UnionPay International (UPI) has partnered with Turkish travel retailerto launch the UnionPay QR code payment service at the retailer’s 45 airport duty free shops across the country. The outlets are spread across Istanbul, Ankara, Esenboga, Izmir Adnan Menderes, Mugla Bodrum Milas and Antalya Gazipasa International Airports.

This is the first time all ATÜ Duty Free shops accept QR code payment, according to UPI, which indicated that UnionPay cardholders travelling in Turkey will benefit from the convenience of the digital payment service.

James Yang, General Manager of Unionpay International Middle East Branch said: “Payment behaviours are changing and users are looking for the fastest and the most secure ways to make their payments.

“UPI has long along been taking this into consideration. ATÜ Duty Free has been our valuable partner in Turkey over the years and I believe UnionPay users will better enjoy shopping at ATÜ Duty Free shops with this new experience.”

CHANGING PASSENGER BEHAVIOUR

Ersan Arcan, CEO, ATÜ Duty Free said: “As ATÜ Duty Free, we always attach importance to following the innovations and maintaining cooperation with global brands. We are considering the changes in passenger and payment behaviours and offer customers QR code payment in our stores with UnionPay.

“We are launching a new era in shopping with this valuable partnership. I would like to say that we are happy to provide a modern and safe shopping experience to our clients.”

UPI and ATÜ Duty Free have been partners since 2015. Over 95% of POS terminals and 85% of ATM terminals accept UnionPay cards in Turkey. UnionPay cardholders can use their UnionPay cards in shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and in many other places.