The Perth Mint sparks outrage after making unbelievable call on cash: 'This is crazy'
- Tourist 'astounded' mint that makes coins doesn't accept them
- Mint says the reason is to combat financial crime
- READ MORE: How to get your hands on Australia's new Olympic $2 coins
An tourist has been left outraged after discovering that Australia's oldest mint has been cashless for years.
Despite manufacturing and selling coins to collectors, The Perth Mint in Western Australia has been cashless since July 2021.
The mint is a popular tourist attraction and draws crowds of coin enthusiasts when a collectible denomination is released.
The Perth Mint also has a shop where the public can buy souvenirs, along with bullion bars in different metals like gold.
Adelaide tourist Chris told Yahoo she was 'disappointed' when she went to buy a collectible coin with a friend and was told the mint doesn't accept cash.
'The lady looked at me when she sort of said, "Oh, we don't take cash", and just pointed to the sign on the counter... I thought, "This is crazy",' she said.
'They have a huge gift shop there and it sort of ranges in prices for gifts.
'There were other things that were quite expensive, but you would at least think for the cheaper line, they would be accepting cash for that ... I was just astounded.'
The Perth Mint (pictured) does not accept cash, which has left a tourist 'astounded'
A mint spokesperson has said going cashless was to help stop money laundering and 'other financial crimes' (stock image)
Chris revealed she was unable to use any other form of payment on that particular day.
She had been recently scammed by a fake parking meter and had arrived with cash after needing to cancel her credit card.
The mint, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, was under UK government control until 1970 when the Western Australian government became its owner.
Despite the mint having made most of Australia's lower denomination coins up until 1983, it is now the county's 'largest fully integrated, innovative precious metals enterprise'.
A Perth Mint spokesman said being cashless is about fighting crime.
'The cashless payment policy is part of our systems and processes to combat money laundering and other financial crime,' he said.
Daily Mail Australia contacted The Perth Mint for further comment.
