​   Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shift in consumer behavior, including how people make purchases and pay for goods and services. In Southeast Asia, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital payments, leading to a change in consumer habits.

The Rise of Cashless Payments
Prior to the pandemic, cash was still widely used in Southeast Asia for everyday transactions. However, with social distancing measures in place and concerns about the transmission of the virus, consumers have started to embrace digital payments. In Indonesia, for example, there has been a significant increase in the use of digital payment methods, such as Gojek’s GoPay and Grab’s GrabPay. According to a report by the Central Bank of Indonesia, the use of digital payments in the country increased by 29% in 2020.

Increased Adoption of Mobile Payments
The pandemic has also led to an increase in the use of mobile payments, particularly in countries where a significant proportion of the population is unbanked. In the Philippines, for example, mobile payment systems, such as GCash and Paymaya, have become more popular among consumers, as they provide a convenient and secure way to pay for goods and services. According to a report by the Central Bank of the Philippines, the number of mobile payment transactions in the country increased by 59% in 2020.

The Growth of Online Marketplaces
In addition to the rise in digital payments, the pandemic has also led to an increase in the use of online marketplaces, such as Lazada and Shopee, in Southeast Asia. With many consumers avoiding physical stores and opting for online shopping, these platforms have seen a surge in traffic and transactions. According to a report by App Annie, Lazada and Shopee recorded over 200 million downloads in the region in 2020, with the majority of users coming from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the way consumers in Southeast Asia make purchases and pay for goods and services. The shift towards digital payments and online marketplaces is expected to continue, as consumers have become more comfortable with these methods during the pandemic. As the region continues to recover, it will be interesting to see how these changes in consumer behavior will shape the future of e-commerce in Southeast Asia.

Piccopay is one of the more versatile payment gateways in the Philippines, known for delivering exceptional customer payment experiences to its merchants. They offer a wide range of easy, fast, and accessible payment options, including over-the-counter payments at popular retailers like 7–11, MLhullier, and Palawan Express, as well as mobile wallets options such as Gcash, Maya, and GrabPay. They also provide online and on-premise payment solutions for card holders and accept crypto as payment for the more forward and crypto adaptive merchants.

With Piccopay, merchants can rest assured that their customers will have a seamless and enjoyable payment experience, which is essential for building customer loyalty and driving business growth. It is not just having a payment gateway that is powerful but also having one that provides a convenient and user-friendly experience for your customers. Piccopay delivers on both fronts, making it a top choice for online businesses looking to expand their reach and increase sales in the Philippines.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Digital Payment Habits in Southeast Asia was originally published in Piccopay Pte. Ltd. on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.