But having exact change on hand is seen as being responsible and prepared, which is another highly valued trait. You came into the shop with the ability to pay the exact amount of the purchase.

That's made easier by the VAT system as opposed to the US sales tax system.

Totals are easy to calculate in your head. I'd say this is a stronger driver of cash use than anything cited in the article.

Years ago I collected all change for 6 months without spending any. Afterwards I counted all to see how much of each type of coin I have collected during this time. The idea was to see if it is worth bothering collecting all coins or is there are a cut-off for me as I dislike having carrying really thick and heavy wallet. It turned out that for my pattern of cash use collecting coins bellow 10 cents really wasn't worth it.

A few years ago I visited Berlin again and tried to leave few cents in local supermarket. It was the only time while being there that I can remember people giving me unfriendly looks. Cashier was also visibly unhappy.

When I pay with cash and the change would be below 5 cents, I usually say "Stimmt so" (i.e. "keep the change") and just leave. If I forget and the cashier puts change on the counter, I just pick the golden and silver coins and leave the rest lying there.

I don't remember any unfriendly looks. But then again, I'm German, so I probably just didn't notice the looks. :)

Oh youll them if you paid attention.

The cashier's get into trouble if they have an incorrect amount of money in the counter and you're essentially telling them you're too good to bother putting the coins into the donations box sitting centimeters next to you.

If that isnt rude, I don't know what is.

This only applies to big discounters thought. The smallish shops and bakers don't mind at all.

If there is a donations box or a tip jar, I'm using that. But that's available in maybe 10% of shops (most drugstores, some bakeries, no supermarkets).

To be honest I didn't see donations box nearby, but I would not bet on not being there either. If there was, I would certainly put coins there.

People just collect them at home and bring them to the bank when they make holidays or so. Usually I don't see small coins used by anyone except cashiers for return money.

Personally I just throw them in those collection boxes for good things at airports and train stations when I leave the country.

Also, almost every store accept touch-pay method where you just touch your CC with the terminal and it is payed without entering pin or providing signature.

Only works if the amount is less then 25 EUR but still it is much faster then cash.

> Also, almost every store accept touch-pay method

Definitely not the case in Berlin where cash is king, German bank cards work often, and credit cards are rarely accepted.

Pretty much every national chain, especially supermarkets, accepts credit cards. You won't have as much luck at owner-operated stores or restaurants. Berlin is probably the most card-friendly place in Germany by the way.

I'm indeed thinking independent stores, family-run restaurants and discount markets such as Netto which only accept the German card; local kiosks and fast-food places take cash only. I can confirm credit card works in upscale markets (like Rewe) and major chains.

Both Netto with and without a dog in the logo (competing chains with the same name) now accept credit cards, same with other discount markets such as Aldi, Lidl, and Kaufland. Major exceptions in the food sector are most Penny and many Edeka stores (a lot of the latter I would categorize as "upscale"). You are right about independent stores and restaurants. Unless you know for sure all places you plan to go to take cards you should carry enough cash.

> both Netto with and without a dog in the logo

I call them "red Netto" and "black Netto" because of the yellow-red and yellow-black color scheme. (The main color is, frustratingly, also the same.)

> Only works if the amount is less then 25 EUR but still it is much faster then cash.

For my card (N26) I can still use the feature but I'll have to enter my pin. Still faster than sticking it into the slot.

This is only true for big chain things. Pretty much everywhere in Europe I've been.

Was giving it a try in Salzburg AT for 2 days now. Haven't found a single machine that takes contact less chips so far. Not even big chains

Now failed to buy anything in the linz, AT trainstation where I checked a few selectors and smaller stores.

Whatever you think. This is central Europe and visible Badly supported

Just gave it a try in budweis, CZ. Only big chains in the supermarkets had these readers.

I lived in Austria and Switzerland. I never really experienced this. For me this is as rare as faulty credit cards which have the same annoyance levels.

In Austria people often just hand over more and say 'bast scho' (tip). Or otherwise pay a little bigger and take the change. In switzerland it's only the latter and less tipping but again nobody even looks at their own small coins.

Nearly everyone I know just has a glass at home where they throw the small coins in but never would really use them.