Hard to Credit!

I went into the mobile phone shop here the other day to top up my phone. Like home, I expected to be able to top up by logical amounts, like $10 and $20 perhaps. But, oh no, how about $6 (€3) or $18 (€9), sir?!

I know 6 is a perfect number and all, but it's a bit on the low side for a mobile phone top up! Even if mobile charges are way cheaper here (no surprise there!), I can't see the logic of going to the trouble of processing a top-up amount that small. I don't know how it works in Ireland (I've always had a bill pay phone), but here the top up is a plastic wrapped credit card like thing with a coating that you scratch off to reveal the top up and pin numbers.

Imagine getting a €3 top up in Ireland? It would almost be gone by the time you got out of the shop!