Why many Europeans still prefer cash
Even though the digital society is growing rapidly in Norway, the situation is different in many European countries. Many Norwegians are used to paying for everything with their mobile phones or bank cards, but when we travel around Europe, we often encounter signs that say "Cash only." This can be surprising for many Norwegian tourists.
An important reason why cash remains strong is the desire for privacy. Many Europeans are concerned that banks and authorities might gain too much information about what they spend their money on. By using cash, one can shop anonymously without digital traces being stored in a system.
In addition, it is a matter of tradition and technical infrastructure. In countries like Germany, cash is a deep part of the culture, and in many places, it is still challenging to pay with a card in small shops or cafes. Some small businesses also opt out of card payments to avoid the extra fees that banks charge for each transaction.
At the same time, we are seeing a change. The pandemic accelerated digital development worldwide, and several European countries have begun to facilitate more electronic payments. Nevertheless, this process is moving much slower than here at home in Norway, where cash has almost disappeared from daily life.
For Norwegian travelers, this means it is still wise to bring some cash when going on vacation in Europe. Even though it becomes easier to use a card with each passing year, it is safest to be prepared for the fact that not all places have taken the step into an all-digital everyday life just yet.