paying gratuities on all-inclusive trips in Canadian dollars ahead of time to avoid exchange rate surprises or finding out there are no ATMs on-site at the resort. Article content Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can include gratuities in a daily service charge, allowing travellers to account for tips in their budget ahead of time. Prepaid gratuities are typically broken down per night and per guest. For example, Disney Cruise recommends a prepaid gratuity of between US$16 and US$27.25 per night, per guest. Article content When Nicole Hui was preparing to travel to Japan earlier this year, one of the first things she researched was whether it's a cash-reliant economy. Article content The travel and lifestyle content creator said she brought some cash to cover the initial transit from the airport, meals and tipping. But she took out money she needed after that from an ATM at a Japanese 7-Eleven — with a better exchange rate than what she would have received at Canadian banks.
