Hamilton Island announced this week that it will no longer accept cash, a controversial move that has seen many customers reeling at the thought of extra fees and charges while on holiday.
The issue made national news, with some holiday makers saying they will boycott the island and vowing never to visit again.
One social media post said, “Everybody should boycott it, nobody go there and see how long it lasts”.
Another said, “Goodbye Hamilton Island! Never again!”
“Sorry Hamilton Island, have had to cancel my trip as I can't stand for a cashless society,” said another.
Hamilton Island released a statement earlier this week saying that while it operates a cashless environment, it also remains committed to providing convenient and secure payment options for their guests while ensuring operational efficiency within the constraints of the island.
The new cashless policy was communicated through the Island’s website and pre-arrival communications.
For guests preferring cash transactions, deposits and withdrawals can be made using the Bank@Post service at the Australia Post office on Front Street, where cash can be exchanged for pre-paid or top-up Mastercards.
Fee-free card payments can be made via EFTPOS, a 1.25% surcharge only applies to credit and 'tap and go' transactions.
The closure of the bank branch on Hamilton Island in 2021 prompted the transition to a cashless environment, despite efforts to find an alternative banking solution, none were viable.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this transition, as concerns arose about the potential transmission of the coronavirus via banknotes.
Following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, Hamilton Island opted to continue this approach for the following reasons: Health and wellbeing, convenience, and security.
Photo supplied ; shutterstock
