“Kia Ora” means “hi” in Mãori. And that’s what Android Pay is saying across the country of New Zealand, where it has officially arrived.
The only caveat: It comes with limited bank support.
Android Pay is now available for Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) customers, specifically using just the BNZ Flexi Debit Visa card.
In a blog post, Google’s global head of payment products announced that now Android phone users won’t need much else as they walk out the door: “Whether you’re shopping for new summer threads or brunch at your local favourite … [Android Pay is] helping you pay for things simply and securely with your Android phone.”
Just over a year ago, Android Pay became the contactless payment platform for Google Wallet. First launching in the U.S., it was later rolled out to the U.K., Poland and Australia, and the list continues. New Zealand is its sixth country.
Users can download the Android Pay app and load the Flexi Debit Visa card information, and when they’re ready to pay, they just swipe the phone over any contactless terminal. Approving the payment entails simply unlocking the phone.
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As for where it’ll be accepted, Bhat named shops such as the Warehouse, Domino’s, BP, BurgerFuel, McDonald’s and more. As for merchants, those who already have a contactless terminal set up have nothing additional to do.
Despite the fact that Bank of New Zealand is the only connected bank and the BNZ Flexi Debit Card is the only card able to be added, experts say that more options are slated to be added in the near future.
