One day, you’re wondering where to find the shortest fuel queue. The next, central bank decides to change its currency, fix a short deadline on old notes, then goes ahead to make the new notes scarce and force everyone to go cashless.
I didn’t think it’d be an issue really, until my bank started acting like the weapons fashioned against me, and I couldn’t even go cashless in peace.Â
So, I tried to survive on only ₦500 cash at hand for two weeks, and I’m still alive. It’s very likely you don’t have cash too — or you don’t have enough for the necessary small transactions — so let me teach you how to survive this period.
Stay at home
Whoever invented introverts knows ball. I’m not much of an outside person, but this period has further taught me the wisdom of sitting at home and eating whatever I have in my kitchen. If work makes you leave your house every day, I sympathise with you.
Do online transfers for EVERYTHING
When they work, at least. A friend told me how she transferred ₦300 to a pepper seller. Thing is, you won’t know who accepts transfers unless you ask. Ask that okada man for a transfer option today.
Become interested in fitfam
Do you really need to take a bus when you can walk? Do you actually crave shawarma, or are your village people just working overtime? You can always tell yourself you’re pursuing your fitness goals.
Sleep
You can’t spend money while you sleep.
Shop at supermarkets
Since the major problem is cash, do your shopping at places where POS transactions are readily available. Of course, your bank can still disgrace you, but what’s life without a little risk?
Date a POS attendant
Who knows, you might get free new notes as a relationship privilege. Plus, imagine dating one of the hottest set of people in Nigeria right now.
Just give up
Even if you survive the two-week mark, what’s the assurance that the cash situation would’ve improved by then? God, actually abeg.
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