Already have the cash for our London trip… now what?
Planning Our London Trip: Do Cash Grocery Stores Still Exist?
Hi Everyone,
I’ve noticed a lot of chatter about cash and cashless payments lately, and I’m hoping to get some specific insights.
My family and I are heading to London soon, staying in the South Bank area. While we plan to use cards for things like train fares, we wanted to use cash for our grocery shopping.
We’ve already exchanged our money for this, so I was surprised to learn that many places in the UK have shifted to cashless transactions. As someone who has never been to the UK before, I didn’t realize how prevalent this is.
Given that we have cash on hand, can anyone confirm if the following stores in the South Bank/Waterloo area accept cash?
- Waitrose & Partners
- Sainsbury’s Local
- Tesco Express
- Local Express
- M&S Simply Food
I’ve searched their websites but found mostly vague information, so I want to clarify before our trip.
Any information about the stores listed or other grocery stores (or even affordable fast-food options) that accept cash would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Hi there!
It sounds like you’re gearing up for an exciting trip to London! While it’s true that many places in the UK have moved towards cashless payment options, there are still grocery stores and fast food spots that will accept cash, although it can vary by location.
Here’s a breakdown for the stores you mentioned in the South Bank/Waterloo area:
Waitrose & Partners: Many locations do accept cash, but it’s best to check with the specific one you plan to visit. A quick call or checking the store website could help confirm.
Sainsbury Local: Most Sainsbury’s Local stores still accept cash, but again, it’s good to double-check the specific location.
Tesco Express: Generally, Tesco locations accept cash, but the smaller Express stores sometimes have less flexibility, so calling ahead could be a good idea.
Local Express: This can vary by location, but many Local Express stores still take cash. Definitely worth checking the specific store.
M&S Simply Food: Most of these stores accept cash, but it’s worth confirming with the exact location you’ll visit.
For other options, you might consider:
Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl: These generally accept cash, and they often have more budget-friendly options if you’re looking for affordable groceries.
Fast Food: Many places like McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King usually accept cash, so you should have some options there.
To be on the safe side, I’d recommend having a mix of cash and card available, just in case you encounter a cashless store. Enjoy your trip to London!