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Hong Kong businesses can refuse cash payments despite legal tender status

In Hong Kong, while bank notes and coins are designated as legal tender, businesses are generally not compelled to accept cash payments. This is due to the principle of freedom of contract, which allows merchants to set their own terms for payment methods, including opting for electronic payments or cards exclusively. This commercial decision is not overridden by the Legal Tender Notes Issue Ordinance or the Coinage Ordinance, nor by the Basic Law. AI

RANK_REASON Article discusses legal and commercial principles regarding payment methods, not a specific event.

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Hong Kong businesses can refuse cash payments despite legal tender status

COVERAGE [1]

  1. SCMP — Tech TIER_1 English(EN) · Alexander Tang ·

    Legal tender and electronic payments – can we insist on paying in cash?

    When a tourist tried to pay for a burger in cash at a Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant in 2023, staff refused. The outlet accepted only cards and electronic wallets. The episode went viral, with debate raging over whether or not this is legal. After all, Hong Kong bank notes and coins co…