Money has been around for thousands of years, helping people buy and sell things easily. But in some places, cash is starting to disappear. More and more people are using their phones or cards to pay instead of bills and coins. This change is happening faster in some countries than in others.
In this list, I’ll share 11 countries where cash is becoming a thing of the past. These places lead the way toward a cashless future, and their experiences can teach us much about where money is heading.
Sweden
Sweden is leading the charge towards a cashless society. Most stores and restaurants here don’t accept cash anymore. Instead, people use cards or mobile payment apps for almost everything. Even street vendors and churches have switched to digital payments, making it hard to use physical money in daily life. The Swedish central bank is even testing a digital currency called the e-krona. Most Swedes use a mobile payment app called Swish for everyday transactions.
China
China has embraced digital payments on a massive scale. Apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are used for everything from buying street food to paying bills. The government is also testing its own digital currency. Cash is becoming rare in cities, with many young people hardly ever using it.
South Korea
South Korea aims to be a coinless society by 2030. The country has been phasing out coins since 2016. Many stores offer to deposit change directly into customers’ bank accounts or onto prepaid cards. South Koreans widely use T-money cards for public transport and small purchases. The government gives tax breaks to shops that don’t use cash, pushing the trend further.
India
India made a bold move towards a cashless economy in 2016 with demonetization. This sudden change pushed millions to adopt digital payments. Apps like Paytm and Google Pay became hugely popular, even in rural areas. The government continues to promote digital transactions to reduce corruption and increase financial inclusion. The government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made digital transactions very easy. Even small vendors in rural areas often accept digital payments now.
Finland
Finland is another Nordic country moving away from cash. Many banks in Finland no longer handle cash at all. The country has a high rate of card usage for payments. Finnish people commonly use mobile payment apps like MobilePay for person-to-person transfers. Public services, including healthcare, often only accept digital payments. Even tipping in restaurants is usually done electronically, making cash increasingly unnecessary.
United Kingdom
The UK is seeing a rapid decline in cash use. Contactless payments are very popular, even for small purchases. Many bank branches have closed, making it harder to access cash. Some shops and restaurants have gone completely cashless, especially in big cities. Even buses in London no longer accept cash fares. The UK is also considering introducing a digital pound in the future.
Australia
Australia is rapidly becoming a cashless society. The country has one of the highest rates of contactless card usage in the world. Many Australians use their phones to make payments through apps like Apple Pay. Some Australian businesses have gone completely cashless. The country aims to be cheque-free by 2025 and reduce cash usage significantly.
Canada
Canada has been moving away from cash for years. The country stopped producing pennies in 2013. Canadians widely use tap-to-pay cards and mobile payment apps. Many people in Canada rarely carry cash anymore, especially in urban areas. Even farmers’ markets and food trucks often take card payments now. The country has also stopped producing pennies, showing a shift away from physical currency.
Singapore
Singapore is pushing hard to become a cashless society. The government has launched initiatives to encourage digital payments. Many hawker centers and food courts in Singapore now accept cashless payments. The country is also exploring the use of a central bank digital currency. It aims to be cheque-free by 2025 and reduce cash usage significantly.
Estonia
Estonia is known for its digital-first approach, and currency is no exception. The country has built a strong e-government system that includes digital payments. Many government services are accessed online, requiring electronic transactions. Cash is still accepted, but its use is declining rapidly as digital options become more convenient.
Japan
Despite its cash-loving reputation, Japan is slowly embracing digital payments. The government is actively promoting cashless options to boost the economy. Mobile payment apps and contactless cards are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. While cash is still widely used, the trend is shifting towards digital alternatives.
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