A view of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo / Photo credit: Takashi Images / Shutterstock

The Japanese government is reportedly in discussions with Southeast Asian countries about sharing QR code payment services. The potential linkages will let Southeast Asian travelers use their homegrown payment apps for transactions in Japan – and vice versa.

Should the plan proceed, implementation is expected to start by 2025. The talks involve bodies like Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, as well as central banking authorities from Southeast Asian nations including Cambodia and Indonesia.