If you own a business in Hong Kong and want to incorporate QR codes in business operations, then you have reached the perfect place. Discover a practical guide to help you leverage QR codes in your Hong Kong business.
This article explains how to use QR codes in Hong Kong and the benefits of QR codes for retail in the Region. By the time you finish reading this article, you will be fully prepared to accelerate your payments and embrace QR codes in your business.
The Rise of QR Codes in Hong Kong
In the initial days after the introduction of QR codes, they were considered a novelty. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, it has become a fundamental aspect of business life in Hong Kong. They have become increasingly common in Hong Kong in recent years. The post-pandemic shift in payments has driven the demand for contactless transactions, leading to the rise of QR codes.
From Novelty to Necessity: The QR Code Evolution in HK
With the introduction of QR codes, customers are moving from cash payments to online payments. Today, customers expect to scan a QR code and pay for everything they purchase. Whether it is food, adventure, transportation, or anything else, customers are paying by scanning digital codes. As Hong Kong has an incredibly high smartphone penetration rate, people are already familiar with how QR codes function. Moreover, the availability of multiple payment platforms has also contributed to the growth of QR code payments in HK. This shows Hong Kong’s readiness for QR transactions.
Are QR codes still popular in 2025? The answer is yes. Scannable codes are very common in 2025, especially in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. QR codes are integrated into daily life payments for both businesses and consumers. They are also used to provide information and in marketing by several companies.
Versatile Applications for Your Business
QR codes are used in a wide range of applications. The applications of QR codes for businesses are explained in detail below.
Seamless Payments
The key use of QR codes is for payments. Scannable codes offer a contactless and secure method for making transactions. They clear obstacles to trade and provide a seamless transaction experience for customers at checkout. The use of QR codes provides users with a hassle-free payment interface, making transactions convenient and stress-free.
Some of the most popular payment gateways in Hong Kong include AlipayHK, WeChat Pay HK, PayMe, FPS, and Octopus QR. These platforms facilitate smooth and fast transactions. To pay a business, customers can scan a merchant’s QR code, confirm the amount to be transferred, and authorize the payment via these mobile apps. For international payments or e-commerce transactions, PayPal is a trusted option.
Enhanced Ordering & Menus (F&B)
Food and beverage operators, such as restaurants, cafés, and food stalls, can utilize QR codes to offer a digital menu and ordering system. Customers can scan the QR code to browse the digital menu, choose the food and beverages, and place their order digitally. They can even pay them through the QR code. This scan-to-order facility reduces wait time for consumers, reduces the need for additional staff, and promotes hygiene. This can save them huge sums of money, which can be used for business growth.
Product Info & Marketing
QR code marketing in Hong Kong can help retailers and service providers connect with their target audience, including product users and potential customers. QR codes have become an effective way to deliver information, including offers, product details, and other content, to customers. A quick scan allows consumers to view videos, advertisements, and testimonials of the products. Businesses can easily promote their offers and connect with their customers. Scanning these Scannable codes can direct customers to the business’s social media pages, where they can promote their products for improved sales.
Customer Service
Businesses must prioritize customer service above all else. They can create QR codes that are directly linked to the company’s FAQs, live chat, and feedback pages. Customers can scan the code to report issues, provide feedback, clear their doubts, or request assistance in real time. This direct access to the important customer service pages improves customer satisfaction and increases the chances of customer retention.
Wi-Fi Access
QR codes are wisely used to provide Wi-Fi access to visitors, employees, or customers. Cafés, offices, studios, libraries, and various other places place QR codes to provide access to Wi-Fi services. It is possible to include the name of the network and its password in the QR code. The user only needs to scan the QR code to connect the device to the Wi-Fi. This provides a simple and secure login for customers.
Generating Payment QR Codes
To generate payment digital codes in Hong Kong, businesses must follow a 3 simple steps. These steps are given below.
1. Choose Provider
The first step in generating a QR code is to choose a service provider. Square, local banks, and FPS are some of the most common service providers that offer QR code generator services. Square is an easy and all-in-one platform for invoicing and QR-based checkout. Local banks and FPS systems also assist businesses in generating FPS-linked digital codes.
2. Set Up Account
Once you have selected an appropriate service provider, you will need to set up an account. Create a merchant account, provide the necessary details, and complete the verification process. After setting up your account, you can connect it to your bank.
3. Generate QR Code
You can use the code generator to generate static or dynamic code. To generate a digital code, log in to your account and navigate to the features section, where you can find the QR codes generator. Enter the type of QR code you want to generate- static code or dynamic code. You can also customize the appearance of the code, such as the logo or colour, and then download the QR code.
Many platforms offer free static code generation, such as QR Code Generator and Adobe Express. However, dynamic code generation typically requires paid services, such as a subscription or business account.
Best Practices for Deployment
Here are the best practices to deploy a QR code successfully.
- Clarity: The first thing a customer might want to know is the purpose of the QR code. Therefore, include a clear call to action, such as “Scan to Pay” or “Scan for Menu,” near the code.
- Visibility: The QR code you have created needs to be placed in an optimal location so that it is visible to most of the customers. It should also be appropriate in size for easy scanning.
- Testing: Always test links with multiple devices before placing them to ensure they do the intended work.
- Optimization: Ensure that the landing pages are mobile-friendly and load quickly.
- Dynamic Use: For flexibility and analytics, use scannable codes that offer dynamic applications. This allows you to use QR codes for multiple operations.
- Maintenance: Lastly, proactively maintain physical QR codes to keep them safe from dirt and damage.
Future Trends & Your Edge
Digital codes are continually evolving to support loyalty programs, analytics, and personalization. They are being utilized by businesses to offer convenience and enhance customer satisfaction. By employing QR codes, you can establish a relationship with your clients and offer them a quicker method of making transactions. Scannable codes have numerous business applications, including payment, Wi-Fi access, ordering, customer service, and marketing.
The adoption of QR codes gives your Hong Kong business a digital advantage in a competitive city market. To complement business growth and enhance the customer experience, integrate QR codes into the business.
