Top 10 Countries that use most physical money

As digital wallets and contactless payments grow worldwide, some nations still cling to cash for everyday life. From small markets to bustling cities, residents continue to rely on bills and coins for groceries, transportation, and dining.

The Forex reports reveal striking differences in cash usage across the globe, highlighting unique economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors behind these trends. Sources: (Forex) (Visual Capitalist)

Click through to discover the top 10 countries where physical money still dominated daily consumer transactions.

1) Myanmar - 98%
Myanmar relies almost entirely on cash, with limited ATMs outside major cities. Street markets, food stalls, and even public transport operate in cash, while political instability has slowed digital payment adoption.

2) Ethiopia - 95%
Most rural Ethiopian farmers sell produce in local markets for cash. Mobile banking apps exist but remain limited, making coins and bills essential for daily transactions in both villages and cities.

3) Gambia - 95%
Cash dominates Gambia’s tourism-driven economy. Markets in Banjul and beachside stalls prefer bills, while mobile payment adoption is slow due to limited smartphone penetration.

4) Albania - 90%
Albania’s reliance on cash reflects a legacy of informal trade. Street vendors, cafés, and local artisans rarely accept cards, even in Tirana, emphasizing the central role of physical money.

5) Cambodia - 90%
In Cambodia, cash is king in markets and temples. Small vendors and tuk-tuk drivers rarely use cards, and informal savings practices reinforce the country’s deep reliance on bills and coins.

6) Laos - 90%
Rural isolation and limited banking networks make cash essential in Laos. Residents of Luang Prabang and Vientiane use physical currency for night markets, boat rides, and local street food.

7) Lebanon - 90%
Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis has made cash indispensable. Limited access to bank deposits and soaring inflation mean that daily life relies heavily on bills.

8) Nepal - 90%
Nepalese cash usage thrives in mountainous regions, where ATMs and card networks are scarce. Street vendors, temple donations, and trekking services operate almost entirely with physical currency.

9) Pakistan - 90%
Cash dominates Pakistan’s informal economy. Rickshaw rides, roadside tea shops, and local markets almost exclusively accept cash, while mobile banking slowly gains traction in urban centers like Karachi.

10) Iraq - 85%
Iraq’s dependence on cash is reinforced by economic instability. Petrol stations, street vendors, and small stores operate mainly in cash, as credit card adoption remains limited outside major cities.