Wise has expanded QR payments and added customisable eSIM plans to its app, with customers in Singapore and Malaysia among the first globally to access both features from today.
The QR payment service covers more than 50 destinations.
Customers can already use PayNow QR in Singapore and DuitNow QR in Malaysia. The app also connects directly to QR Ph in the Philippines, Swiss QR-bill in Switzerland and Qvik in Hungary.
A partnership with Ant International’s Alipay+ also lets eligible customers scan supported merchant QR codes in markets including mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Cambodia.
In mainland China, eligible travellers can pay at supported merchants without a Chinese bank card, local mobile number or separate app setup.
The eSIM service offers standard regional plans covering more than 150 destinations. Customisable plans let customers choose their data allowance and duration.
These customisable plans are available to customers in Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, the European Economic Area, the US, Canada, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
Customers install the eSIM once and buy subsequent plans through the app. Data use begins when the eSIM connects to a supported network at the destination.
Wise also offers refunds for purchased data plans that have not been used.
SK Saraogi, Asia Pacific CEO at Wise, said
“Singaporeans are used to the ease of scanning a QR code to pay, but overseas, a different payment system in each destination can turn a simple purchase into a frustrating exercise. Travellers shouldn’t have to set up a new wallet or hunt for an ATM just to buy breakfast from a street food vendor.
With Scan to Pay, we’re bringing these local QR networks together in the Wise app, helping customers pay like a local with an app they already use. Alongside our customisable eSIM, that means less time figuring out how to pay and stay connected, and more time enjoying the places they’ve come to discover.”
Yen Ting Chiam, Malaysia Country Manager at Wise, said,
“Malaysians want to travel for authentic local experiences, but juggling different e-wallets or searching for a money changer just to pay a local street vendor is frustrating. That’s why we’re building on the Wise Card to support global QR payments within the app.
Combined with our customisable eSIM, travellers can explore with peace of mind, spending less time on logistics and more time enjoying the destination.”
This article first appeared on Fintech News Singapore.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Wise
