What Is M-paisa? – What is one main financial payment option?
M- paisa is a service that uses a mobile phone to transfer money anywhere in Fiji and around the world. If you have a mobile phone, accessing M-paisa can be done with a snip of a finger. It is Vodafone’s latest product which was introduced in June 2010. The product’s name was inspired by Kenya where people transfer money electronically and in Fiji, it also means transferring money.
Families from abroad can send money to Fijians irrelevant of their locality. It is the smart wallet that people carry but on their phones. As soon as you will receive money in your m-paisa account, you will be alerted by SMS and you can use it straight away.
Where Can M-Paisa Be Used?
Money can be sent and received anywhere in Fiji with a click on your mobile phone. You need to scan the QR pay code to make your payments without any hidden charges. Payments can be done to anyone be it person or business, bills can be paid, the phone can be recharged, and traveling and shopping can also be done using M-paisa. The M-paisa app needs to be installed using the google play store from your mobile phone. Here are the steps to download the app.
Step 1:
For anyone who buys a phone from Vodaphone, the app is installed by default . All you need to do is enable and update the app from Play Store or App Store on your phone and you are ready to use it. If you can’t install the app, you can seek help by dialing *181# or taking your phone to any Vodaphone outlet to have the number registered.
Step 2:
Once the App is activated on your phone, you will need to open the app and enter your mobile number with a pin. The pin will be 4 digits which you will have to remember every time you will make payments. This pin is very important and must not be shared by anyone. If the phone is stolen and someone gets to know PIN they can easily use your money.
Step 3:
Once your account is activated, you will need to deposit money in your account from any Vodafone retail outlet or registered M- Paisa agent outlets in Fiji and the balance can be used to make transactions from anywhere anytime. This app does not need one to be connected to the internet and can be useful if one is living in a rural area. While making payment, you will receive a 6-digit code on your phone via SMS. You will have to enter that code, tap “Verify and Pay” and the payment will be done.
Where Can I Find My Nearest M- Paise Outlet?
You may google the authorized list of agents, or you can always enquire at the counter of the business. Major outlets are Vodafone stores, Value phone, Mr. Mobile, Post Offices, Banks, Chicken express, Retail stores and Kiosks, shops, and other retail outlets. The signboard will also inform customers if the service is available with the business.
How Is M- Paisa Different From Online Banking?
With M- paisa there are no hidden charges. Most banks charge maintenance fees but with M-paisa there are no charges. You will also be able to use the service from home with a pin without chewing up your internet data. This will be a gain situation because customers will save money. M-paisa is specifically designed for those customers who do not have any bank account or are living far away from a bank branch in rural and maritime areas. However, if you have mobile banking with your bank, you can also transfer money easily between your bank and m-paisa.
Conclusion
Thus we come to know What is one main financial payment option? The risk of being robbed is minimized when you don’t carry any cash around. Customers do not have to travel to the nearest bank to receive or deposit money. Major m-paisa outlets are readily available in customers’ own locality. There are no hidden charges when customers use m-paisa. It is very convenient, secure, and easy to make payments. Fijians can use m-paisa to benefit from any government assistance. Money is kept safely on the mobile since it is protected by a confidential access code. There is no time limit to use the money.
Is m- paisa accessible on smartphones?
Yes, you can access it from any phone as far as the number is registered under Vodaphone. Even INK sim holders can also use the services.
Do I need to pay registration fees when registering with m- paisa?
There is no registration fee charged. it is free and there are no hidden charges applied.
What if I lose my phone, do I lose my money as well?
If your phone is lost your M-paisa account is protected by a PIN so you will not lose your money. You will have to advise any Vodaphone outlet and have them freeze your account till further notice.
Are there charges if money is sent from abroad?
Yes, you will have to pay 50 cents if the amount is less than $100 and $1.00 if the amount is more than $100 to $1000 dollars. This amount is very cheap compared to other payment methods.
Can you check your balance after making a transaction?
Yes, it is possible to check your balance and after each transaction, the new balance will be updated so you can view how much money you are left with to use.
