WHAT'S *BAD* ABOUT BAD SCHANDAU? - 'Cash only' spa town - Kirnitzschtal, elevator and restaurants.

[@steve-marsh]

Hey you saved your cash for the unique experience! That was a cool elevator. I have stopped changing money because everywhere takes card these days, looks like I need to change my strategy again. Cheers for another great video in this series Scott.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Thanks Steve. Thats the last in this series. Normal service will be resumed on Sunday!

[@richardallan2331]

Here in Australia there seems to be starting a trend to not accept cash! I was reading a story on the news this morning about a cafe in Melbourne. I thought that was illegal but apparently it isn’t.

[@barvdw]

In Germany, you best carry cash, yes. And frankly, even in countries where digital payments are more readily accepted, it's not a bad idea to have some cash on hand, as it's not unheard of for shops to accept only a very particular digital payment method to that country, e.g. Swish in Sweden, or Vipps in Norway, Payconiq in Belgium... Very fun if they don't accept cash, like in Sweden, btw... There had been an upswing in digital payments in Germany during the pandemic, but although still higher than before 2020, the number of shops actually not accepting any digital payment has gone down again since.

[@FrogandFlangeVideo]

Great tour !! Thank you Scott. James.

[@johnglover1717]

I was in Berlin last October and a lot of places there preferred cash to cards.

[@Jaay911]

my hometown ❤❤

[@glenyshillary4195]

Thankyou Scott for taking on this holiday, I'm enjoying it thoroughly. Even got the map out to see here you were. Kind regards.

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Great vlog as always Scott!! Crazy to think that it is all xash when its normally the other way round. Hope all is well and hope you have a great weekend

[@PaulGodfrey]

Looks a great place to visit as long as you have notes.

[@roytabberer7427]

I am surprised as to how high the floods rose to. As always thoroughly enjoying your videos.

[@ScottishT]

Brilliant Scott

[@MrJckDoo]

This has turned out to be a great series @Scott @Planes, Trains, Everything.

[@adema1978]

Germans are very reluctant in accepting cards. Cash is king. Paying with Creditcard is in general frowned upon in Germany. It's the 1990's out there...

[@valuetraveler2026]

yeh the slave to the banksters mentality isnt as pronounced but its changing fast

[@holger_p]

Cause they are stingy and sensible to prices, and card transaction fee is always 1-2%. It's unnecesssary costs.

[@robertofraser101]

Money well spent on lift scott fantastic views beautiful part of the world very wierd cash only though enjoyed happy travels until next video thanksthought trams were lovley in lemon old school great on a lovley day

[@johnbowyer6902]

One thing about these trips, Scott, is that it is really keeping you fit.😊

[@Mrthecrafter162]

Amazing video!! And thanks for not falling for these ATM scams its utterly ridiculous...

[@quentinmunich9819]

And btw. this is one of the bargains of the Brexit. The transaction fees. Inside EU there are no transaction fees allowed, Britain left the EU, transactions fees are back. And second btw. it is cheaper to change British cash to Czech or Euro cash, then withdraw money.

[@sashaneemoht8764]

The "punishment" that you endure for our benefit is laudable. Lovely images. Indeed, another pleasurable video, albeit you seemed to be walking kilometres without showing yourself keeping hydrated and that was a bit of a worry. Thankfully, you found a place with big glasses of liquid refreshment. Worry cancelled! Phew!

[@roycarpenter6380]

I use a pre-paid card - Wise - which gives me a mid-rate exchange (better than tourist rate) with no fees.

[@eriknikkels1009]

Cashwithdrawel in Czech Republic? Don't use the Euronet ATM's... they are a true ripp off. Just go to a normal regular bank. And paying by card is in Czech Republic much more common than in Germany.

[@chris-channel821]

And never use Moneta Bank. They have the highest fees of them all. Try KB, Air Banka, Fio, Raiffeisen in Czechia

[@peterosullivan9942]

Get a Halifax Clarity Credit Card and use that at the cash machines. When asked if you accept the machines conversion rate they always push at you, always say no. The Halifax will then give you the actual mid market rate at the time of the transaction with zero fees. This is the cheapest way to get foreign currency abroad. There are a few other banks that do a similar one now. I never ever get cash before travelling abroad and get the cash from the first ATM I see at the airport using the card. The same card can also be used for places that only accept card and again you only pay the mid market rate with no fees. Only just realised after watching your last few videos that I have been through this area on a train trip from Dresden to Prague. Lovely scenery as can be seen on your blogs.

