Holidaymakers at Hamilton Island should make sure to bring their debit or credit cards as the Whitsundays destination is now entirely cashless.
Hamilton Island, one of Australia’s most popular holiday spots, started changing its money policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and does not accept cash at any of its outlets.
“The choice to become cashless was driven by the imperative to ensure the safety of our guests and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the privately owned island explains on its website.
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“Following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, we have opted to continue this approach.”
The island resort’s team cite the health protections, convenience and security of cashless payments as contributing to its decision.
A 1.25 per cent surcharge applies to credit and tap and go transactions made on the island via credit or debit cards. This surcharge can be avoided by inserting your card and paying by cheque or savings.
Cash deposits and withdrawals can also be made using the Bank@Post service at the Australia Post office on the island, where cash can also be exchanged for pre-paid or top-up MasterCards.
Social media users in a Facebook group called Cash Is King blasted the decision.
Multiple people said they would remove the island from their bucket lists as a result.
“One place I’ll never visit,” one user said.
“Well, I’ll cross that off my holiday list,” said another.
“Another holiday destination to not go to,” another user said.
“That is one place I won’t be going in the future,” one person said. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
“If they don’t want your money, then don’t give it to them,” another person said.
But not everyone is against the policy, with some pointing out the logistics of cash on an island make it less desirable.
“Cash would be a huge pain on an island,” one person said.
“What, you gonna do a run to the mainland every single day in a boat to do banking?”