Going cashless in London -- it's easy!!!
Nov 26th, 2007, 01:19 PM
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Going cashless in London -- it's easy!!!
I just wanted to provide my observation from my latest trip to the UK 3 weeks ago. I wanted to test a hypothesis i had regarding needing to use the ATM or having cash while i was in london. i am pleased to say that i was able to easily make do without once needing to use cash. this accounted for every transaction that i need to make. it was so easy and liberating.
ymmv, but the moral of this story is don't worry too much about currency while traveling to (at least) london. i am curious to see what other countries people have been able to go cashless.
ymmv, but the moral of this story is don't worry too much about currency while traveling to (at least) london. i am curious to see what other countries people have been able to go cashless.
Nov 26th, 2007, 01:31 PM
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In my experience, it's possible to go cashless, but there are some stores that want cash (or claim their credit card machines aren't working). And if you go to street markets, credit cards typically won't work there. If you skip those types of stores and restaurants, then you can go cashless.
Nov 26th, 2007, 01:33 PM
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So...if I wanted to buy...an ice cream cone or a newspaper,I would use my CC? I agree that a credit card could cover most larger purchases, but for smaller one? Plus, call me cynical, but I also try to avoid using CCs with vendors that are not large agencies, due to potential CC fraud.
Nov 26th, 2007, 01:55 PM
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We personally never, ever use credit cards (except to book flights and such) - we always pay cash. But that's just our preference - everyone is different! 
We do not carry large amounts around with us, of course, and use the ATM's where we are.
We do not carry large amounts around with us, of course, and use the ATM's where we are.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:13 PM
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I live in the UK and in my experience there's usually a minimum amount you can pay by card, usually £5 or 5.50 (US$10 or 11). If you're willing to spend that each time you want a soft drink or bar of chocolate you can manage without cash, I suppose.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:26 PM
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No NO NO. All the little things that make being in another country fun are done with cash: newspapers, bits n pieces at the corner shop, ice creams, pints when you're on your own, the odd bus fare, things unplanned....
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:37 PM
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well. i was just there stopping over for 3 days. on previous trips i always got cash, but i figured i'd see how possible it was. and depending on the store you go to, yes i paid for a bottle of water w/ CC (40p). it may not be economical, but i didn't want to estimate my cash needs and have to bring back any currency again.
but the point of my post was aimed at all the people who make a big issue out of whether they should take cash with them before they even go. i was demonstrating that it's simply not an issue anymore in most places.
but the point of my post was aimed at all the people who make a big issue out of whether they should take cash with them before they even go. i was demonstrating that it's simply not an issue anymore in most places.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:39 PM
#12
sure you can - but why is that a good thing? Using the currency is part of the experoence. Plus there are so many small expenses/purchases one would want. Using a credit card for £1 here and £2.50 there - just a lot of extra trouble.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:39 PM
#13
but that's my question too... did you really use a card to pay for a newspaper, a cup of coffee, some food from a street vendor, a bunch of flowers, etc.
while your point is a good one, i think it's important to also clearly say this was only for 3 days and that it may not be the most economical method.
while your point is a good one, i think it's important to also clearly say this was only for 3 days and that it may not be the most economical method.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:41 PM
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the economic part of the merchant is true. it is more costly to them as they have to pay the overhead of CC, but then those type of merchant's have a minimum. but most decent sized stores let you buy things with CC and no minimum. times have changed and CC processing has dropped.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:44 PM
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in my post i never mentioned if i thought that it is the best way to travel. i just said that in London it can be done. for the sake of all those who worry about currency/cash. i think the context of the post is being misunderstood.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:46 PM
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case in point:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35091819
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35091819
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:46 PM
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I think that for most credit cards and most cash withdrawals, the amounts that you pay for credit vs. cash will be very similar.
For example, you might have 1% + a few dollar fee to withdraw cash from a bank ATM, versus 2.5% to use a credit card.
Other people might have slightly different amounts, and in fact the worst I've read here for cash withdrawals is 3% + $5 fee. In that case, most credit cards would be cheaper.
There is the problem of getting stuck with money in the foreign currency, but I just save it for the next trip.
For example, you might have 1% + a few dollar fee to withdraw cash from a bank ATM, versus 2.5% to use a credit card.
Other people might have slightly different amounts, and in fact the worst I've read here for cash withdrawals is 3% + $5 fee. In that case, most credit cards would be cheaper.
There is the problem of getting stuck with money in the foreign currency, but I just save it for the next trip.
Nov 26th, 2007, 02:56 PM
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ucsun, you're right - some of us missed the original point. You wanted to test out your hypothesis just to see whether in fact it could be done. And it can. Not that we necessarily agree with that method but you have proven it is an option for those who prefer it.
Nov 26th, 2007, 05:59 PM
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In a three-day trip, there's no overwhelming reason that one need attend a sit-down restaurant, in which case no tips are required.
If one does attend a sit-down restaurant, I think London restaurants include a blank space for you to write the tip, just as is done in US restaurants. It's true that many places in continental Europe do not do this.
If one does attend a sit-down restaurant, I think London restaurants include a blank space for you to write the tip, just as is done in US restaurants. It's true that many places in continental Europe do not do this.
