Text message verifications for credit card transactions
In other countries, people are used to receiving text messages after each of their credit card transactions. Given that this helps alert people to possible fraud, »
Do I really need that picture?
When people bring GoPro's with them to tourist attractions, what do they plan on doing with the footage? Are they actually going to scrub through it »
Consolidate the train system
I overheard that there's a separate train line for Peruvians to get to Machu Picchu that's cheaper and less fancy. While I understand the desire to »
Cash transactions
It's no surprise that in cash economies people are often skeptical of counterfeit bills. As transactions grow in size, the recipient is forced to bear the »
On patinas
Why do we have a desire to restore some old things to mint condition, while we prefer patinas on others? By extension, who gets to decide »
Net neutrality at risk
In emerging markets, it's becoming increasingly common for phone companies to compromise net neutrality and give free unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp. While arguably, »
Credit cards at the table
Abroad, it's common for restaurants to bring credit card readers to the table when it's time to settle the bill. In addition to giving me peace »
Defaulting to assuming people are locals
Because I look racially ambiguous, people often don't know what to make of me, especially when I'm traveling. Typically people default to assuming that I'm a »
Drinkable tap water
Drinkable tap water is easy to take for granted. At home, whenever I'm thirsty, I go to the nearest faucet without thinking about it. But, on »
Gender on seating charts
In Peru, when you select the seat with Movil Tours, the seating chart shows you which seats are currently assigned to male and female passengers. Airlines »