The local supermarket or gas station can be a good example but few of my students do the shopping or drive a car. However, the thought of not being able to go to the movies or downtown on a weekend due to a national cash shortage suddenly makes this situation very real to them. I must admit that I was even suspicious of the Euro and questioned my own ability to move to another currency. Given my background in technology, I have also been very sceptical of overusing technology for payment, especially on The Internet. The present situation may actually be one of the historical events that push reluctant souls like myself into the next stage of development.
History is full of examples of events that result in major changes for society.
The Stock Market crash of 1929 for example resulted in major reforms to the economic policy of the United States, many of which are still in place today. E-cash on smart cards is one solution that, until now, was considered just a progressive novelty. In the city of Esch in Luxembourg, they have been experimenting with a system for parking meters and parking facilities that allow people to use such a system for payment rather than coins. The card is purchased once and the chip is simply loaded with electronic credit. The chip can be reloaded when it is running low or empty.