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5 countries where cashless traveling is possible 

The convenience of cashless traveling is making more people turn away from physical currency. Considering that cash is the most common stolen item, it’s safe to say that cashless traveling is safer. 

Many countries around the world have caught up on the movement and are now providing more options for contactless payments, especially for tourists from abroad. Of course, some areas are slower than others, so in many places, you’ll still need to pay with cash for necessities or accommodation. 

On the other hand, developed countries are moving to new technologies, such as cryptocurrency, accepting anything from Bitcoin in El Salvador to Trump Coin in America. In the future, we might be able to travel anywhere in the world without cash and pay with crypto fast and safely. 

So, let’s see which countries have cashless payments predominate. 

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/man-standing-inside-airport-looking-at-led-flight-schedule-bulletin-board-rFKBUwLg_WQ 

The United Arab Emirates is a traveler’s dream 

The Emirates is known for investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure― technology was one of the pillars that made it prosperous. As one of the most modern countries, most transactions are cashless. Considering that Dubai aims for 90% of payments to be made with digital currency by 2026, you can safely leave your cash at home when traveling to the Emirates. 

The government launched the “Dubai Cashless Strategy” to boost economic growth. In addition to credit and debit cards, you can use digital wallets with cryptocurrency to pay for flight tickets, amenities, and entertainment. 

The Emirates also has some of the most luxurious travel spots, so make sure to visit the following:

• Burj Khalifa is a building with over 160 stories where you can see the city from; 
• The Dubai Mall is one of the biggest in the world and offers endless things to do; 
• The Aura Sky Pool is an infinity pool with panoramic views over Dubai; 

South Korea represents a cashless society 

South Korea is also one of the fastest emerging countries in the world, where the buzzing world of technology nurtures further developments. All merchants in Korea must accept cards, but people mainly prefer using their mobile phones for payments due to their convenience. The country has its own local digital wallets for mobile payments, so, as a tourist, you may notice apps like Apple Pay not being compatible with some vendors. 

As cash payments become rare in the country, citizens prefer credit cards, debit cards, and apps. In addition, cryptocurrency is allowed in South Korea, but it may be subject to stricter regulations than other countries. 

While we’re here, let’s see what’s imperative to visit in South Korea:

• The Gyeongbokgung Palace is home to the National Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum;
• The N Seoul Tower allows you to observe the city as it’s 400 yards high above sea level;
• The Lotte World Tower Mall is the fifth highest in the world and has endless amenities; 

Singapore relies on e-payments more and more 

Singapore’s digital transformation over the years has made it efficient in handling cross-border payments and payment service providers. The Smart Nation initiative helped develop a cashless system. Electronic transaction systems now collaborate with banks to unify the cashless strategy and make e-payments more popular. Still, in many hawker centers, paying with a card or other digital method might not be possible. 

When it comes to crypto payments, know that the assets are regulated under the Payment Service Act and are legal. Considering the law supports it, Singapore is a crypto-friendly country, and you can use it to buy new attire at Charles and Keith or have a coffee at Sarnies Café. 

So, here’s where to spend your money:

• The Cloud Forest is a tropical conservatory with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall;
• The Sands Skypark Observation Deck offers the experience of a world-class cityscape;
• The Jewel Changi Airport is home to over 280 shopping spots and 130 hotel rooms; 

Estonia is a leader in e-banking 

In Estonia, more than 99% of financial transactions are digital, with citizens relying on electronic ID and even blockchain. FinTech companies have also evolved and approached technological advancements, so residents and tourists have the option to pay for most products and services without cash. Estonia has a special card established for those coming from abroad, and it’s available for free on iOS and Android. 

Estonia is one of the European countries where technologies like blockchain thrive. Its first use was in 2008. The innovative digital environment has led to an e-commerce boom, so you can go almost anywhere in the country without being required to pay in cash. 

While in Estonia, you should visit:

• The Tallinn Old Tower, whose medieval ambiance comes with the best Christmas markets;
• The EEsti Meremuuseum is a maritime museum with naval historical exhibits;
• The Tallinn TV Tower is unique in Northern Europe and allows viewing of the entire city;

The Netherlands leads the adoption of contactless payments 

Last but not least, the Netherlands is popular for its movements of pushing for cashless. For example, it introduced fully contactless public transport payments nationwide in a partnership with Mastercard. Hence, users can pay with anything from debit and credit cards to smartphones and smartwatches. 

Digital payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also pretty commonly used. Cryptocurrency payments are allowed, but you’ll have to pay tax for them, as selling, trading, and spending are taxed. 

Here’s what to visit in the Netherlands:

• The Van Gogh Museum holds a curated selection of his art;
• Efteling is an amazing theme park set in the forest;
• The Markthal is the market hall in Rotterdam; 

Where to next? 

Traveling cashless is increasingly popular as contactless payments are becoming more common abroad. Paying with a debit card, credit card, or service like Apple Pay is convenient, and many tourists prefer using their smartwatches or mobile phones for expenses. Even cryptocurrency is a valid form of payment in countries like the Emirates, Singapore, and the Netherlands. These spots are great for tech-savvy tourists, but on some occasions, having cash available is required.