Sweden's Push to Get Rid of Cash Has Some Saying, 'Not So Fast'

[Maverick]

Many new cards do not have raised numbers so they cannot be imprinted.

That's because many cards are using laser etched number and chips, my bank switched over to the chip and the non-embossed card. One can still hand write the card info, I know several stores have done that in power outages though limiting the purchase although that practice may be ending if it hasn't already, banks have been clamping down on the old ways, my bank still allows it but the other bank doesn't. I really dislike the digital age but then again, this has always been a world of fools.

Kaczynski manifesto had very striking points in it... Too bad he gone over to the dark side :-/

 

[Mountain trapper]

In my opinion there never was a simpler way of doing business than by using cash. If you don't have the cash you do without until you do.
Then this silly internet fad came along and now everyone wants to buy plastic crap online using plastic. I'll be glad when this internet thing goes away.

 

[DrHenley]

I have never seen a card reader in the UK that wasn't connected to the electricity supply, that's why the markets and car boot sales are all cash, no electric supply.

Bigpaul, this is a "Square" that Urbanprep referred to, which plugs into the headphone jack on a mobile or tablet. No mains electricity required, just a mobile signal:

 

[tmttactical]

@bigpaul

Here is the card imprint machine, no power, no ability to communication the sale, just simple proof of purchase.

AS Dr. Henley pointed out, This device requires cell phone or wi/fi connection and will record and report the sale.

 

[lonewolf]

I think we had something similar to that in the UK when credit cards first came out way back, the card was put on the unit and was swiped over by an arm on the unit which produced a receipt, but I haven't seen those for like 20 or 30 years.
markets and car boots are usually in fields or recreation grounds with no power supply available, and have traditionally been cash only, I have never seen any trader with a credit card reader portable or otherwise, its just the way it is here.

 

[Petoski]

I think we had something similar to that in the UK when credit cards first came out way back, the card was put on the unit and was swiped over by an arm on the unit which produced a receipt, but I haven't seen those for like 20 or 30 years.
markets and car boots are usually in fields or recreation grounds with no power supply available, and have traditionally been cash only, I have never seen any trader with a credit card reader portable or otherwise, its just the way it is here.

A few years ago i was at a petrol station when the tills weren't working and the staff pulled one of those old card swiping machines out from under the counter. I guess some still keep them as backup.

 

[Petoski]

Here in Finland there have been numerous days when people have not been able to access their bank accounts due to either I.T maintenance or some type of denial of service attack. Nordea bank customers couldn't buy anything on Black Friday due to the system going down. Even though it happens several times a year most people don't seem to learn and keep some cash stored away. Also they seem to be in favour of going cashless.

 

[Petoski]

When they do finally close the net on humanity I will be left with no alternative other than to do direct trade/swaps with other likeminded individuals. Luckily in countryside there are more people with the skills i need and I can trade what they have for extra that i produce. No need for any form of money. I don't see any other way around it. And on the plus side the tax man can't get his greasy hands on it.

 

[lonewolf]

I used to work in a hardware store back in the late 60s early 70s, if the power was off we had a handle which you inserted in the side of the till and hand cranked it, I also worked in an office which had its own petrol pump in the back yard, I was in charge of that and it was hand cranked.
when the power goes off for good we will be back to barter, I already barter a few hand tools excess to what I need for some wild bird food.