How to Pay with QR Codes Using Crypto in Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand
How to Pay with QR Codes Using Crypto in Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand
How to Pay with QR Codes Using Crypto in Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand
Oct 31, 2025
Oct 31, 2025
Oct 31, 2025
In Southeast Asia, the use of digital currency is on the rise. Estimates suggest that nearly 70 percent of the region's entire population is unbanked or underbanked. Pair that with growing fintech adoption and supportive government initiatives, and cryptocurrency is quickly moving from a niche interest to an everyday utility. As of 2024, the digital currency market in the region had a value of about $86 billion, and forecasters expect that number to rise to more than $194 billion by 2033.
QR codes are adding a unique element to this digital transformation. QR code crypto payments are bridging traditional payments with blockchain technology, creating seamless, secure and fast transactions without the hurdles of conventional banking. Thanks to widespread mobile and digital wallet adoption, many are embracing Southeast Asia crypto as more than just an investment. With QR codes, it's now a viable option for making payments.
Southeast Asia is among the fastest-growing regions for fintech. Whether you're a traveler navigating local economies or an expat adapting to an exciting new norm, you need to understand how QR code payments are reshaping transactions.
How Digital Currency Transforms QR Transactions in the Region
Standard QR code transactions are already fast, convenient and safe. However, digital currencies are taking things to the next level, delivering speed, efficiency and cost savings like never before. Residents and visitors can link crypto wallets directly to QR codes, essentially eliminating the need for intermediaries. That peer-to-peer technology makes every transaction faster and more convenient. It's beneficial for both merchants and customers.
Major infrastructure developments are driving positive change. In Vietnam, popular platforms like MoM and ZaloPay are already experimenting with crypto integrations. Users can pay with crypto, and merchants receive near-instant VND settlements. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the country's Central Bank is backing initiatives from platforms like GCash. This partnership is creating a strong and flexible ecosystem that merges traditional and crypto payments.
Thailand is also getting in on the action. The country's PromptPay QR code system can facilitate stablecoin payments. Users can make QR code crypto payments domestically or across borders.
Cross-border capabilities are becoming the norm. Blockchain technology, combined with QR codes, is setting a new standard by breaking down barriers that once prevented people from sending money across national borders.
Stable Digital Assets: The Perfect Bridge for Daily Transactions
Cryptocurrency is notoriously volatile, and that presents significant challenges for making QR code crypto payments. Popular currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can fluctuate rapidly, creating a sense of unpredictability. While that's great for investing, it's not suitable for making digital wallet payments. That volatility makes many merchants hesitant to accept digital currencies.
Thankfully, stable digital assets are here to address this problem and provide a solution for everyday transactions. Stablecoins are currencies pegged to fiat currencies, such as the U.S. dollar. They maintain a relatively consistent value, providing much-needed stability for merchants and customers. Unlike more volatile currencies, stable assets do not change dramatically between scan and settlement, alleviating most of the concerns that merchants have about accepting crypto.
Combining QR code crypto payments with stablecoins overcomes the primary barrier of volatility, while still maintaining the benefits of speed, security and affordability.
Digital Wallet Integration: Connecting Traditional and Modern Systems
Mobile wallets are at the heart of the shift toward QR code crypto payments. Not only do these apps facilitate traditional digital wallet payments by integrating with existing banking systems, but they also integrate digital currencies to provide added flexibility. It's familiarity paired with innovation.
There's no shortage of great apps available throughout Southeast Asia, including MoMo, PromptPay, DuitNow QR, GCash, GrabPay, ShoppeePay and more. Many apps are adding stablecoin support to address concerns about volatility. They're also improving the overall user experience with more intuitive interface designs, built-in QR code scanning capabilities, easy wallet-to-bank transactions and more.
VietQR: Vietnam's Digital Payment Revolution
VietQR is Vietnam's national QR code standard. Introduced in 2021 by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam, VietQR was a collaborative effort developed by several major banks in the country. The goal of VietQR was to create a unified QR code format that could streamline digital transactions across platforms.
Over 90 percent of banks and merchants in Vietnam use VietQR in their infrastructure. It has helped facilitate real-time bank transfers and made cashless transactions accessible to the masses. More recent developments, such as the integration of blockchain technology and the adoption of stablecoins, position VietQR for even greater success in an evolving economy.
