In Durham, I generally carry cash for one purpose: handing out money to people who ask. Dollar bills are hard to come by though (damn ATM!) so sometimes I pay for items with cash to get the change. But here in Berlin, I always carry cash. Since Covid, more places take credit cards, there are still those small park stands, cafes or food trucks that don’t. And inevitably, like my trusty umbrella, when I leave the cash at home, that’s when I need it. How much cash? Meh….at least a 10 Euro note. I also have a coin for the grocery store cart or museum locker. And 3-4 Euros set aside for tip for my nail guy, Sang…whose salon only takes cash, btw!
The answer is it depends but as fees rise, I’ve turned back to cash where possible and where I know it makes a difference to the vendor (like your nail guy). I gotta say, there’s a real thrill to putting real money in a real human’s hands and knowing nobody is skimming off the top. Just two people, exchanging currency and services. Also it reminds me: we made money up. Love these questions, Elizabeth!
I love where your mind went in answering this question, Julia! Thank you for bringing in the tactile and the invented when it comes to carrying cash. <3 <3.
The answer is it depends but as fees rise, I’ve turned back to cash where possible and where I know it makes a difference to the vendor (like your nail guy). I gotta say, there’s a real thrill to putting real money in a real human’s hands and knowing nobody is skimming off the top. Just two people, exchanging currency and services. Also it reminds me: we made money up. Love these questions, Elizabeth!
I love where your mind went in answering this question, Julia! Thank you for bringing in the tactile and the invented when it comes to carrying cash. <3 <3.