[@malo66]

Yes, I vouch for the brilliance of the Halifax Clarity credit card.

[@hanshartfiel6394]

German shops and restaurants, for some strange reason, prefer cash and that's not just in small towns like Bad Schandau. I go once a year on holiday in Germany, mainly to show my son where his ancestors come from and always end up for a week in Berlin but even there you'll find quite a few places that don't accept either credit or debit card. There used to be a time when you had to have there EC card but, to be honest, things are getting better. I still carry cash when I'm in Germany but even here in the UK there are shops that prefer cash and I think that's because they don't want to pay the transaction fee the banks charge the shop keepers.

[@heikozysk233]

There is rumour that not only the small fees for card transactions make some establishments reluctant to accept cards or mobile payments. One of my neighborhood restaurants (actually, more an eatery than a "restaurant") had been "cash only" forever... until they had a visit from a government agency dealing with tax evasion.. the costs for purchases of the foodstuff they needed to prepare the meals did not really match the profit from selling the number of meals they claimed to have served... after that incident they suddenly accepted also cards - probably because they are now on the radar of the authorities anyway

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

Living in Germany(Berlin) for nearly 10 years I know where to go to shop or eat and Drink, Small Local bars Raucherlokal means Local smoking bar in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. I won't go into these places as Sitting in a bar full of Cigarette smoke isn't at all appealing, And they don't accept Debit Cards, So if your a foreign tourist then it's look for a cash machine then pay a Transaction fee, Unless you have a Debit card that doesn't charge you a foreign cash fee Monzo in the UK For example. A lot of businesses in Germany do not accept cards because it's easier to avoid paying the correct Tax in Profits. So all you Cash is king Folks Your indirectly supporting Tax evasion and Criminality, Small businesses in Berlin owned by small percentage but not all of different groups of the population . This is common knowledge in the police and other government agencies.

[@wildfire9782]

​@@UnbelievableEricthegiraffewe should support tax evasion! The government has plenty money; they don't need mine.

[@andrewyoung749]

@@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe what makes you think i care about tax evasion? heres an idea why doesnt government cut spending back before it demands more money from its people? its not some moral good to give an all powerful government more and more money just because its pissed the stuff it already had up a wall in the uk the government clearly has too much money. we know this because our 10th rate nhs feels that it can afford to waste money on DIE enforcer hires. every penny spent there is one not spent on medical affairs thus a luxury thus suggesting overflowing coffers not empty ones. when these governments act like bodies that need money tax evasion may become wrong but whilst they feel they have so much moolah knocking around they can shovel a billion here a billion there to ukraine then nope. they are not acting like bodies in need of cash...

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

@@wildfire9782And if your a Smoker who visits these Bars. The likelihood of needing hospital care in later life is more, They obviously don't need tourists money as b not accepting debit cards tends to affect foreign visitors more.

[@LSOinferno]

I don’t even carry cash at home never mind abroad since the pandemic, pay absolutely everything on card. Places that are cash only are very few and far between these days, seems you have found the exception there. I did take €30 cash with me on my last trip, but only cos I stuck £1 in a slot machine at the airport and won the jackpot, all paid in £1 coins so exchanged it at the airport (terrible exchange rate -never exchange at airport - but better than being weighed down by £1 coins)

[@grahambignell8500]

Great vid Scott. The world is going mad - in Singapore recently I could not pay in cash or card, had to be by phone, crazy!! For an advanced, civilised country Germany does have some eccentricities. It's good to see you in a far flung part of the country and I would be interested to know whether many other foreigners get that far, unless by cruise ship?

[@chriswinter6672]

On a recent trip to Görlitz, it wasn't just the cash only thing that annoyed, it was also that certain banks wouldn't allow cash withdrawals unless the card had the EC symbol.

[@chris-channel821]

I'd guess it was Sparkasse or Volksbank. With other banks, there shouldn't be any issues.

[@magpie1862]

Made the same mistake in Hallstatt, Austria. DIdn’t bring cash and all the ATMs in the town charged big fees to withdraw cash.