Thailand's QR Innovation: Cross-Border Solutions
Thailand continues to lead the charge in innovation in the digital payment space. The country's primary QR code network is ThaiQR, but it is often used interchangeably with the real-time system called PromptPay. PromptPay enables QR code payments across retail, transportation and utility sectors. The system significantly reduces reliance on cash, transforming the country's approach to managing money.
Recent blockchain integrations, including the TouristDigiPay program, are game-changers. It allows tourists to convert crypto to Thai Baht for local spending. Thailand is also expanding cross-border capabilities, enabling merchants, customers and travelers to make payments in Singapore and Indonesia.
Philippines: The Growing Digital Currency Ecosystem
Mobile wallet platforms GCash and Maya are making digital payments accessible to millions in the Philippines. GCash reportedly has 81 million active users, with over 2.5 million merchants accepting it as a payment method. Residents and tourists can make digital wallet payments when buying goods and services. However, these platforms also allow users to pay for utilities, pay bills and transfer money.
Improvements will further enhance the experience for locals and tourists. New initiatives aim to improve the security and efficiency of existing digital payment networks.
How Cryptocurrency Scanners Work: The Technology Behind It
Cryptocurrency scanners allow users to make blockchain-based payments by simply scanning a QR code with a digital wallet platform. The QR codes encode the recipient's digital currency wallet address. It also includes network details and payment information. Codes allow wallets to construct a verifiable transaction on the blockchain. Depending on the wallet, cryptocurrency scanners can support multiple networks, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, the Bitcoin Lightning Network and more.
Many payment systems have features that automatically convert crypto to a set stablecoin or fiat currency. This auto-convert feature helps protect merchants from volatility. With multi-token support, transactions process quickly and with minimal costs.
Start Using Modern Payment Solutions Today
Ready to start making QR code crypto payments? Digital currency is lifting many barriers for visitors and locals throughout Southeast Asia, and you can get in on the action during your travels to save money and enjoy seamless transactions. Moreta is a platform that lets you make digital wallet payments quickly and efficiently. It offers favorable exchange rates, top-notch security and state-of-the-art features that benefit users and merchants alike. Whether you want to pay for goods using QR codes during your travels, send money internationally or pay bills as an expat, Moreta has you covered.
Download the Moreta app today to learn more, try the platform's many features firsthand and see how its services can help you be a part of the digital payment revolution.
In Southeast Asia, the use of digital currency is on the rise. Estimates suggest that nearly 70 percent of the region's entire population is unbanked or underbanked. Pair that with growing fintech adoption and supportive government initiatives, and cryptocurrency is quickly moving from a niche interest to an everyday utility. As of 2024, the digital currency market in the region had a value of about $86 billion, and forecasters expect that number to rise to more than $194 billion by 2033.
QR codes are adding a unique element to this digital transformation. QR code crypto payments are bridging traditional payments with blockchain technology, creating seamless, secure and fast transactions without the hurdles of conventional banking. Thanks to widespread mobile and digital wallet adoption, many are embracing Southeast Asia crypto as more than just an investment. With QR codes, it's now a viable option for making payments.
Southeast Asia is among the fastest-growing regions for fintech. Whether you're a traveler navigating local economies or an expat adapting to an exciting new norm, you need to understand how QR code payments are reshaping transactions.
How Digital Currency Transforms QR Transactions in the Region
Standard QR code transactions are already fast, convenient and safe. However, digital currencies are taking things to the next level, delivering speed, efficiency and cost savings like never before. Residents and visitors can link crypto wallets directly to QR codes, essentially eliminating the need for intermediaries. That peer-to-peer technology makes every transaction faster and more convenient. It's beneficial for both merchants and customers.
Major infrastructure developments are driving positive change. In Vietnam, popular platforms like MoM and ZaloPay are already experimenting with crypto integrations. Users can pay with crypto, and merchants receive near-instant VND settlements. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the country's Central Bank is backing initiatives from platforms like GCash. This partnership is creating a strong and flexible ecosystem that merges traditional and crypto payments.
Thailand is also getting in on the action. The country's PromptPay QR code system can facilitate stablecoin payments. Users can make QR code crypto payments domestically or across borders.
Cross-border capabilities are becoming the norm. Blockchain technology, combined with QR codes, is setting a new standard by breaking down barriers that once prevented people from sending money across national borders.
