Eligible Wise Account customers can now scan local QR codes in more than 50 destinations and buy eSIM data plans with the data and days they choose, Wise announced on 6 October. 

Scan Local QR Codes From The Wise App

In the Wise app, you can now pay through local payment schemes such as PayNow in Singapore and PromptPay in Thailand, and through Alipay+ in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Cambodia. 

Mainland China is covered through Alipay+ too, and Wise says you don’t need a separate app there. Its announcement doesn’t mention WeChat Pay, so if a shop only shows a WeChat Pay code, you’ll need another way to pay.

QR Payments Add A 1.2% To 2% Fee

Each QR payment uses the mid-market exchange rate plus a fee that depends on the country and the type of QR code, according to Wise. At 1.2% to 2%, spending RM1,000 adds RM12 to RM20, and a conversion fee applies on top if you pay in a currency you don’t hold.

Paying with a Malaysian credit card abroad costs 1% to 2.5% in foreign transaction fees, and a card advertising 1% can cost closer to 2% to 2.5% once the card network’s 1% charge is added. Cards and QR payments aren’t strictly like for like, so compare what you’d pay in total, including any conversion fee, before you choose.

The eSIM Lets You Pick Data And Days

Custom eSim plans are available for Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Elsewhere, you choose from pre-set regional plans, which cover more than 150 destinations in total.

You only need to set up the eSIM once. Every plan you buy afterwards runs through it, and data is only used when your phone connects to a supported network at your destination. For light use such as emails and browsing, Wise says 1GB to 2GB is probably enough for a week. Heavy use, such as video streaming or sharing your data with other devices, could need up to 10GB.

If your plans change, you can request a full refund on an unused eSIM data plan from your Wise account within 12 months of purchase, as long as you haven’t used any data on it. For a plan you’ve partly used, refunds are reviewed case by case and aren’t guaranteed.

Buying And Setting Up The eSIM

To buy a Wise eSIM, you’ll need an eSIM-compatible phone. Open the Wise app, tap Cards, then Travel Hub, and pick your destination and the data you need. 

You pay for the eSIM from your Wise balance, so top up first as external cards and bank accounts aren’t accepted. eSIM prices aren’t listed on Wise’s website, so compare the price in the app with your telco’s roaming pass before you buy.

Haven’t got the Wise Card yet? Apply before your next trip.

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