Cash Only

Lagos is one of those places you plan to visit for two days. And then somehow stay for a week…

It may well be the coziest town in the Algarve. A charming old center where everything is within walking distance. Narrow streets, lively squares, terraces that always seem full, and hostels where people from all over the world stay. Some for a weekend. Others arrived years ago and never left.

You naturally end up talking to people.

Like a couple from Stockholm.

They loved the Algarve. The beaches. The people. The relaxed atmosphere.

But there was one thing that really stood out to them. Especially in Lagos.

"Cash only."

The signs were everywhere. In cafés, beach bars, market stalls and small restaurants. Far more often than back home.

They laughed.

"In Sweden, it's exactly the opposite. Everywhere you look it says 'Card only'."

It made me think.

Sweden is leading the way in digital payments. Hardly anyone carries cash anymore. It's fast, safe and convenient.

Portugal sometimes seems to be moving in the opposite direction.

More and more people believe that cash means freedom. That not every cup of coffee needs to be recorded. That you shouldn't have to depend on banks, payment systems or the government for every transaction. And yes, some small business owners also prefer to avoid card payment fees.

Two countries.

The same euro.

A completely different philosophy.

That afternoon I paid in cash.

And left a ten percent tip.

It somehow feels different from tapping a card and pressing a button on a payment terminal. Handing someone a banknote feels more personal. As if you're not just paying the bill, but also saying thank you.

Maybe cash isn't just money.

Maybe it's also a little bit of human connection.

And a grateful smile