Last month, Spain was plunged into darkness after a massive power outage left people without electricity. Although the blackout did not reach the Balearics, it crashed mobile phone and internet services and left thousands of Brits stranded across the country.
And now holidaymakers jetting off to Spain to catch some long-awaited sunshine are being urged to make sure they carry cash on them in the event of a repeat incident. One expert says cash is “a vital safety net” during periods of disruption. Chris Jones, director of PSE Consulting, says the widespread power outages are a “stark reminder of why cash remains essential”.
He said: “The widespread outages across Spain, Portugal and some parts of France are a stark reminder of why cash remains essential. As digital transactions dominate more aspects of daily life, we risk overlooking the fundamental resilience that physical money offers during periods of disruption.
“When systems fail – whether due to technical issues, cyberattacks, or power outages – access to cash ensures that people can still buy essential goods and services. In emergencies, cash becomes more than just a payment method; it is a vital safety net.
“While cash usage continues to decline across Europe, events like this reinforce why maintaining robust access must remain a priority. This includes identifying and supporting critical services – such as supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies – to ensure they can continue accepting cash when digital systems are down.”
Cash is still a leading payment method in Spain with it accounting for 40% of payment methods across the country. Having cash on hand is helpful for smaller purchases, especially in more rural areas or at local markets. Small businesses, cafes, bars and taxis may prefer or even require cash for low-value transactions.
This warning shouldn’t be too hard for us Brits who prefer paying by cash in Spain.
Scandinavian countries, including Sweden and Norway, are also urging residents to keep emergency cash handy in case of emergencies.
Mr Jones added: “Protecting access to cash isn’t just about supporting vulnerable groups – it’s about ensuring the whole economy can function when digital systems falter. The outage is a clear reminder: in times of crisis, cash still counts.”