In Dubai you don't need cash or card, you pay with your face
Who knew that face payments would replace paying with a card and cash?
Imagine being able to pay for items with your face? It feels like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Paying with your face is not new for residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but it might seem futuristic to South Africans. In 2023, the Carrefour hypermarket chain in the UAE introduced this innovative payment method.
Watch this Instagram video that shows how this payment method works.
"Carrefour and Network International, a payment processor based in Dubai, have introduced new technology that lets UAE customers pay at the checkout counter with just their faces.
According to a statement by International Finance, "[Consumers] can now pay for goods at Carrefour by grinning at a payment terminal instead of taking out a phone or card."
It sounds like something that would appeal to anyone who prefers not to carry cards, cash, or phones around. The new technology and payment system aim at improving the checkout process, making it "swift, practical, and seamless."
However, some commentators weren't too eager to sign up for this payment method. One person wrote, "'Your face is declined' would be a more embarrassing situation."
Another said, "The end of Cash is the end of Freedom." Others said this was terrifying and another way for governments to play 'Big Brother'.
According to the International Finance website, "Face Pay is the most recent payment method to enter the UAE retail market as more and more customers choose cashless transactions. According to the MENA Fintech Association, most transactions in the Middle East are anticipated to be cashless in 2023 (69%)."
The future of cashless involves introducing face payment methods at our supermarket chains. Would that make shopping a more pleasurable experience?
After all, standing in a queue isn't the most inviting thing, so online shopping has become popular in South Africa and worldwide.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
- Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
- Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
- Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
- Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606
- Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
Follow us on social media:
Image Courtesy of Instagram