[@luciobennetti]

In Austria, there's only one company that's charging transaction fees: Euronet (which is a US company btw). All withdrawals from any other financial institutions are without any charge. @planes, trains, everything. my guess is, the ATM in Hrensko is also run by Euronet?

[@Andrewjg_89]

The only Spa towns I’ve been to is Leamington Spa, Bath and Cheltenham. But this place is so beautiful and incredible 🤩

[@paulvarga7974]

Just back from Paphos Cyprus. No contactless payments on public transport or the Citysightseeing bus. We always take some cash jyst in case

[@silvialittlewolf]

Didn't read all comments so apologies if someone already explained the lack of credit card acceptance: The businesses are charged by the credit card companies just for being able to offer that option (i.e., a monthly base charge) as well as for every transaction they do, and from my understanding, it's quite a lot. I've noticed that some restaurants where I live used to accept credit cards before the pandemic but in order to save money, did away with that option and now only accept cash payments.

[@briangasser973]

The US is a credit card friendly country. What is changing is smaller restaurants, coffee shops, and gas stations are charging customers the credit card interchange fee of around 4% to recoup their cost that cc companies impose.

[@wietzebraem]

hey shott, those in that german village will be allowed to go to norway there it is no different than with a bank card

[@michaelharrison2405]

In the Ultental in South Tyrol, there is (was) a small "village" named Bad Lad !

[@briangentle5515]

I am enjoying your series along the Elbe. My wife and I had a holiday here a couple of years ago. Shame you didn't take the tram, as the waterfalls at the end are nice and you can do some good walks from there. Germany (outside the major cities) has been generally very slow to accept bank cards. If they do, it's often debit cards only and even then, very often only locally issued ones. Drawing cash from an ATM is always a challenge outside your currency zone. Without advertising, I got a card from a certain quasi-bank which gives you better exchange rates and use that to draw cash. For what it's worth, my advice is, never draw cash with a credit card, always a debit card.

[@christophernoble6810]

Nationwide are the best that I know. Spot rate of exchange and no commission charged. Not had a problem in Germany, even train meals can be paid for using a credit card. Sweden does not allow payment by cash for a great many things. Even the train catering trolley is announced as not taking cash. Probably a security thing.

[@xb1ancax]

Majority of Germany has issues with cards. Most business deal in cash only, many don't have a website, and EVERY SINGLE where people work, they 100% still use a fax machine daily. It's like living in the past

[@KolliRail]

Thats's not fully true. Today more than 90% of businesses have websites and fax machines are only used by lawyers now because it's a way to have prove that a document has been delivered in a way that is accepted by German courts. I haven't used fax at work for decades.

[@stephenhorobin580]

Lovely region of Europe. I took the tram too but failed to do the whole lengh as there were engineering works.

[@ag4444]

I'm surprised you expected them to take creditcards. when in germany you should expect that they don't and be positively surprised if they do.

[@TheEpicAppleEater01]

Even more positively surprised if it takes mastercard/visa and not just maestro too, and even even more surprised if it takes foreign cards, which it often does not...

[@dadachoski5946]

It used to be law that you had 50 Marks cash, I think it simply changed to Euros. The idea was in case your card wasn't working, accepted, or had no money/credit on it. Or if the card system failed. as I remember you could be arrested if you didn't have the cash.

[@thenewjerseydevil997]

I'm a cash man, I do have a credit card. But hardly use it. I say cash can always save you. Very pretty and nice. Lol . Thanks Scott.

[@Marcsharp82]

Its always best to play it safe and take cash on a just in case basis.

[@JackGillies]

I travel back and forward to Germany a lot due to my interest in German football and I have to say cash only is the norm. At big chain restaurants and shops and in big cities you will get away with card (but not always) however in smaller towns and cities cash is most definitely king so I always make sure I have enough on me to last the days activities

[@terranceparsons5185]

Those flood high water marks are pretty scary!

[@dadachoski5946]

Must have had a notice somewhere warning you, especially if it's the same in the town you are staying in Check out the honest guides for advice on how not to get ripped off at Czech ATMs The travelling you and Steve Marsh do holding a few Euros would be a good idea.

