In for a penny…
Ireland is introducing a policy of ’rounding’ when it comes to paying for goods, and giving change, on Wednesday October 28.
Rounding means that every charge will be rounded up or down to the nearest 5c, in an attempt to reduce the need for 1c and 2c coins. For example, a charge of €12.67 will round down to €12.65. A charge of €12.68 with round up to €12.70.
The programme is entirely voluntary, businesses will still be able to demand exact payment and customers can still ask for exact change, but the programme has been a resounding success in many other countries including Canada, Denmark and The Netherlands.
According to studies, 9 out of 10 Irish people would rather get rid of the 1c coin, and over 8 out of 10 would also like to say goodbye to the 2c coin.
1c and 2c coins will remain legal tender after this programme is introduced. Consumers and businesses will now simply have the option of leaving their 1c and 2c coins at home or in the till, hopefully making life a bit more convenient for us all.
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