Flexible payment options have become a revelation in both finance and travel. Travelling around South Africa involves many factors, but before the days of flexible payment options, fintech, and digital payment solutions, it was heavily cash-based. That’s not to say cash has disappeared from South African cities, far from it. In fact, many merchants have said they still prefer cash for large transactions.

It’s not about one payment method becoming more dominant than the others; the main idea is to offer a better, more flexible range of payment options so the South African economy can run more smoothly. This isn’t just from a fintech perspective, either. As you will see today, there’s been a growing demand for buy now, pay later payments and digital forms of credit, which, again, are used to make payment solutions and systems run a little bit smoother.

The Rise Of Digital Fintech

With so many of us now stuck to our phones for large chunks of the day, it is no surprise that the world of finance has moved in step, offering solutions tailored to this new audience. The rise of digital fintech covers a wide range of options, including cryptocurrency, Apple Pay, and other digital payments that add a layer of security between you and the merchant.

In the digital era, security is paramount. This is why brands have moved traditional markets online, such as incredibly popular ones like the lotto, have been able to retain its market share, even in the face of such innovative fintech. For instance, crypto lottery games are becoming a popular global gambling market, showcasing how the embrace of digital fintech is transforming conventional markets.

We’ve seen blockchain and crypto become a staple across multiple sectors and industries. In casino gaming, they have been able to corner off a piece of the market for themselves over the last decade. To play lottery at Thunderpick, you just need to know how the game works and how crypto works, and connect your wallet. We have seen this take a particularly strong presence in the South African market, where lotto competitions are extremely popular, but this is the case right throughout the global market, too.

In the world of casino gaming, where all types of casinos are a target for cybercriminals, cryptocurrency lottery providers are able to add an extra layer between you and the criminal. Rather than the more free-reign element of depositing via a credit card, if a casino is subject to a breach, the casino’s wallet is often the main target.

What Makes It Easier?

It’s all about choice: rather than the days before the internet, when carrying large amounts of physical cash was not advisable, there are now plenty of options, primarily digital, that allow people to feel more secure in their day-to-day lives.

Exploring South African cities and isolated, off-grid escapes used to be two entirely different types of trips. Safari trips and quiet, picturesque nights under the stars were a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

However, now that the world has become so interconnected, whether through social media, flexible payment options, or the ability to book our tourist packages online, the digital presence throughout the tourism industry has made flexible payment options the lifeblood of the modern market in South Africa.

Whether you are travelling in the city or the countryside, it is often a good idea to have a credit card and some cash with you. Take the same precautions you would anywhere else in the world: don’t keep all your money on one card or device, and have a suitable backup plan in case your phone runs into trouble or you have problems with your physical cash.

The Power Of A Global Web Of Connected Finance

Exploring South African cities and using your smartphone as your primary source of direction and finance are necessities in the modern market; apps are essential for any type of travel, and their importance is only growing.

If you are looking for a cab or mapping directions on public transport, you can do so on your phone, and you can also use it to buy and store your ticket. We’ve seen how the internet brings a whole host of worlds together, whether it is in the world of entertainment, live streaming esports world championships, as you can see in the link below, or if people are using social media to connect with people who can provide travel ideas and detail tourist attractions dotted around South African cities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxoV2yg5BJI

If you are looking to explore some of the main tourist attractions, from museums to sports to national parks, a growing number of these providers are accepting global payments. Again, from a travel perspective, if you use globally recognized brands like Airbnb or TripAdvisor, you can connect via your phone, use the payment options you have stored on them, and make the whole process much easier.

Those looking to connect with their heritage, particularly those in Nigeria with South African heritage, can easily find details about heritage day celebrations or community events targeted at those with this heritage.

Final Thoughts

In the modern era, it is crucial that any city that attracts many tourists harnesses the power of digital apps and finance. Yes, there will be bumps along the way. If you are looking to travel through South Africa and explore the major cities, it is crucial to be as flexible as possible, use all available apps, and ensure you have several payment options available in case you run into any difficulties.

However, it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. Ultimately, you want to ensure you have this flexibility so you can travel, book restaurants, and book trips to top-rated tourist hotspots without the time-consuming delays you sometimes run into when booking on vacation.

With the world becoming more interconnected and South Africa’s tourism industry booming over the last few years, fintech companies that can make a dent in the South African market could yield a strong return as tourism rises and people seek flexible payment options to streamline parts of their trips.