Wise has launched a direct fix for “arrival anxiety” by combining customizable eSIM data plans with an unmatched cross-border QR code scanner that works across five continents.

The Wise eSIM introduces a highly flexible model to a telco market historically defined by rigid, pre-packaged expensive roaming plans. Alongside standard regional plans in more than 150 destinations, Wise is among the first in the world to launch customizable data plans to customers in the UK, EEA, US, Canada, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, giving travelers the power to design the type of coverage:

• One-time eSIM installation: Customers only need to download the eSIM to their device once rather than for each individual trip.
• Custom Controls: Travelers can buy the data directly from the Wise app, set the exact data allowance and the exact number of days they need, mapped perfectly to their itinerary.
• Data Estimation Guidelines: Intuitive, in-app guidelines to help customers avoid over or under-buying data before they depart.
• Unused Data Plan Refund: Wise will refund travelers for any unused data plans they purchase but do not use. Handy for those times when travel plans change.
• Instant Activation: The data will only be used when the eSIM is connected to the supported network at the destination.

While cards work at hotels or airport duty-free shops, daily life down on the street moves to its own rhythm. Many countries around the world run completely on individual domestic QR codes. Because these systems were built for locals, foreign travelers have historically been locked out – forced to either track down physical cash at ATMs or sign up for a messy folder of single-use local e-wallets. Wise has broken down this barrier by becoming the first to bring together QR codes from five continents into one app.

Wise’s direct connections with local payment schemes such as PayNow (Singapore), QR Ph (Philippines), DuitNow (Malaysia), Pix (Brazil), PromptPay (Thailand), Swiss QR-bill (Switzerland) and Qvik (Hungary) means that for the first time, all of these local payment schemes are now available in one place – through the Wise app.

Through a strategic partnership with the Alipay+, Ant International’s unified wallet gateway network, Wise has simplified payments for travelers visiting Asia. In the Chinese mainland, where cash and foreign card payments are not commonly accepted, eligible Wise travelers can scan the QR and pay at millions of local Alipay+ enabled merchants directly through the Wise app without needing a Chinese bank card, local mobile number, or separate app setup required.

The partnership enables Wise users to make cross-border QR payments in more than 50 destinations globally including Hong Kong, Nepal, Korea, Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

Beyond eSIM and QR codes, the Wise Account has also added pay as you go airport lounge passes, country guides with destination tips, as well as features like multi-currency bill split and group spending to make managing navigating new countries and managing money with friends and family a breeze.

Wise eSIM plans and QR payments are available in the Wise Account from today.