Sweden can be one of the first countries to stop using cash. In most cities, buses do not take any cash. Instead, you pay for your tickets by card or mobile phone before you get on. Some businesses only take cards and there are banks that do not deal with any notes or coins.
In a cashless society, you do not need to worry about having enough change for the bus. You will feel much more secure as well. Statistics show that since the decrease in the cash economy, there is not as much crime in Sweden.
However, not all Swedes like the idea. Elderly people complain much about the problems of paying by card. Small business are also unhappy because they have to pay a little money to the bank each time somebody pay them using a card.
It is not just richer countries that are becoming cashless. Many countries in the developing world have found that mobile phones are perfect for transferring money. For example, in Kenya, only a few people have a bank account, but lots of Kenyan have mobile phone. Now people can pay for things in shops, pay their bills and their children’s school fees, and receive their salary with their phones. Kenya has led a revolution in mobile banking.
(Adapted from Navigate)

Sheena Southall, a 22-year-old student, was keen to test her limit when she agreed to appear on a TV show. It has been described as one of the most fascinating shows in the world.
She saw an advert which said: “Do you want to make some quick cash and do you want to travel?” She talked to herself: “Why don’t I have a try? I’m always looking for an opportunity to test myself.” So, she applied for the job, went for an interview, and got it. At the interview, she explained how she was prepared for any challenges. Then, just as she was leaving for Singapore she found out that she was going to become a skyscraper window cleaner.
The job was challenging. She had to pull herself up and down carrying heavy water buckets. If she didn’t clean the windows properly, they would tell her to go back and do it again. But she admits the experience has changed her. As soon as she got back, she finished her studies and graduated. She started hunting for a job that would be both exciting and tough. Sheena says: “Nothing will ever be as exciting and scary as that first day of cleaning windows up in the air. But if you don’t face your fears and accept what life offers you, how will you know what you are capable of? It has been the best experience of my life so far.”
(Adapted from Gateway)