[@ghuntman77773]

Plus the fees charged by our banks back home as well for FX cash taken from ATMs abroad

[@quentinmunich9819]

Such an old tramway in a small town and you a really thinking, they would have a card terminal? How should this work? Wifi all along the rails? Or some new modern technology in old trams? If I would go in Britain or Ireland in a Retrotrain, do you believe they would accept credit card? No way!

[@scheuner]

There is this new crazy invention called a cell network. It allows you to connect to the internet even in remote places. And yes, of course they would have a mobile card machine in the UK and most other places.

[@quentinmunich9819]

@@scheuner All those mobile card readers work with Wifi! So you need Wifi Installation, the Card reader in the tram and of course you pay most of the time rental and transactions fees. Is this worth? No!

[@Gaspode_]

@@quentinmunich9819 No, they don't need WiFi. They use the mobile telephone network. The transaction fees are usually baked into the prices the customers pay. It's up to the business to work out if the lost income from people who walk away due to them not accepting cards is less the the few Euros a month the machine that will enable them to serve those customers will cost them.

[@history_leisure]

I had a similar cash only issue at the cafe at Offenburg. I was also nearly arrested for railfanning, but I blame DB for the whole situation, which only waste like 100 Euro or something on Rulantica-which I didn't get to do

[@holger_p]

George Gershwin placed a Musical from 1933 in Bad Schandau called "Pardon my English". Didn't became a hit on broadway.

[@mcsuibhne005]

Good man Scott. That's extortion!

[@CherylSteele-rt8dj]

Fabulous. A lovely film. Maybe the whole tourist town agreed to protect each other from credit card cheats? Maybe they have had enough of the bad side of tourism. Just a thought. But clear warning signs would have been helpful for you/others.

[@holger_p]

The card thing seems to be the hot topic in the comments. You missed to point out something else: the mobile phone connection. This is oughful in this remote spot at the end of the civilized world in the deep valley. Without a phone connection, you cannot check credit cards mobile. It's as simple as that. And if you get lost hiking, you cannot use google maps.

[@mickeymouse-pm4kg]

Great video Scott, I think the reason most places there only take cash is to keep the money local and not going to the big corporations who are mostly foreign companies.There is method in their madness.

[@paulhoughton5266]

That tram looks the same make and colour as the older trams used in Budapest

[@michaelkelly8861]

Nice videos Scott, i notice that you passed the local information offices which i have always found usefull. Yhey would probably have put you right regarding cash/card places. I understand your concerns regarding money but i think it always pays to keep at least £50 of local currency on you (hidden obviously) Coins also for toilets and commuting. Not teaching you to suck eggs😅

[@weaselswelt]

Great Video Scott! In Germany saying: Bargeld lacht or Nur Bares ist Wahres. It's sad to see that you could not pay by credit card. That's actually a joke, because we live in the 21st century and no longer in the Middle Ages...

[@thorstent2542]

Germany is a bureaucratic high tax Country. Cash make all a little bit more flexible.

[@danielpeti3885]

cash is king

[@haik1234567]

They don’t want to pay credit card transaction fees which is around 3-5%. They normally accept debit card (EC card). Why don’t you carry some cash with you instead?

[@dannysairandtransportstock]

I understand about that. The Heritage Routemaster won’t allow us to Touch In with Contactless Card, They only allow us to Touch In with Oyster Card.

[@gregepps4710]

The card issue a German thing. When booking a restaurant we now ask them if they accept cards, if they don’t, we cancel the booking. At some stage they’ll join the 21st century

[@peternolan5353]

Here in the states, lots of places are going cashless,,and they look at u funny if u pull out cash. But as i always say cash can't be HACKED. Many people are losing their life savings after their accounts were emptied.

[@johncrwarner]

I live in Germany and didn't use contactless payments until the pandemic so I used my German EC card only on big shops like the supermarket and rarely for little things like the bakery. You might get further with a debit card which is equivalent to an EC card. I however don't use my British bank cards in Germany.

[@TheEpicAppleEater01]

I get awful awful luck with using my Irish Visa debit card in Germany. it is like a lottery if it works or not. I never use cash at home, so it is an event to visit the atm before visiting Germany...

