Just had a discussion on 'cash' today. I am on the Board of our HOA and my association manager just called me with the good news that an owner who was way behind on HOA dues has just come to his office and settled up - he dropped off about six grand in cash. This caused our manager to call me and he's checking with the police here to see if there is anything that this may relate to. We are glad to have the account cleared up but that much in a pile of C-notes was unusual to say the least. He wasn't even concerned about a receipt but our manager insisted and got him to sign off too.

I've got a small stash at home for whatever and usually carry at least 200 every day tucked away and 40 - 60 in my 'spending' money clip. The tucked away money has been very useful several times and it's a life long habit (as I got older the amount went up). I too tend to use cash for the day to day purchases and the card or a check only comes out when necessary and/or I need to track it. I may be really old-school but I've always kept a few rolls of quarters on hand too. Two in the house, one in the car and one at work right now. Quarters can go in vending almost anywhere and that has been really good for me more than once.

Paul -

I carry $100 minimum daily, usually $200.

The BBC reporter John Simpson's magic cure for third world bureaucracy delays and obstacles:
"we are rich and willing to pay".

qjs

As I recall, there is a country (Norway maybe?) that is almost in a panic because the citizens have almost stopped using cash - and apparently this causes great concern about a country that produces no currency - are at least currency that is not used.

I just came back from Germany (work) and the vast majority of my spending is via my business credit card (always using the security PIN), but there are many restaurants that are cash only, and at least at one time I went to a large electronics store in Frankfurt and they only took a German debit card or cash - they would not accept a credit card ... so I didn't buy from them (not a political statement - just didn't want to use up my cash).

I'll also mention that the percentage expectations for tips are MUCH less in Germany - closer to 10% or less than the typical 20% in the US. Again, no political comments here - just facts.

Great people. Very sad what happened to their cities many years ago (I kept thinking about the Billy Joel song "We Didn't Start the Fire"). They hide it well - it looks older than it really is. (sorry for the drifting from topic)

Call me old fashioned but my tipping starts at 10%. It goes up or down depending on the service. I have been known to leave a stack of pennies on the bill if it was particularly bad. That way they know I didn't just forget the tip.

I carry a small nylon zipper pouch with ID and ~$100 cash when I go for a walk. That, a small lightweight locking folder (Benchmade Bugout or Spyderco Delica) and a flip-phone (in airplane mode) is my out-for-a-walk kit. I may add a whistle and a small FAK, pocket carry only.

I carry close to $100 in various places when out and about - also credit cards, multitool (or two to three).Also change

OT: I might add a bandaid or three to that pouch, but no change, weighs too much. My pace on the walks around here is close to 4 mph based on time and overall distance traveled. My HR at the top of one incline was measured at 156 BPM (in excess of my theoretical max HR, so much for theory), so weight carried is kept down.

I'm amazed how having the ATM down stops most commerce - or ho having the debit card machines does too...

I cannot recall the last time I used cash to buy anything. I carry $100-$800 cash in my manbag for my wife and emergency birthday gifts. I should probably store a credit card and cash in the car somewhere. However, I will absolutely forget about it. So, I will probably just NOT do that.