Cashless? (Score 5, Interesting)

What happens when the electricity is off? In northern Australia, we occasionally cop a cyclone (hurricane, typhoon). A severe cyclone can create so much damage to the electical system, a large area can be without electicity for a week, maybe longer. ATM's, EFTPOS machines and the communication network they need don't work without electicity. If we are without cash as well, what then? Go back to bartering for supplies? I'll trade you three eggs for a litre of milk! Adds a whole new meaning to "Cashless Society". The more technology advances, the harder we crash when it doesn't work.