Cash accepted post-Covid?

We returned from London on the 7th and every place we went accepted cash although most assumed contactless payment would be used. For topping up our Oyster I used a card as the machine wouldn’t accept my old paper £20 notes. Shops like Tesco Express and Sainsbury Local were almost exclusively card only. Had we wanted, we could have gone the entire trip without cash.

Covid has only accelerated the UK to more of a cashless society. Exchanging cash was cut back as a source of transmission, but like losing masks, businesses will accept cash now (Like any business is going to refuse your patronage!).

It is expected now that you will use card or phone app. The driver for many is that the upper limit on this method has been raised to 100 Pounds, so most any transaction can be done. The other advantage for Americans is that using Tap to Pay or Google/Apple Pay; is that no PIN is required, so no signing slips...quick and easy.

Plan to use your card, it's OK, it is no different than using a debit card to get cash. If it helps, download your CC companies app, and go online and pay the bill everyday or couple of days...so no bill when you get home. If your card is not Tap to Pay (it will have a WiFi symbol on it), your card company should gladly reissue you a new capable one.

A few places are cash only, some are card only and most take both. A couple of years ago at the height of the pandemic, hardly anybody accepted cash, so we have got used to paying this way.

I have worked in London for 30 years and I have never had an issue with pick pockets and I don’t know anybody that has - just be sensible.

London, and the UK in general, is one place where you don't need to worry about pick pockets.

Where are you reading about pick pockets?

Been visiting London for 40 years, nary a pick pocket!

I always have both cash and credit/debit cards.

I did notice that pin cards usage was more prevalent during the Covid restrictions but suspect cash is once again being accepted throughout the realm.

Buy your Oyster and load it with poundage via a machine at an underground or train station. VERY easy to do.

but they'll have your phone off the table at a cafe if they can distract you, or your bag off the back of your chair.

It is worth taking simple precautions.

Comments like Nigel's are what I had read. Maybe pickpocket wasn't the best word choice, but not traveling with a backpack on the tube, people swiping things from tables etc.

Such “ thefts “ can happen anywhere.

I’d never leave my phone on a table in states or in Europe. Nor would I leave a purse or iphone in my car.

Be prudent but do not assume that you’ll be preyed upon.

I don't use any cash in London anymore. My last trip all my transactions were either via a contactless credit card or Apple Pay; much more convenient.
My last trip to London I witnessed a well-dress gentlemen with his hand in my mothers coat pocket. The trip before that my brother had his backpack slashed at the Victoria Coach Station. So it's prudent to take precautions from pickpockets.

The Metropolitan Police has some good tips:
https://tinyurl.com/2p84cc7u