Recently, the three departments jointly issued a notice to remind major merchants, especially those in the F&B, retail and accommodation industries, that they need to prepare enough cash to meet specific consumer needs.
This latest notice has undoubtedly caused quite a stir among operators and consumers. Cash, as a traditional payment method, seems to be less common today with the increasing popularity of digital payments.
Seniors, and some special groups need to use cash. For example, migrant workers and foreign tourists may not have enough conditions to open a local bank account or complete the relevant electronic payment binding.
In particular, some foreign tourists are difficult to quickly integrate into our electronic payment system due to language and policy restrictions. In order for these people to enjoy a convenient consumption experience, the use of cash is particularly important.
As tourism recovers and develops, more and more people are starting to travel across cities and even across borders. On the go, in the face of payment habits and technical constraints in different places, cash is often the most straightforward and convenient solution.
From buying a map to paying for temporary transportation, from street food from street vendors to remote areas where mobile payments are not available, the need for cash is everywhere.
For children, cash also has a special educational value. In this era of high popularity of digital payments, many children are unfamiliar with the concept of "cash".
When parents are educating their children on how to manage money, it would be very beneficial if they could use cash to teach them how to make change, how to save and plan for expenses.
Although the notice is simple, it reflects the nuanced care and consideration of different social groups. While merchants are required to reserve cash, they are also helping to build a more inclusive and convenient consumption environment.
For consumers, one more payment option is undoubtedly a good thing. In some emergency situations, when the electronic payment system is down or the network connection is unstable, cash payment is particularly important.
Many consumers said they were open to the change, believing it would bring both convenience and flexibility.
This notice has also promoted the emphasis on cash culture to a certain extent. Today, as digital payments gradually replace traditional payments, the importance of cash as a payment method is re-recognized. It's not just about the diversity of payments, it's about cultural heritage and technology inclusivity.