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Space Money Invented For Space Tourists

Posted by Zonk on from the in-spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The foreign exchange company Travelex has invented a unit of currency designed to be used in space commerce, the Quasi Universal Intergalactic Denomination (QUID). The QUID is made of a space-qualified plastic, with round edges to prevent injuries in zero gravity. One QUID is equivalent to about 6.25 pounds, 12.50 dollars or 8.68 Euros. Of course, space currencies are already a staple of science fiction, with 'credits' being the most popular."

3 of 296 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Round edges.... by icebrain · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Paper's flammable (or at least, easier to light than plastic).

    My question is: how do you fight counterfeiters with plastic money? Seems like it would be relatively easy to fake, compared to metal or newer paper currencies?

    --
    The meek may inherit the earth, but the strong shall take the stars.
  2. Re:Round edges.... by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Coins also are conductive, which could short out electronics if they float into a panel being serviced. They're also more likely to do damage if left floating when the vessel undergoes sudden acceleration whereas plastic can deform more readily.

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  3. Re:Round edges.... by norminator · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The QUID is made of a space-qualified plastic, with round edges to prevent injuries in zero gravity. What the hell is wrong with paper currency? 0g paper-cuts?
    Actually, why do we need physical money in space at all anyway? Why not just have it be all electronic? Wouldn't this be the true space age, and we're still going to be relying on physical currency? It seems like having your money float away would be more of a problem in 0G than getting cut from sharp edges.