LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS
YOU CAN PAY BY CARD, CASH, OR CONTACTLESS
Aug. 18, 2026
Level: Pre-intermediate (A2-B1)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Ordering and Paying for a Meal; Banking and Finance; Travel and Leisure; Challenges; Article Based; Speaking; Vocabulary and Grammar; Comparatives and Superlatives; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 08/18/2026
In this lesson, students will read an article related to different paying methods. They will practice vocabulary from the article and study comparative and superlative forms with examples in the text. They will then use this language to discuss the content of the article within their local context. (by Edward Alden)
- CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
- CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
- CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT
IS CASH STILL KING?
How tourists prefer to pay nowadays
As global tourism recovers, professionals across the industry are facing new challenges. Offering flexible and efficient payment options is no longer a bonus — it’s essential. Walk into any souvenir shop, hotel lobby, or museum café, and one thing is clear: payment habits have changed — fast. More and more tourists are tapping their phones or cards, while others are still reaching for their wallets.
In many destinations, for example, contactless payments have become the most popular method because they are quicker, easier, and often more reliable than traditional methods. "We’ve seen a huge shift," says Sofia Almeida, a front desk manager in Lisbon. "Ten years ago, people preferred to pay in cash. Now, contactless is by far the most requested method."
Knowing how to assist customers with purchases can significantly impact their overall experience. But how do you make a transaction smoother and more professional? When helping a customer complete a transaction, it’s important to clearly explain the options available. "You can pay by card, cash, or contactless," is a good starting point. Then, add details as needed: "If you're using a card, you can insert, swipe, or tap" or "Let me explain how you can pay using your phone — it works like this…" Bruno, a tour operator in Florence, said: "The guest taps their phone on the reader, and if the amount is low enough, they don’t even need to enter a PIN, and the machine issues a receipt. It usually takes just a few seconds."
Among the most common problems professionals face is when a card is declined. It’s important to handle this discreetly: "If a card is declined, we immediately offer alternatives," says Lucia, who works at a museum ticket counter in Seville. "We might suggest paying with cash or using another card. It’s best to stay calm and helpful."
Cash is still more widely used in rural areas, while urban centers tend to be more digital-friendly. Some systems even allow users to apply a discount automatically when paying with a local card or app. But there’s a downside: digital payments can come with hidden costs. Some banks charge a fee for currency conversion, and some stores charge extra for smaller card payments. "We always inform guests in advance, we can say: ‘We charge a small fee for credit card payments,’ or ‘No extra fee applies if you pay in cash’. It’s better to explain this clearly to customers," says Lucia.
Tourism professionals are also expected to manage difficult situations, like complaints or cancelations. "If a guest isn't happy, we can refund the customer, but the method depends on how they originally paid," says Diego, a restaurant manager in Madrid. "It’s important to follow the right steps."
So, is cash still king? Perhaps not — but it’s certainly not dead either. Cash is still the most reliable option in smaller towns or markets, where Internet signals might be weaker or card machines unavailable. The most successful professionals are those who can adapt quickly, offer choices, and explain clearly. As Sofia puts it: "Tourists don’t just want the best price — they want the easiest payment, too."
Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/you-can-pay-by-card-cash-or-contactless. Accessed on September 1, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.