[@richmorris2870]

Cash is still king all over Germany

[@ageoflove1980]

In The Netherlands a lot of places dont accept credit cards, like pretty much all supermarket chains. Debit Cards directly tied to your bank account are the norm. Ive never seen any Dutch local buy a beer with a credit card, it seems rather ridiculous even. Buying on credit is just uncommon and there is a bit of a cultural element there, like , if you cant afford something out of pocket, you probably shouldnt be buying it. Most people do have a credit card but they are usually only used to make online purchases when there is no other payment method available. Tip for cash machines: Use the ones operated by major banks and never ever let them do the currency conversion and let your own bank handle that. Its a shame really, because its a nice video about a beautiful place but you complaining about the credit card situation ruined it a bit and nobody from that part of the world is going to find it particularly weird.

[@heikozysk233]

Actually, in Germany the situation is more like: No credit or debit cards at all, cash only. Or: any kind of plastic money, NFC cards incl. mobile payments with Apple Pay etc. with your mobile will be accepted. So you can pay in each and every chain supermarket in Germany with Visa or debit/bank card or Apply/Google Pay - hit and miss with small corner stores/ night shops. No one cares which kind of plastic you use once that establishment has a card reader.

[@wildfire9782]

​@@heikozysk233Germans are smart!

[@mcsuibhne005]

@@heikozysk233 I recently visited Berlin and was shocked at this fact. In Ireland cash is sooo rarely used. Made for a frustrating trip at times.

[@jendorei]

The Netherlands don't accept foreign debit cards (Visa/Mastercard - same system as credit cards), only their local equivalent (Maestro/whatever is Visa's equivalent). From what I had researched, the technical difference is that transactions with normal Visa/MC are verified twice while with Maestro only once, or something along these lines.

[@heikozysk233]

@@mcsuibhne005 Depends a bit on which places you mean. Retail ("real" stores) and supermarkets should accept cards by almost 100pct. The smaller or more quirky the shop gets.. more cash only. "Hole in the wall" eateries, food trucks, pubs... probably cash only. The more "regular" the restaurant gets, the more likely will they accept cards. But I am still often amazed that even some fully-fledged restaurants can be cash-only. One could think of other reasons than just the small transaction fee or razor-sharp margins why it's mostly places to eat and drink which prefer cash..

[@cassandrasjunger9811]

Es gelten die Monatskarten des VVO und aktuell auch die Deutschlandkarte. Die Leute zahlen nicht bar, die lassen abbuchen.

[@BeaconHillEnsemble]

Always found Germany hit and miss when it comes to paying by bank cards, although not as bad as it was. The Netherlands can be another hit or miss, moreso in shops and supermarkets.

[@donmacdon]

Going back many years, I avoided establishments in Germany which accepted credit cards. They were generally tourist rip offs, and not good value.

[@scheuner]

For me it's kind of the opposite. I'm not saying you should eat at McDonald's just because they accept card, but if you do find an authentic locally-owned restaurant that accepts cards in the sea of grumpy grandpas that don't, it shows that they have some understanding of customer service and that usually shows in other areas as well (e.g. quality of food).

[@m0rkvarg]

Great video as always Scott! As a German I can say that this cash-only-thing is unfortunately a quite common problem in Germany, especially in smaller towns :(

[@nachbarslumpi7093]

You’re so often in Germany, you should know that we like cash very much. Specially visiting little places in the eastern part of Germany.

[@cennethadameveson3715]

Cards for the big stuff (hotels/long distance travelling) and cash for the day to day (local travel and food, maybe a lager at lunch time). Definitely inspired to visit the area.

[@trottiscliffe]

I've enjoyed some of your videos. However, looking at older videos, it's a nightmare trying to get them in sequential order. Your videos will be up for some years, and it's a shame they weren't numbered. KZbin is an archaic system built years ago.

[@BIGV710]

bad =river or sea in flemish?

[@juliuskysar9337]

No, it isn't. It means bath, just as in German

[@wildfire9782]

Germany is just about the only country in Europe where there are still small, family run businesses in towns. And not just multi billion giants who divide the market amongst each other. Goes to show a cash economy is good for small business owners.

[@marks238]

Cash only ..... Its a pity we dont have more of this in the UK rather than surly companies who wont accept cash!

[@philroberts5367]

Moral of the story Scott 1. dont drink at lunchtime or eat Pizzas in Germany, 2. always keep some cash in your sporran. Cash or cash sir????

[@holger_p]

People want tradition, see a museum tram, but protest if the train conductor is sellling tickets like 1905. The coin changer is unique and historic and you cannot see it anywhere else in action.

