Surviving the cost of living crisis has impacted the obvious – affecting everything from domestic duties to business billings. However, an unexpected segment of society has also fallen victim to the rising financial challenges of Big City living …
Bustling streets across the globe have long been a canvas for street performers, or buskers, who bring music, art, and energy to our neighbourhoods. Yet, as the cost-of-living crisis tightens its grip and a cashless economy takes hold, buskers are finding innovative ways to adapt and survive.
Recent findings from PayPal’s Circular Economy Report reveal that cash is no longer king in Australia. In fact, 1 in 7 Australians have stopped using cash completely. This shift has profound implications for buskers, who traditionally rely on spontaneous cash tips. For Sydney-based busker Shirina Holmatova, the transition has been both challenging and transformative.
At just 23 years old, Shirina is a seasoned performer who started busking at the age of 13. What began as a way to combine her love of music with earning pocket money has since grown into her full-time career. However, she notes that the environment for buskers has changed drastically over the past decade.
“Ten years ago, Pitt Street Mall was alive with performers. And, earning a decent living was more straightforward because people carried cash,” Shirina recalls. “Now, with rising living costs and fewer people using cash, many of us are struggling to make ends meet.”
But, Shirina is not one to back down from a challenge. Recognising the need to adapt, she has embraced digital payment solutions such as PayPal QR codes. “PayPal QR codes have been a game-changer,” she says. “People trust the logo and feel secure knowing their money goes directly to me. It’s also incredibly convenient for them.”
This digital shift has allowed Shirina to turn what could have been a setback into an opportunity. With over 1.2 million TikTok followers and nearly a million on Instagram, her growing online presence has amplified her reach far beyond Australia’s streets. Social media not only helps her draw crowds to her live performances but also enables her fans to support her work through virtual tips.
The move towards cashless tipping has been echoed across the busking community, with digital payment tools providing a lifeline in a rapidly changing financial landscape. PayPal Australia’s Bonnie Brady highlights the importance of these tools. “Digital payment solutions like PayPal QR codes are transforming how street performers make a living,” she says. “Fans can contribute securely, ensuring performers never miss a tip.”
For Shirina, the embrace of technology has also unlocked international opportunities. Her talent and savvy approach to modern busking have taken her on tours in China and Korea. And, proven that adapting to change can lead to incredible growth.
As 73% of Australians now conduct the majority of their spending digitally, the days of relying on loose change may be fading. Yet, for performers like Shirina, the shift to a cashless society has become an invitation to innovate. And, to keep their art alive amid challenging times.
