M-PAiSA Gaining Ground
It even allows you to pay for your airline ticket .
Vodafone Fiji has recorded an 100 per cent increase in international money transfers since last month.
Head of e-Commerce and Corporate Affairs Shailendra Prasad said mobile payments via M-PAiSA was a business opportunity that could no longer be ignored.
“From $2 million before coronavirus (COVID-19), sending and receiving money through M-PAiSA has grown to $4.5 million in April.
“This month, international money transfers via M-PAiSA is $7 million.”
Vodafone Fiji recorded $30 million in M-PAiSA’s entire monthly transactions following the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Mr Prasad said. But M-PAiSA is more than just about remittances.
Fee-free
“M-PAiSA has enabled people to pay for recharge, settling their utility bills, making lay-buy purchase payments, cashing out your shopping, buying your ready-made cup of coffee, and sending or receiving money from 94 countries.”
Launched in October last year, MPAiSA can be accessed nation-wide without the use of internet, Mr Prasad said.
“Keep your data on, just so that it connects to the network - even if you are without data.
“That’s how it works.
“The service is free.”
Every Vodafone user is, by default, an M-PAiSA account holder, who only has to activate the account and create a pin code to access it, Mr Prasad said. “More people are moving from physical markets to virtual markets.” M-PAiSA helps the Government keep track of all transactions, Mr Prasad said.
The breakdown
M-PAiSA, international award winning app, is used by 150,00 Fijians.
“Most services via M-PAiSA is free, with no maintenance fees.
“It’s secure, allowing you to view your transaction details in real time, every time a transaction takes place, without the need for a printed statement.”
M-PAiSA is accessible at 550 outlets nationwide.
Mr Prasad said the 550 outlets represented 60 merchants.
“And more people are signing up.
“In fact, it allows you to pay for your airline ticket.
“When you pay through Visa or Master card, there is a three per cent surcharge, which means you pay $30 for a $1000 ticket.
“With M-PAiSA, its absolutely free.” The app was built by two engineers within a year.
Digital trade
Digital economy through digital trade and virtual market is the new reality, Mr Prasad said.
“And Vodafone is ready to play the game in the new arena.
“The future is indeed exciting.” M-PAiSA offers competitive rates where sending fees for money transfers range from 50 cents to $1. Mr Prasad said COVID-19 brought with it the development of cashless economy.
“Everyone needs money, but not cash. “The importance of cash is gradually waning as the world moves to cashless payments and digital trade in the connected world.”