Though great privacy when used offline, which is also pretty sick and the adoption levels defies reason, it’s virtually usable globally both online and offline.
That also assumes every bill you use will be immediately returned to a bank. You’d have no way of knowing where money comes from and belongs to after one hop. Just make a purchase at the supermarket to exchange a 50 for 45 and you’ve got anonymous cash.
What if the government pays the supermarket to do it? They’d have a financial incentive, then. I could imagine this scenario in a high-security authoritarian paradigm.
American in Spain here. Everybody declines USD. Literally got coffee for free this morning because it was the only shop I’ve seen out of like 100 in the week I’ve been here that wouldn’t take card.
For a charge of €2.50, when I offered $5 he opted to take nothing instead.
Agreed. We’ve tried. ATMs aren’t working with our cards and every touristy exchange kiosk option charges a shitload in fees. Why not just pay with card when literally every store until our second to last day in the country has been happy to take card? Including bus stations, train stations, taxis, etc. We stopped trying about halfway in when we got to more rural areas and they still happily accepted visa. We wanted to exchange at home before the trip but found out too late that our banks require two weeks notice to exchange currency so they can get it in.
We just learned today to ask and not assume before ordering. We were asking in the beginning but got complacent after the 100th “of course” response lol.
You’d be hard pressed to not find an exchange shop in any major city which is were most people reside these days. And I’ve yet to encounter a currency exchange that doesn’t take USD cash.
I’m just saying you can bring a duffel bag of USD with you and in just about any large city world wide you’ll be fine. Some you can transact directly but most you’ll need to locate an exchange first. Still the most versatile currency there is, and more universally accepted than anything else. Sure your VISA card works just about everywhere too but it’s traceable to the max and there are places where USD works far better than a card.
Though great privacy when used offline, which is also pretty sick and the adoption levels defies reason, it’s virtually usable globally both online and offline.
Bank notes have unique identifiers allowing the government to track the path of your money. Privacy is dead
That’s why I roam the streets trading bills with strangers
Chad behavior
That also assumes every bill you use will be immediately returned to a bank. You’d have no way of knowing where money comes from and belongs to after one hop. Just make a purchase at the supermarket to exchange a 50 for 45 and you’ve got anonymous cash.
This assumes the supermarket doesn’t track everything
They don’t. It wouldn’t benefit the corporation in any way. They’ll only do what makes money and that would cost money with no return.
What if the government pays the supermarket to do it? They’d have a financial incentive, then. I could imagine this scenario in a high-security authoritarian paradigm.
You watch too much anime dude.
I’ll have you know, I’ve watched exactly zero hours of anime this year.
@ninjan @mod_pp Globally offline? In the US and maybe in some countries that don’t have a stable currency on their own. Anywhere else you can’t use it.
American in Spain here. Everybody declines USD. Literally got coffee for free this morning because it was the only shop I’ve seen out of like 100 in the week I’ve been here that wouldn’t take card.
For a charge of €2.50, when I offered $5 he opted to take nothing instead.
I understand it’s easier for you just to use a card, so you don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s probably a good idea to carry a few euros at least
Agreed. We’ve tried. ATMs aren’t working with our cards and every touristy exchange kiosk option charges a shitload in fees. Why not just pay with card when literally every store until our second to last day in the country has been happy to take card? Including bus stations, train stations, taxis, etc. We stopped trying about halfway in when we got to more rural areas and they still happily accepted visa. We wanted to exchange at home before the trip but found out too late that our banks require two weeks notice to exchange currency so they can get it in.
We just learned today to ask and not assume before ordering. We were asking in the beginning but got complacent after the 100th “of course” response lol.
yeah makes sense
You’d be hard pressed to not find an exchange shop in any major city which is were most people reside these days. And I’ve yet to encounter a currency exchange that doesn’t take USD cash.
@ninjan So you first have to exchange it for real currency in order to use it?
I’m just saying you can bring a duffel bag of USD with you and in just about any large city world wide you’ll be fine. Some you can transact directly but most you’ll need to locate an exchange first. Still the most versatile currency there is, and more universally accepted than anything else. Sure your VISA card works just about everywhere too but it’s traceable to the max and there are places where USD works far better than a card.