An automatic ticket vending machine is installed in Hội An City in Quảng Nam Province. VNA/VNS Photo

The Việt Nam Railways Corporation (VNR) has announced that starting from August 20, customers will be able to connect and purchase train tickets via e-wallets like Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay.

This move is aimed at making it easier for customers, especially international tourists, to buy tickets online and pay with their bank cards.

Previously, international tourists often purchased train tickets through travel agencies or tourism websites rather than directly from VNR's website because they couldn't use foreign-issued bank cards for direct payments.

VNR will open a payment gateway through VNPAY, allowing international cards issued by foreign banks to be used. This means that international customers can now easily book and pay for tickets directly from abroad, without needing to go through an agent.

The railway industry has also installed automatic ticket vending machines at popular domestic tourist destinations such as Nha Trang Post Office, HCM City Post Office, Đà Lạt Station and the Tourist Support Centre in Hội An City in Quảng Nam Province.

These automatic ticket vending machines feature large screens, user-friendly interfaces and are available in both Vietnamese and English. Users can easily perform actions such as selecting ticket information, choosing payment methods and completing transactions according to the instructions.

It is hoped these machines will help save time during peak periods, lower the risks associated with using cash and allow passengers to choose their preferred seats, book multiple routes and use discounts to save costs. — VNS