Money might be made of numbers, but how we use it? That’s deeply human.
It’s slipped into envelopes, pooled in circles, pressed into small palms.
It pays for futures, celebrates milestones, and says what words sometimes can’t.
Every corner of the globe has its own rituals around how we save, send, and gift money.
Some of these habits are centuries old. Others are less than five years fresh. But across continents and cultures, the ways people interact with money tell quiet stories of trust, tradition, and the human side of finance.
In Ghana, we can say susu is an ancient social safety net. Long before banks were even a thing for most people, susu groups were already doing the job, quietly and powerfully.
It usually starts with trust. A group of friends, co-workers, or market traders agree to chip in a set amount regularly, daily, weekly, or monthly. Each time, one person gets the whole pot. Next round, it’s someone else’s turn.
It’s simple, trusted, and helps people cover school fees, restock businesses, fund travel, or handle emergencies.
In Nigeria, it’s known as esusu or ajo, depending on the region. Different names, same power: a culture of communal finance that works.
These days, susu is going digital. Fintech platforms are stepping in with apps that make contributions easier to track and manage. But even with smartphones and dashboards, the heart of susu is still about community, trust, and helping each other save money.
Also ready: Best way to send US dollars to Ghana from abroad
In Brazil, money moves at the speed of life, thanks to Pix.
Launched in 2020 by the Central Bank, Pix is the go-to way to pay for everything. No bank details or account numbers. All you need is a phone number, email, or random key, and boom, the money’s there. Instantly. Any day, any time.
Brazilians now use Pix to pay rent, buy groceries, split dinner bills, tip delivery drivers, book appointments, shop online, send birthday gifts... really, everything. It’s turned everyday transactions into instant connections.
It’s so common that “just Pix me” has become a national catchphrase.
What makes Pix so powerful isn’t just the speed. It brought millions of unbanked Brazilians into the financial system, allowing street vendors, students, and retirees to participate in low-cost and simple money transfers.
It’s fast, free, and so natural to use, it barely feels like banking.
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Nigerian celebrations are something else, full of vibrant colours, loud music, and endless energy. Right at the heart of it all, money plays a starring role. At weddings, the “money spray” is a beloved tradition where guests throw bills over the dancing couple as a way of saying we love you, we wish you abundance, and we are here to celebrate with you. It is joyful, lively, and truly unforgettable.
But there’s more to it than fun. The money is often collected by the bridal party and helps cover wedding expenses. It's a symbolic and practical gesture rolled into one.
Then there is asoebi, where family and friends wear matching outfits to show their support and unity. The money raised from these outfits helps the hosts organise the event and adds colour and meaning to the occasion.
It turns giving into a performance of love, pride, and cultural identity. Money here is loud, visible, and communal.
Also read: The easiest way for Nigerians abroad to send US dollars home
In India, money often shines. Literally. More than just decoration, gold is a form of security, a way to save, and a cherished cultural tradition.
Families buy gold during festivals like Diwali, at weddings, or to celebrate new births. Gold is gifted but also kept as a valuable asset, especially in rural areas where banks might not be trusted or easily accessible.
It also has a special role in women’s financial independence. In many villages, women carry their savings by wearing bangles, earrings, and necklaces made of gold. It is something they trust deeply, something that holds real value both culturally and financially.
While cities are quickly moving towards digital payments and online investments, gold still shines bright as a symbol of wealth and security.
So when Indian families talk about saving, the bank is only part of it. They think about the gold tucked away in a safe, the necklace given at a wedding, and the bangles saved for a daughter’s future.
It is wealth you can wear, gift, and pass down through generations.
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In Japan, giving money is a thoughtful ritual. It’s quiet, refined, and full of meaning.
At weddings, funerals, or New Year celebrations, cash gifts are presented in beautifully crafted envelopes. The patterns, colours, and even how the bills are folded matter. Nothing is rushed. It’s all part of the ritual.
Children also grow up with this practice. During the New Year, they receive otoshidama, pocket money slipped into playful, festive envelopes. It’s a small moment that teaches them early about generosity, respect, and the unspoken language of giving.
The envelope itself tells a story. For weddings, it’s the ornate goshugi-bukuro, tied with red and gold cords. For funerals, quiet black-and-white designs. For children, playful colours and cheerful motifs.
The elegance of this ritual lies in how much care surrounds a simple act. Every detail matters.
If Ghana has susu, Mexico has tandas, a savings ritual built on trust, routine, and real-life goals.
The idea is just as simple: a group of people agrees to contribute a fixed amount at regular intervals. Each round, one member receives the full amount. Then it’s someone else’s turn. The cycle continues until everyone’s had their share. No interest. No contracts. Just community.
But while susu is often coordinated by a single trusted collector, tandas tend to be more informal, passed down through families, neighbourhoods, or even office groups. Your mum might run one. So might your hairdresser, or your co-worker at the corner shop. And there’s usually a número, a draw or agreement that decides who gets the pot each round (sometimes by luck, sometimes by need).
What makes tandas special is how much life they carry. They’re a way to save, yes, but also a reason to gather, catch up, and check in. Some say it’s like saving money with friends, plus a little gossip on the side.
It’s money management built on shared trust, handwritten notes, and a promise to show up week after week.
Also read: Cheapest and easiest ways to send USD to Mexico
During Eid celebrations, Egyptian children know one thing for sure: Eidiyah is coming.
This tradition involves older relatives handing out crisp bills as gifts to the little ones. It’s a festive moment filled with laughter, new clothes, and the excitement of visiting family. For kids, Eidiyah is money and celebration tied to love and connection.
It’s often a child’s very first experience with cash, and it teaches them that money can be part of happy memories and special moments. It’s about generosity, sharing, and the passing down of care through a simple but powerful ritual.
It also creates a sense of belonging. Children eagerly count their gifts, sometimes saving up for something special or sharing with siblings. The tradition brings generations together, turning simple cash gifts into memories and bonds.
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The persistence of these practices reveals something essential about the human relationship with money. It embodies desires, fears, and hopes. They remind us that every transfer is part of a larger human story of trust, tradition, and community.
Grey was created with this truth at its heart: Behind every exchange, balance, and transfer is a person, a purpose, and a bond.
So we invite you to open a free account and make your next transfer part of this story.
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