Cash, Card, or 'Phone? (and a Learning Curve!)

Visitors to the U.K. should be aware that it is rapidly becoming a cashless society.

As in the U.S. it is increasing hard to find a branch bank. "Cash Points" (ATMs) are few and far between.

Very many purchases are made by credit/debit card, and by phone. Some businesses do not accept cash.

There is a well stocked mini-market near my Hotel.  'Tis the place for a wide array of items -  prepared meals and salads, baked goods, snacks, sodas, wine, beer and spirits etc.  'Tis like a much fancier 7/11, but without 7/11's inflated prices.

In the U.S.A we have Banknotes (Bills). 

But in the U.K. we have Promissory notes.   They bear the words "X Bank promises to pay the bearer on demand the sum of x Pounds"

The Bank of England is the only issuer of such notes in England.

 Scottish Banks have long been able to issue their own notes.

That right has been extended to Northern Irish Banks.  (The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro).

I was at the mini-market today, (Sainsbury's) paying by cash. 

My Northern Irish note was not acceptable.  (Wot!  we are all in the United Kingdom).

So, how did the Ulster Bank note get into my hands?  There is no mystery.  Just around the corner from the Hotel is a Youth Hostel. (c/f  Youth Hostels Association -  well known to budget travelers in mainland Europe, Ireland, and the U.K.)

My local Youth Hostel has a lovely little Cafe.  I go there for their wonderful Capuchino Coffees.  Doubtless I was given change with a (Northern) Irish promissory note which had been tendered by one of the clients.

Back at them for Monday mornings Capuchino!