[@dadachoski5946]

Ps it costs the vendor a few to let you pay by card. That's why, they don't want to give away some of their profits because you don't like Money.

[@mikj29]

Schandau ballet

[@ellagrace27306]

Cash is King, keep up with the times, CBDC, or cashless society, equals control of you and what you spend

[@Adrian-pu4rb]

Really nice series Scott! Definitely inspired me to travel to this part of the world on my motorbike! Quick tip: I'm from the Czech Republic and I assume you used the EuroNet cash machine to get cash with that awful access charge. Avoid EuroNet like the plague anywhere in Europe. In Czech, Komerční Banka (KB) and Raiffeisenbank both do free withdrawals for foreign cards. 😎

[@Islandicus]

So what happens when the banks are closed down and there are no ATM's except for those where you are charged a ludicrous fee to withdraw your own money? It's an absolute scam.

[@diedampfbrasse98]

sure, those fees are shameless ... but only hits those who visit in ignorance .. no big deal. Germany (and most of europe) having a lot of cash only services and businesses is no secret, and there are plenty of ways to get cash without those insane fees ... its mentioned in pretty much every travel guide and channel around. As for the "What if" ... same goes for "what if the network is down or power is out" with the credit card dependency. Long story short: smart people always carry card and cash.

[@timbounds7190]

Odd isn't it - Germans aren't very keen on Cards, but in Scandinavia, cash is nearly extinct! Whilst here in the UK, there are few places that don't accept cards, and I hardly ever spend cash these days.

[@holidaytripsholidaytrips7254]

Use it or lose. Once cash is gone then life and freedom is over as we know it

[@KolliRail]

Cash only is typical for Germany. People widely don't trust electronic cash and the fees businesses had to pay when accepting eletronic cash were very high compared to other countries. It has gotten better with the pandemic when everyone tried to avoid having contact and handing over cash. But it's still like this in many places. Some years ago in a supermarket you even couldn't pay less than € 10 with electronic cash. Another reason is the Internet infrostructure that in Germany that is far behind other places and mobile Internet being extremely expensive and has lo limits for the amount of data per month. Away from big cities it's mostly impossible to pay public transport without cash. I have to say that in 2024 (as a car owner and user) I don't need cash for daily use anymore. Only some parking ticket machines still rely on it.

[@dartfrogdk]

This cash problem is all over Germany, even in the middle of Berlin, it is soo stupid and they need to get into the modern world

[@stewartferguson9774]

Aye ye can take the man out of Paisley etc…did ye not have enough for a single fare on the tram ? Save your wee legs Scott.Really enjoying all your videos Scott keep em coming.

[@Bruce-1956]

In my experience most shops only accept cash. I understand the reason for this is the dreaded taxman, the electronic payments can be checked but not the cash payments!!! In the Netherlands virtually nobody pays with cash anymore!! Are we more honest?

[@robertdavey3381]

Cash is God in Germany though you would have new.😮

[@hajow9303]

Yep, Deutschland, Bar Geld. A fact we Dutch painfully get pointed at every time we cross the border.

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

Credit Cards are rarely excepted outside big cities, Debit cards particular Eurocards more excepted around Germany. Only today I went into a Supermarket at Leipzig railway station, No one using the Card only self serve tills at least 15 people in the Cash till, I walk past them immediately someone says there is a queue, I reply " I'm using the 21st century technology Paying by card, There all checking the time for their trains The majority have no more than 2 or 3 items. There mindset is based on when there Parents or Grandparents Hadn't any money in the 1940s & 1950s , My German partner is still amazed at using cards nearly all the time when we visit the UK. Quicker and safer way of paying for goods.

[@charlesjames799]

Bad it is pronounced Bard which translates to bath and so any place with the prefix Bad means spa town.

[@smoothmicra]

As a holiday resort that place looks BAD (insert your own interpretation of that word here). However, I do like a picturesque river cruise, so based on that it gets a 👍from me.

[@BengtHansves]

VERY common in Germany that you CAN'T pay with "plastic" ... Only "Bargeld" / cash It's about history! The devastating inflation in the 1920:s, the WW2 and later the DDR... People rely only on cash. Earlier the "Deutschmark" and now the €

[@PenryMMJ]

That was interesting. In the UK it's starting to feel like cash will be obsolete pretty soon, with so many places now being card only. I prefer cash as it's easier to manage a budget when you can see the money changing hands.

