Mastercard, in collaboration with Apple and MobileTmoney, has launched a service allowing international travellers to use their iPhone or Apple Watch for contactless transit payments across South Korea. This initiative, available through the MobileTmoney app on the Apple App Store, eliminates the need for physical transit cards or cash by enabling users to top up their balance directly in Apple Wallet with a Mastercard debit or credit card.
The service aims to simplify travel for visitors by allowing seamless payments across subways, buses, and taxis. Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President of Core Payments for Asia Pacific at Mastercard, stated, "Travel should feel effortless, especially when you're exploring a new destination." He emphasised that the service provides travellers with more choice and a smoother experience.
Youngju Kim, Director of Payment Business Division at Tmoney, highlighted the collaboration's goal of making public transport as accessible to visitors as it is to locals. "By working closely with Apple and Mastercard, we're extending our transit infrastructure to support all users," Kim said.
To get started, international visitors can download the MobileTmoney app, register quickly, and top up their balance using a Mastercard card in Apple Wallet. Android users can also access contactless payments via the KOREA TOUR CARD app on Google Play.
This development marks a significant step in enhancing the travel experience for international visitors to South Korea, offering a more convenient and secure way to navigate the country's public transport system
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