[hycaria]

I used to take 200 euros every few weeks at the ATM when I lived in Germany, and had to carry around min. 30 euros to be sure I could run errands on my way home or whatever. Honestly I didn't feel comfortable taking all these bank notes from the atm in the middle of other people, and carrying so much cash all the time. Had I been robbed, or had I lost it, it was simply gone. A card fraud you can contest (and hopefully be covered if your bank and card insurance is good enough)

Now that I've left ? Rarely have more than 10 euros in my pocket, can take 20 euros at ATM and not give a shit about fees. I can pay with my card everywhere.

[mpweiher]

> A card fraud you can contest

In Germany, that's very difficult, the courts generally assume that the chip+PIN system is safe.

And of course, you don't actually think that you are not paying for card fraud, do you? You just pay for it in the fees the card companies charge.

[chrisseaton]

But if the fees are the same for people who pay with cash and people who pay with card, which they are, then you’re better off using a card.

[mpweiher]

Well, that's the prisoner's dilemma "defect" strategy. Works great one time round. Not so well in repeat games, as of course it means everyone pays more all the time.

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_resu...