Stable Digital Assets: The Perfect Bridge for Daily Transactions
Cryptocurrency is notoriously volatile, and that presents significant challenges for making QR code crypto payments. Popular currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can fluctuate rapidly, creating a sense of unpredictability. While that's great for investing, it's not suitable for making digital wallet payments. That volatility makes many merchants hesitant to accept digital currencies.
Thankfully, stable digital assets are here to address this problem and provide a solution for everyday transactions. Stablecoins are currencies pegged to fiat currencies, such as the U.S. dollar. They maintain a relatively consistent value, providing much-needed stability for merchants and customers. Unlike more volatile currencies, stable assets do not change dramatically between scan and settlement, alleviating most of the concerns that merchants have about accepting crypto.
Combining QR code crypto payments with stablecoins overcomes the primary barrier of volatility, while still maintaining the benefits of speed, security and affordability.
Digital Wallet Integration: Connecting Traditional and Modern Systems
Mobile wallets are at the heart of the shift toward QR code crypto payments. Not only do these apps facilitate traditional digital wallet payments by integrating with existing banking systems, but they also integrate digital currencies to provide added flexibility. It's familiarity paired with innovation.
There's no shortage of great apps available throughout Southeast Asia, including MoMo, PromptPay, DuitNow QR, GCash, GrabPay, ShoppeePay and more. Many apps are adding stablecoin support to address concerns about volatility. They're also improving the overall user experience with more intuitive interface designs, built-in QR code scanning capabilities, easy wallet-to-bank transactions and more.
VietQR: Vietnam's Digital Payment Revolution
VietQR is Vietnam's national QR code standard. Introduced in 2021 by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam, VietQR was a collaborative effort developed by several major banks in the country. The goal of VietQR was to create a unified QR code format that could streamline digital transactions across platforms.
Over 90 percent of banks and merchants in Vietnam use VietQR in their infrastructure. It has helped facilitate real-time bank transfers and made cashless transactions accessible to the masses. More recent developments, such as the integration of blockchain technology and the adoption of stablecoins, position VietQR for even greater success in an evolving economy.
Thailand's QR Innovation: Cross-Border Solutions
Thailand continues to lead the charge in innovation in the digital payment space. The country's primary QR code network is ThaiQR, but it is often used interchangeably with the real-time system called PromptPay. PromptPay enables QR code payments across retail, transportation and utility sectors. The system significantly reduces reliance on cash, transforming the country's approach to managing money.
Recent blockchain integrations, including the TouristDigiPay program, are game-changers. It allows tourists to convert crypto to Thai Baht for local spending. Thailand is also expanding cross-border capabilities, enabling merchants, customers and travelers to make payments in Singapore and Indonesia.
Philippines: The Growing Digital Currency Ecosystem
Mobile wallet platforms GCash and Maya are making digital payments accessible to millions in the Philippines. GCash reportedly has 81 million active users, with over 2.5 million merchants accepting it as a payment method. Residents and tourists can make digital wallet payments when buying goods and services. However, these platforms also allow users to pay for utilities, pay bills and transfer money.
Improvements will further enhance the experience for locals and tourists. New initiatives aim to improve the security and efficiency of existing digital payment networks.
How Cryptocurrency Scanners Work: The Technology Behind It
Cryptocurrency scanners allow users to make blockchain-based payments by simply scanning a QR code with a digital wallet platform. The QR codes encode the recipient's digital currency wallet address. It also includes network details and payment information. Codes allow wallets to construct a verifiable transaction on the blockchain. Depending on the wallet, cryptocurrency scanners can support multiple networks, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, the Bitcoin Lightning Network and more.
Many payment systems have features that automatically convert crypto to a set stablecoin or fiat currency. This auto-convert feature helps protect merchants from volatility. With multi-token support, transactions process quickly and with minimal costs.
Start Using Modern Payment Solutions Today
Ready to start making QR code crypto payments? Digital currency is lifting many barriers for visitors and locals throughout Southeast Asia, and you can get in on the action during your travels to save money and enjoy seamless transactions. Moreta is a platform that lets you make digital wallet payments quickly and efficiently. It offers favorable exchange rates, top-notch security and state-of-the-art features that benefit users and merchants alike. Whether you want to pay for goods using QR codes during your travels, send money internationally or pay bills as an expat, Moreta has you covered.
Download the Moreta app today to learn more, try the platform's many features firsthand and see how its services can help you be a part of the digital payment revolution.
