North Korean smartphones are processing more payments in foreign currencies, and an increasing number of businesses are now required to offer electronic payment systems, Daily NK has learned.
“More market stalls and shops are processing foreign currency payments through barcodes and QR codes. Since late March, people’s committees in major cities and provincial capitals have stopped issuing licenses to new businesses unless they have electronic payment systems that can handle both domestic and foreign currency transactions,” a source in North Korea told Daily NK recently.
North Koreans can purchase credit on their smartphone payment apps using foreign currency, which they can then use for online or offline purchases after conversion to either domestic or foreign currency at fixed rates.
Previously, foreign currency payments were only accepted at state-designated establishments including foreign currency stores, department stores, restaurants and hotels (which typically operate using foreign currency), as well as select resorts and tourist destinations. Recently, however, North Korea has begun encouraging other businesses to install these payment systems in an effort to expand foreign currency transactions.
North Korea enacted the Electronic Payments Act in 2021 to reduce cash transactions and increase electronic payments, with several follow-up measures implemented toward the same goal.
“The use of electronic payment programs has grown rapidly over the past few years, particularly among urban residents, business operators, and young people. They’re commonly used for purchases at shops and department stores, taxi fares, restaurant meals, and mobile phone and landline bills,” the source said.
According to reports, foreign currency credit can only be added to electronic payment apps at designated locations.
“To add foreign currency credit, you must visit a bank’s foreign exchange center or electronic currency charging window, or alternatively, a mobile phone service center. If you bring North Korean cash or hard foreign currency, you can receive credit at that day’s exchange rate as announced by the central bank. The exchange fee typically ranges from 1-3%, depending on the type and amount of the transaction,” the source explained.
North Korean authorities officially recognize two exchange rates: the government exchange rate and the rate used at state-run market currency exchanges. The latter is based on unofficial marketplace rates within North Korea and the cost of goods in other countries. The exchange rate applied to smartphone payment apps reportedly aligns more closely with the state-run market exchange rate than the government rate.
According to the source, the most widely used electronic payment app in North Korea is Jonsong, which supports bank account transfers and payments via barcodes and QR codes.
“While other electronic wallets like Samhung Electronic Wallet exist, Jonsong remains the most popular electronic payment service connected to the state-run payment network,” the source said.
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