Sweden is the most prominent, rapidly transitioning towards a nearly cashless society, with only about 10% of in-store purchases made with cash as of 2023. It is often described as the world's leading nation in this shift, with many shops and restaurants no longer accepting cash.
Sweden, for example, is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Major credit cards will be accepted widely (with some exceptions), so you don't need to bring too much cash. You'll find that mobile payments, like Apple Pay, are also widely accepted in the major cities.
Sweden has officially become the first country in the world to go completely cashless. Almost every shop, café, and public transport system in Sweden now accepts only digital payments like cards or mobile apps. The popular app “Swish,” launched in 2012, is used by millions of Swedes to send and receive money instantly.
Norway is largely cashless. You can pay with a credit or debit card almost anywhere—from the fanciest of restaurants to the smallest of kiosks. Even street vendors and taxi drivers are usually equipped to take card payments.
Sweden is one of the countries that is paving the way for a cashless society. According to Riksbank's 2024 Payments Report, just 10% of in‑store purchases in Sweden were made in cash during 2023, confirming that around 90% of transactions are digital.
Sweden: Sweden leads the world in cashlessness, transitioning away from banknotes. With just 32 ATMs per 100,000 people and over 98% of Swedes owning a debit or credit card, cash usage is dwindling.
Not yet. However, a 2024 report from the International Monetary Fund suggests that we might not be too far away from seeing the first. It suggested that Sweden would be the first completely cashless economy as soon as the end of 2025. This is unlikely to happen now, though.
Yes. Finland is basically a contactless wonderland. Cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere: in taxis, cafés, market stalls – even at remote roadside berry stands (yes, really). Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.
Back in 1661, Sweden made history by issuing Europe's first paper banknotes. Today, the country is once again leading a financial revolution — this time by nearly eliminating cash altogether.
Overall, around 39 per cent of UK adults lived largely cashless lives throughout 2023. However, the number of people mainly using cash actually rose to 2.6 per cent (an increase from 1.7 per cent in 2022). For now, cash remains the second most frequently used payment method in the UK.
Sweden has emerged as the world's first cashless nation, with phone taps and cards replacing physical money. This digital shift, driven by apps like Swish, simplifies transactions for locals and tourists alike. While most establishments accept digital payments, carrying some cash is advised for smaller vendors.
Part of this is due to a unique Swedish law that prioritises “freedom of contract” above any legal requirement to accept cash. In other words, it is up to businesses – including banks – whether they take cash.
The currencies in Sweden, Denmark and Norway are are all called the local version of crown (krona and krone). See conversion rates. Cash is no longer common in these countries, so you won't need to bring or get any cash when traveling to these destinations. More tips on Handling Money on Tour before you travel.
Sweden's biggest issue is widely considered to be rising gang violence and crime, leading to significant public concern, especially in urban areas, alongside challenges in healthcare access, integration of immigrants, and the welfare system, with environmental concerns also prominent. The surge in lethal shootings and bombings linked to criminal networks has prompted tough government responses, while debates continue over migration policies and social cohesion.
In the Norwegian version of politeness, it's more important not to bother other people, including at the dining table. And engaging in meaningless chat with people we don't know definitely comes under the definition of bothering them.
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Norwegians use body language sparingly. Avoid talking with your hands. Physical contact is rare and best avoided. The American OK sign, with thumb and index finger forming a circle, can be read as an obscene gesture in Norway. The thumbs-up gesture is positive as it signals approval.
The UK is rapidly moving towards being a low-cash, but not fully cashless, society, with digital payments dominating, yet cash remains crucial for millions, especially vulnerable groups, leading to government efforts to protect access via legislation, banking hubs, and ATMs, even as some businesses go card-only and digital ID plans emerge. While cash use has plummeted (less than 10% of payments in 2024/25), the Bank of England and officials stress that a completely cashless system isn't feasible or desirable yet, focusing on maintaining choice and access for everyone, including the elderly and low-income individuals.
Finland's "3-Year Rule" is a tax rule for Finnish citizens moving abroad, stating they remain Finnish tax residents during their year of relocation and the next three calendar years, unless they prove they have no substantial ties (like a home, spouse, or social security) in Finland during that time, in which case they can apply to be a non-resident taxpayer sooner.
It is not illegal to keep cash at home in the UK, but it should be stored securely to mitigate risks. The amount of cash to have on hand varies, but a small amount for emergencies is recommended while keeping most in a secure bank account.
The risk of other crimes such as identity theft, account takeovers, and fraudulent transactions will also increase when digital payments become the only option. Many banks are also relying on outdated infrastructure with decades-old IT systems increasing the risk of glitches, crashes, and mistakes.
UK Finance research has shown that 39% of adults live an almost cashless life. As well as predicting that cash payments in the UK will continue to decline, and that by 2031, cash will account for 6% of all payments.