[@russellgray1426]

I find it extraordinary that you didn’t take local currency with you, if you want to rely on technology I.e. credit card you need to ensure that the WiFi is reaching these remote places. Play it safe and take cash, it still works even without the internet and is widely accepted worldwide.........For now!

[@Marcsharp82]

I find credit/debit/contactless far easier these days but I still carry cash on a "just in case"basis.

[@russellgray1426]

@@Marcsharp82 I grant you they maybe easier sometimes but the repercussions of a cashless society will be destructive to individual freedom. I don’t think it is worth giving up on cash because it is sometimes easier to use a card. I value my privacy and the security, also the ability to remain debt free and yes I am fortunate enough to be debt free. A plus point in the UK paying with cash sometimes gets me a discount, as retailers don’t have to pay hideous bank charges. Anyhow enough of my preaching and may you always enjoy hassle free travels😉👍🏻

[@JohninRosc]

I've only got into the "credit card for everything" mode since covid. Most places around Europe have not developed that habit. Be warned.

[@chickenpommes19]

Interesting that a seasoned traveller like you makes such a rooky mistake of expecting Germany to have universal card acceptance. Nur bares ist wahres! I wonder if the Kirnitzschtalbahn isn't covered by the 49€ ticket tho. Also I'm fat and lazy but I won't ever be paying 2,80 to take a lift, screeew that. Tourist Town yes but primarily with older east german folk who definitely won't be carrying around a visa or have PayPal on their new smartphones.

[@trottiscliffe]

I have spent much time in Germany, and in the mid 2000's debit/credits were not accepted in most places, same as Romania 2006-2010. So nothing much changed. But I use cash in the UK as we don't want a cashless society.

[@holger_p]

It has changed, but he is talking about paying inside a moving tram. What actually has not changed, is the mobile phone connection, which is terrible in this valley. Maybe that's the reason why they cannot offer mobile card payment.

[@Dreamweaver787]

Great as ever Scott, I like the sound of this place being cash only, need to stop our crazy Government in the UK as they want rid of cash, cash is King😊 and to cap it off the river levels were higher the more years you go back, and I thought things were melting at a quicker rate these days.

[@neilhunter2238]

That I´m afraid is the reality of living in Germany, the most backward country in Europe when it comes to paying by card, I should know I`ve lived here for almost 40 years ! Drives me mad even after all that time.

[@tinawoolmore5328]

sorry for being so thick,but who is sue and doe she go on all your trips

[@frankhermans7511]

Before i left Europe for Asia i almost only had my bankcards in my wallet to do payments in local shops, but since i live here i started to have more money again in my pockets as cash is still King in small local places and small mini markets. Even in some restaurants still only paying your bills with cash. I always have also cash on me besides my cards wherever i go. Nice video again!

[@richardjennings3049]

Cash is King! Bad schandau looks like a great day out… with cash

[@holidaytripsholidaytrips7254]

3:24 Let that be a valuable lesson. Cash is king. Use it or lose it my friend. Once we lose the use of cash then life is over as we know it. You certainly won’t be travelling abroad as freely like you are at the minute More power to cash only business’ I say!

[@BengtHansves]

The trams are "Gotha-Wagen" made in DDR

[@johnawalker9261]

I have told two drivers who didn’t stop to allow me to cross at a junction that they should have. They both replied along the lines that there is not a zebra crossing there, they didn’t know the rule. The DVSA assumes that people always read the Highway Code when it is changed. Pedestrians who don’t drive, horse riders who don’t drive and cyclists who don’t drive have never read it. I think drivers who take the test in modern times do not read it because the questions are on the internet up to three months before they take the theory test. STUPID. The DVSA should go back to the driving test of fifty years ago. One mistake, failed. Five random questions on the Highway Code, got to get four right or failed, so you had to learn it in full. Smart motorways are not dangerous, it’s the drivers not learning the rules.

[@davidspear9790]

Are you commenting on the correct video or did I miss something?

[@majy1735]

Much of Germany is 'cash only'. As a seasoned traveller, I would have thought you were aware of that.

[@railnut21]

He might have been making a point for those who aren't seasoned travellers who could be caught unaware.