Munich becomes first airport in Europe with integrated PayPal QR code at point of sale

Munich Airport has introduced PayPal QR Code – a mobile, cash-free payment system – in all stores and businesses of the Eurotrade retail subsidiary, becoming the first airport in Europe to offer the payment option.

Eurotrade, a wholly owned subsidiary of Munich Airport, operates 41 shops covering everything from duty free, news, watches and jewelry to high-quality fashion labels. Customers can now shop without touching cash or card readers with the touch-free PayPal QR Code and their smartphone.

“The pandemic accelerated the demand for touch-free payment options,” explained Jörg Kablitz, managing director for PayPal Germany, Austria and Switzerland. “With our new integrated QR code solution, we are offering an ideal answer to this demand, especially for large enterprises and retail chains. We are pleased to advance this solution with Munich Airport.”

The new QR code will be seamlessly integrated into the processes of existing checkout systems, including accounting. Customers simply open the QR code in the PayPal app on their smartphone and show it to the cashier. The cashier scans the code and the amount to be paid is shown directly in the app. Then, customers select their preferred payment method stored in their PayPal account – for example bank account or credit card – and confirm the payment on their smartphone. Customers as well as cashiers immediately receive a confirmation of the successful transaction.

Alternatively, the QR code can also be displayed on a card reader, and the customers scan it with their smartphone in the PayPal app. For both options, the payment process is completely touch-free, as a PIN does not have to be entered and a signature is not required.

Passengers with a German, UK or US PayPal account can now pay at the Munich Airport with the new payment solution. The extension of the service to PayPal users with foreign accounts will follow soon.