Includes references (64-66 p.)

'ABSTRACT The Zimbabwean economy has been facing predominant challenges of cash shortages and cash is the widely National Payment System instrument that is used in the country. On the other hand the aspect of globalization as well as the proliferation of consumer tastes beyond the national borders cannot be eliminated in spite of the challenges within the country's National Payment System. The thesis analysis the effect of a National Payment System on consumers who reside outside the country's borders, but use the economic resources of that particular country. The study uses a descriptive research technique with the aid of questionnaires and interviews to gather primary data. Information gathered include the level at which the National Payment System affects the consumer's income as well as consumption patterns. Other critical questions include the effects on different levels of consumption by income from home country and whether there have been changes in both income and expenditure in the previous year since the beginning of the cash challenges. The study compares data from Zimbabwean students as well as that from other countries. Secondary data was extracted from the country's central bank ( Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe), multilateral organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and World bank as well as the journals, books and newspapers. The results of the study also shows that 64% of the Zimbabwean students get their income from their home countries and out the whole population 60% of the students agree that the National Payment system affects their consumption. '