The infamous COVID-19 has pushed normalcy into a tailspin. To lessen the impact, nations across the globe are taking solid measures – urging citizens to stay indoors; limiting social gatherings, shutting down public places, home quarantine, work from home, and so on.
The global financial market on other hand is no less spared by the pandemic. While it has become one of the biggest curses to the world’s economy, as well as businesses — both large and small, resulting in economic disruption, online payments are on the rise.
Over the last few years, online payments have been able to attract a loyal consumer base at a rapid rate. As per research by Statista, there will be around 1.3 billion mobile payment transactions in 2023.
Let’s look closely at the digital wallet scenario in Nepal as of 2021 and beyond.
What are Digital Wallets?
Digital wallets are the online counterparts of cash and coins that enable you to make cashless transactions such as online payment, utility bill payment, ticket booking, mobile top-ups sending or receiving money, and more — both online and offline — electronically. The users can store both payment-related and non-payment-related credentials into his/her account.
We will discuss its features later in this blog.
Digital Wallets scene in Nepal
Online payment in Nepal is still in its development stage. In spite of people slowly dipping their toes into digital payment, it is yet to become the default mode of payment across the country.
However, the trend of digital payment among the youth is increasing at a faster pace. It wouldn’t be wrong in saying that e-payments are revolutionizing the way Nepalese purchase and buy goods and services.
What’s more promising is that the acceptance of online payment has just begun. In the upcoming years, more and more digital wallets are likely to emerge and take over currencies and coins.
The year 2020 has seen a huge shift in the payment habits of Nepalese, and the pandemic is to blame for it. While the buzzing cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara gave the feel of ghost towns, Nepalese couldn’t get out, couldn’t withdraw cash; forget standing in long queues.
The months of nationwide lockdown have surely accelerated the use of digital wallets with people opting for contactless payments to minimize physical interactions. Shut shops and travel restrictions brought digital payment into the spotlight.
Also read: Why financial literacy is important for young girls in Nepal?
To curb the spread of novel Covid-19, top e-wallets in Nepal urged its users to make contactless transactions through online payment methods.
Users do not have to sweat for the choice, as all these wallets are easy, convenient, and highly secure.
Key Features
Easy, Flexible & Convenient:
Getting started with digital wallets is a cakewalk. Anyone with a smartphone can download and sign up into digital wallets by creating a username and password. Once the account is verified, users are free to make quick online payments to their desired choice of service.
Greater Acceptance:
Digital wallets are now accepted in almost every nook and corner of Nepal. Not only consumers, but merchants are also integrating digital wallets into their websites by accepting them as a form of payment.
The extra added layer of security:
Let’s face it — information on paper is most vulnerable to theft. Cards, on the other hand, are always at risk of card skimmers and card compromises. From fingerprint authentication to passcode verification, digital wallets incorporate optimal security for every monetary transaction. While some mobile wallets demand fingerprints authentication, others require unique OTP to make the purchase.
Cashback and rewards:
One of the major perks of using digital wallets is its rewards and offers. Some e-wallets also offer tiered points and discounts, enabling users to make extra cash on every spending. For instance, digital wallets like Khalti offer maximum cashback on utility bill payments in Nepal.
Go Green:
Many studies across the world have shown that the use of cash and coins has a negative impact on the environment. Not to mention, currency notes are also known to be highly contaminated with germs.
The future of payment:
The future of digital wallets seems promising in the payment space of Nepal, and it is here to stay. While young people are already inclined towards these wallets, older generations are increasingly going digital.
Digital Wallets for Utility Bill Payment In Nepal
With years of hard work and determination, digital wallets like Khalti and their counterparts have not only been able to bag a solid loyal customer. Consumers can pay their utility bills, recharge their pre-paid mobile phones, load and send money, pay school fees and hospital bills, book flight tickets, and more using digital wallets.
Following are the top payment options offered by Khalti Digital Wallet in Nepal:
Mobile Recharge & Top Up Services:
With shops closed, people went ahead with digital wallets to recharge NTC & NCELL online in Nepal with a simple touch of fingers using digital wallets. Khalti offers up to 5% cashback on every top-up.
DTH Payment:
Nothing binds Nepalese together like daily soap operas. Television is still one of the most trusted sources of news and entertainment in Nepal. By realizing the ground of its preferences among Nepalese, Khalti Digital Wallet has incorporated DTH bill payment features for its users.
Internet Bill Payment:
Nepal has witnessed a consistent increase in the use of the internet as compared to previous years. As per Data Report, the number of internet users has increased by 3.2 percent in 2020. Thus, Khalti has collaborated with major ISP players like Worldlink, NT ADSL, Subisu, and more to let their users make online payments on monthly subscriptions of internet bills.
Electricity Bill Payment:
Paying electricity bills in Nepal is not an easy task, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19. To free their consumers from standing in the never-ending long queues, Khalti offers the tap-and-pay facility for NEA electricity bill payment in Nepal. Furthermore, it also saves Nepalese extra time and effort to be physically present at the counter.
Finally,
Digital wallet offers great flexibility and convenience to its users. Most of the start-up companies in Nepal are also seeking to collaborate with digital wallets like Khalti to ease their customers buying journey. While digital wallets have been here for years, COVID-19 has driven its acceptance all over Nepal. Thus, the rise will be further fueled.
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