Wise Launches Cross-Border QR Payments and Travel eSIM

Wise is a multi-currency financial technology company that provides international payment and money transfer services. To resolve payment hurdles faced by global travelers, Wise launched two travel features for eligible account holders: cross-border QR code transactions and customizable eSIM roaming data plans. Following its July introduction of DuitNow QR support in Malaysia, Wise expanded mobile functionality to allow users to pay merchants abroad directly through local payment rails and manage mobile connectivity without purchasing physical SIM cards or setting up foreign digital wallets.

Key Facts

Attribute Value

Provider Wise

Initial Prioritized Market Malaysia

Previous Milestone DuitNow QR rollout in July

QR Payment Coverage Over 50 destinations globally

Supported Networks PayNet (DuitNow), Alipay+

Unsupported Networks Listed WeChat Pay (not mentioned in rollout)

Survey Metric 91% of surveyed Malaysian travelers faced international payment hurdles

eSIM Installation Requirement One-time device download

Refund Policy Full refund for unused eSIM plans if travel itineraries change

Availability Eligible Wise Account customers via gradual rollout

How Do Wise Cross-Border QR Payments Work?

Wise cross-border QR payments enable travelers to pay international merchants by scanning local QR codes directly within the Wise application. By connecting directly to national payment schemes rather than routing through intermediaries, Wise eliminates the need for travelers to download, configure, or fund foreign digital wallet applications while traveling abroad.

The feature operates through Wise’s direct network integrations with local settlement infrastructures, including PayNet for domestic DuitNow transactions in Malaysia and Alipay+ for transactions across China. The current deployment does not include support for the WeChat Pay platform. The system addresses international friction identified in a YouGov survey commissioned by Wise, which revealed that 91% of Malaysians who traveled abroad in the prior 12 months encountered payment hurdles, frequently citing difficulties accessing or registering local merchant e-wallets.

Wise connects directly to local payment schemes across more than 50 destinations globally, including PayNet and Alipay+, allowing account holders to scan international QR codes without configuring local e-wallets.

How Do Wise Customizable eSIM Plans Work?

Wise customizable eSIM plans provide mobile roaming data that travelers configure directly inside the Wise app based on exact trip requirements. Instead of requiring users to install separate digital profiles for every journey, Wise allows customers to download a single eSIM profile to their mobile device once and assign bespoke data packages to it.

Users specify their itinerary by purchasing an exact data allowance and defining the precise number of active days needed. Data purchased for the roaming profile activates only after the device registers onto a supported network in the destination market. If a customer alters their travel schedule or cancels a trip, Wise issues a refund for unused data plans.

customers only need to download the eSIM to their device once Wise

Wise allows travelers to configure exact roaming data allowances and duration on a single reusable eSIM, with full refunds provided for unused data plans if travel plans change.

Who Is This For?

Wise designed these tools for international travelers and cross-border commuters seeking to eliminate roaming connectivity fees and foreign merchant payment barriers. The service specifically benefits individuals traveling across over 50 covered territories who previously relied on manual cash exchanges, physical SIM card replacements, or restrictive local mobile wallet registrations to transact abroad.

According to YouGov research commissioned by Wise, 91% of Malaysian outbound travelers reported payment complications during overseas trips over a 12-month span. Wise targets this user base by combining multi-currency balances, cross-border QR code settlements, and integrated cellular connectivity within a single mobile interface.

A YouGov survey commissioned by Wise found that 91% of Malaysian international travelers encountered overseas transaction difficulties, making integrated cross-border payment rails a critical travel utility.

Common Questions

What happens to a Wise eSIM plan if travel plans change?

Wise provides a complete refund on unused eSIM data plans if a traveler’s itinerary changes and they do not travel to their intended destination, as data is only consumed once the device connects to a supported local network.

Which payment networks are integrated into Wise cross-border QR payments?

Wise connects directly to local payment networks, including PayNet for DuitNow in Malaysia and Alipay+ in China across over 50 destinations worldwide. The announcement makes no mention of support for Tencent’s WeChat Pay platform.

Do travelers need to download a new Wise eSIM for each trip?

No. Customers download the Wise eSIM profile to their compatible device once. For subsequent trips, users purchase data directly through the Wise app by choosing specific data allowances and operational day limits corresponding to their itinerary.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on reporting and corporate disclosures published by Lowyat.NET regarding Wise product launches, including technical specifications for its cross-border QR payment integrations and travel eSIM roaming service. It incorporates survey findings conducted by YouGov on behalf of Wise regarding outbound international travelers from Malaysia. No external estimates, currency conversions, or unverified claims were applied. This article was last updated on October 6, 2026.