I was excited to see this as well. I visit Czechia often. What makes it even more interesting, and makes me wonder how it impacts this stat, is how much "cash discount" tax evasion I know happens. And I mean like, it isn't even hidden. I've seen multiple Prague restaurants with both signs (like outside the front door!) and webpages with HUGE notices about a 30% discount for cash. Like, that is NOT because of the swipe fees which are EU regulated. When I asked a friend who owns a bar why, she said it was to avoid the taxes. Even she was surprised they were so brazen about the discount, but not that surprised.

That said, any Czechs who want to chime in to correct me / expand on the topic, I'd be very interested in your perspective.

[–] jjpamsterdam@feddit.org 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

As a Dutchman living in Germany I understand that feeling. Germany too is a very cash heavy society. With that comes widespread tax evasion. Anyone who has ever hired a contractor for any repairs around the house will know the question: with or without invoice? It's the same for any restaurant. More often than not the card payment terminal will be "out of order" right now, but cash is welcome.

[–] jumperalex@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

Yeah at least Old Town Prague and surrounding areas hasn't been too bad about magically broken CC machines. And only like one place we go regularly is 100% cash only, which means they also don't advertise a specific discount.

I was VERY surprised at how much Germany didn't want to accept CC. Sure we were in Essen which isn't touristy, but even Dortmund was more CC-averse than Prague and we were in Dortmund the week before the Euro's in 2024. Heck I think Koblenz was less CC averse! But my previous experience was Frankfurt and Nuremberg touristy areas so that colored my previous perception of Germany's CC acceptance I'm sure.

As for trades people, HA! Yeah my dad was commercial HVAC for diners in New Jersey in the 70's thru 00's. LOTS of cash in those businesses. "How much for cash?" was a very regular question the owner would ask him when he handed them the invoice ;-)