Da Nang, called the most livable city in Vietnam, understands that it needs to design new programs to better serve travelers and speed up digital transformation to create comfortable experiences for tourists.

In Da Nang, An Thuong street is located in My An ward in Ngu Hanh Son where many foreigners gather to enjoy the city’s landscapes and Da Nang’s specialties. Business households there now allow travelers to make payment online with QR codes and e-wallets. 

Jonathan Jonny, a traveler from the UK, was seen on July 27 paying with QR code for food and services he used on Tran Bach Dang street. It took him only 30 seconds to do so.

“In general, we rarely bring cash with us when traveling, for security reasons. We can also make payment online here, so we can have a better shopping experience,” he said.

Dang Thi Ni Na, owner of a café, told VietNamNet that she began accepting online payments very early because she understood that it was inevitable. She said about 80 percent of clients pay by scanning a QR code.

Na prefers online payments because it benefits both sellers and buyers.

“Customers just have to remit the amount of money they spend, and we don’t have to return change. It is comfortable,” she said. “Now travelers don’t have to bring wallets. They just need to bring smartphones.”

Nguyen Thanh Tuan, the owner of a shop on Bach Dang street, said he is satisfied with online payments because he can manage the revenue well.

“Previously, when I received cash, it was difficult to calculate turnover at the end of the day. But now when all information can be checked on the computer, I can search for all the information,” he said. “In general, the online payment method satisfies both buyers and sellers. You’ll never forget to bring your wallet."

Bach Ngoc Hai, chair of My An Ward, said the local authorities have invested to upgrade urban infrastructure to better serve tourism in An Thuong area. The online payment aims at creating favorable conditions for travelers, which is part of the project on modernizing services.

There are about 150 business households on the street, and local authorities hope 100 percent of them will get used to non-cash payment methods.

Cong Sang