Contactless payment solutions are slowly but surely gaining more ground in the Philippines. Indeed, more and more Filipinos are appreciating the benefits of cashless transactions such as convenience and increased security. Going cashless is also safer for one’s health, as it minimizes physical contact and thus reduces the risk of disease transmission.
Thankfully, more and more stores are now adopting contactless payments. There are thousands of Maya QR partner merchants nationwide, for example, where you can use either your phone or your linked card for purchases. Where exactly can you use Maya and other contactless payment options? Here are just a few examples:
Pharmacies and Drugstores
The difference between pharmacies and drugstores is the variety of the items they sell. Pharmacies usually only sell medicines, along with medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic creams, and the like. Drugstores, on the other hand, aren’t just a source for over-the-counter and prescription drugs. They also sell a wide variety of items, including baby and adult diapers, baby formula, personal care products, and even cosmetics. Aside from these, most drugstores in the Philippines also sell numerous brands of snacks and beverages. What’s even better is that some items are much cheaper to buy at drugstores than at supermarkets. In addition, there are certain products or brands that are often available only at drugstores.
There are quite a few pharmacies and drugstores in the Philippines that already accept contactless payments. These include big names like Mercury Drug and The Generics Pharmacy.
Supermarkets and Groceries
Filipinos love shopping for their basic necessities in supermarkets, especially since most of these stores are located inside malls. From fresh fruits, vegetables, and produce, to small kitchen appliances and pet supplies, supermarkets are one-stop-shops for many of your needs. Another reason that people love shopping in supermarkets is that they usually have a rewards program. For budget-conscious individuals, this is definitely a huge advantage. Indeed, those who have the rewards card of a supermarket usually receive bigger or additional discounts and offers during sales.
Many supermarkets across the country now offer multiple contactless payment methods. These include Robinsons Supermarket and even Landers Superstore.
Department Stores
Department stores are yet another favorite for many in the Philippines, this time when it comes to clothes, shoes, homeware, furniture, appliances, toys, jewelry, and more. Most department stores carry a huge number of popular retail brands, along with in-house products and sometimes exclusive partnerships with designers or manufacturers. Filipinos especially love 3-day sales and other seasonal promos by department stores because of the huge savings. Of course, they also have many convenient payment options including contactless methods. The department stores of the two biggest mall chains in the Philippines, SM and Robinsons Malls, are just two among many that now offer contactless payment options.
Clothing Stores
As mentioned in the previous section, you can find a lot of popular retail brands in department stores. Nevertheless, many of these brands also have boutiques or branches of their own. Usually, this is where they have more stocks and more variety. If there are any exclusive product launches from the brand, they often release them first in their own stores.
Many clothing stores and boutiques offer contactless payment methods nowadays, including international and local brands such as Adidas and Penshoppe. What’s great is that payment solutions providers usually partner with these clothing brands for exclusive discounts and other promos.
Bookstores
You’ll know that it’s school season in the Philippines when you see parents flocking to bookstores to get school supplies. Aside from classroom essentials, bookstores are also popular hubs for books, office supplies, art materials, and gift items. At times, bookstores also host book signings and other events.
For many Filipinos, a bookstore is practically synonymous to National Bookstore. Here, you can buy a wide variety of school, office, and art supplies and pay for them using contactless methods.
Fast Food Restaurants
Filipinos love fast food chains because of the many affordable value meals they have on the menu. Their clientele range from students to young professionals, from families with young kids to senior citizens having their weekly meet-ups. Another reason that fast food chains are so popular in the Philippines is convenience. If you need a quick snack or maybe some pasalubong, you can drop by a fast food restaurant to buy a value meal or two. For even more convenience, fast food chains now offer contactless payment methods. The Philippines’ biggest chains—Jollibee and McDonald’s—are just two of the many fast food restaurant chains that offer this payment option.
There are many more brick-and-mortar stores that now offer contactless payments, including gas stations, convenience stores, and gyms. There are also medical clinics and hotels that also accept this kind of payment solution. With the way things are going, it’s highly likely that you’ll see more establishments offer this option to their customers.
