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666 points jcartw | 3 comments | | HN request time: 0.798s | source
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djrj477dhsnv ◴[] No.43622385[source]
How do people pay for illicit drugs, prostitution, bribes, etc.?
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1. lucasoshiro ◴[] No.43622531[source]
This post is about how Brazil created a universal payment technology that most richer countries don't even dream to have. And a technology that works, is free, easy to use, and become part of reality of country that, despite having several tech companies, isn't exactly recognized (yet) as big player in the tech scenario.

And you keep repeating these old-fashioned stereotypes?

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2. djrj477dhsnv ◴[] No.43622789[source]
Huh? What stereotype? It was an honest question that I haven't heard a good answer for how black market payments will work as societies go cashless.

In the US, it seems that 3rd party systems like Venmo are lightly monitored when it comes to payments for minor crimes. But I imagine that would change when there is a single government controlled payment system with total transparency.

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3. lucasoshiro ◴[] No.43623542[source]
> It was an honest question

Sorry if I misunderstood you, but just as tip, make it clear in your question. Probably the downvotes are from people who are tired of having Brazil being associated with drugs, crime, corruption and sex while it is a giant country with so many things to offer, and with so many hard working people doing their best.

But answering: just like any other country. Cash, jewels, money laundering, etc. Pix is not a replacement (at least so far) for cash, is just a modern option. And I really question if it will be someday a full replacement. Pix is amazing, but for a daily use (in restaurants, physical stores, etc) it is still more practical to pay using cards as Pix takes a little time to grab the phone, opening the bank app, scanning the QR code, typing the PIN and hoping that the internet connection is good enough for that