Digital Payments: Safer during Emergency and Crisis

Online shopping and digital payments have become an integral part of modern lifestyle. These payments offer a wide range of options and make life easier for customers. However, this modern invention gains even more relevance in the times of emergencies and catastrophe. Whether it is a natural disaster in the form of floods or earthquake or it is the outbreak of a fatal disease, the facility of making digital payments can make surviving crisis more manageable. Here are some of the ways digital payments may be used for crisis management.

Avoid the Spread of Infection: Online shopping is a viable option to displace regular shopping where you need to step out of the safety zone of your house and expose yourself to elements. This feature is especially useful in the case of infectious outbreaks such as the spread of a virus. In these cases, the germs are generally spread through exposure to these pathogens. However, with the help of online shopping, you can avoid unnecessary outdoor trips. On one hand, the use of online shopping will work towards limiting your exposure to foreign elements. On the other hand, the chances of you catching any such infection are also greatly reduced. If there is any outbreak or there is any other disaster, then meet all your urgent requirements by going for online shopping than stepping out.

Stock up On Your Daily Requirements: Access to online shopping and digital payment also enhances your market reach. You are no longer dependent upon your local market or store for buying stuff. Even if your local markets have run out of items including food items and other necessities, you can order essentials from online sites. Such sites may be within your country or even global , thus increasing availability of such items. With online shopping, you can also avoid complications such as hoarding as you can simply order the items as and when you want to instead of hoarding them.

No requirement to Rush to the Bank: During crisis, it is important to maintain liquidity so that you can meet expenses as and when they arise. However, during such times, it may not be convenient or even possible to visit your bank to withdraw money. In these circumstances, it is vital to have access to modes of digital payments. You can combine online shopping and digital payments to survive these catastrophic times. Even if you have to undertake offline transactions, digital payment methods such as the use of wallets may be made for paying for these dealings. The convenience of such payments can make it a lot easier for you to go through difficult times.

Donate to Good Causes: Crisis times call for cooperation and the pooling of funds. You can use online payment methods to donate to various charities helping people prevail in such times. Digital payments create novel ways to manage funds. The use of crowdfunding for sourcing money which is to be used for welfare and rescue measures is one such innovation. You can donate to charities through net banking or credit cards, thus helping other people. In other cases, you may be the recipient of such funds as these methods allow you to receive funds even from far off places.

Reduce Exposure to Currency: Online shopping and digital payments can greatly reduce the stress during crisis times. However, it is still very important to protect yourself against infections and other emergency issues. In order to curb the spread of viruses, you should practice proper hygiene by carefully washing your hands and avoid unnecessary contact with others. You should also make liberal use of cleaning agents such as hand sanitizers and cleaning wipes. These precautions should be used while handling cash as well since coins and notes may carry  germs. You can try curtailing your exposure to currency by using digital payment methods. However, in the circumstances, when you cannot avoid contact with currency, then you should try to limit your exposure by using gloves and other protective mediums. You should also use sanitizers before and after handling cash.

Digital payments are a blessing during crises.