BAD LUCK: A Cashless Economy in Zimbabwe? With Little Cash, There’s Little Choice.

To withdraw money from their accounts, many Zimbabweans must spend hours in lines or make multiple visits to their banks. Credit cards are accepted at very few establishments in Zimbabwe.

To keep cash inside the country, the government has banned imports of certain goods. It has also encouraged the use of debit cards and mobile money. In August, there were more than four million debit card transactions in the country, more than three times the total in January, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

For months, business was languishing at the Tipperary’s nightclub, a popular spot for professionals in Harare. Patrons simply did not have the cash to hang out.

“Since the introduction of swiping machines, business has improved a bit,” said Edmund Rukweza, a bartender at the club.

Some have discovered the strange change in consumer behavior induced by plastic.

“I’ve found it less painful to use my card than taking out hard cash from my pocket,” said Edward Vambire, 32, who had spent $3 on three lottery tickets at the MegaGame Sports Betting parlor.

It looks like Zimbabwe has figured out how to get people spending money again — make them feel like it isn’t real.