On March 21, 2025, The National (Papua New Guinea) published a feature article titled “Getting and Using a Crypto Visa Card”, exploring how cryptocurrency-backed Visa cards are gaining traction in PNG—especially among people who lack access to traditional banking.
X-Telcom plays a foundational role in enabling this trend by delivering secure, financial-grade POS terminals and NFC smart cards equipped with encrypted chips designed for real-world crypto payments.
What Is a Crypto Visa Card?
A Crypto Visa Card functions like a traditional Visa card—you can use it in stores, online, or at restaurants. However, instead of linking to a bank account, it connects directly to a crypto wallet (e.g. Bitcoin or Ethereum).
At the time of payment, the system automatically converts digital currency into local fiat (PGK in PNG), making it practical for daily use.
Kepa’s Real-World Experience
The article narrates how a user, Kepa, obtained and used his crypto Visa card:
- Completed KYC (Know Your Customer) verification
- Paid for the card using Bitcoin
- Received the card by mail
- Linked it to his crypto wallet via a mobile app
Used it to buy a drink at a shop—Bitcoin was converted to PGK, and the merchant received local currency instantly
Crypto Visa Card vs Traditional Bank Visa Card
| Feature | Bank Visa Card | Crypto Visa Card |
| Linked to | Local bank account | Crypto wallet (BTC, ETH) |
| Currency | PGK | Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. |
| Conversion | None | Auto crypto-to-fiat |
| Approval | Bank processes | KYC verification only |
| Issuer | Local bank | International crypto provider |
X-Telcom’s Technical Role
⚠️ Not all NFC cards are suitable for financial transactions.
Basic NFC cards (used for access control or ID) lack the security chips and protocols required for encrypted payment processing.
X-Telcom delivers an end-to-end, crypto-ready solution, including:
✅ Banking-grade NFC smart cards with certified security chips
✅ POS terminals supporting crypto-to-fiat conversion and biometric authentication
✅ Fully compliant, customizable infrastructure for payment operators, platforms, and fintech developers
Whether you’re building a local payment system or expanding into crypto settlements, X-Telcom provides the robust foundation you need.
Overcoming Local Barriers in PNG
As The National noted, PNG still faces several challenges:
- Local banks block direct crypto purchases
- Card delivery from overseas can be slow
- Reliable internet access is required
- Trust in crypto is still growing among the public
Community leaders like Kepa and Maya are already holding awareness events and encouraging safe, informed adoption.
Building Inclusive Crypto Finance
At X-Telcom, we believe that crypto payment infrastructure can unlock financial access in underserved markets. But for it to be truly inclusive, it must be secure, reliable, and scalable—right from the hardware.
For partnership inquiries or technical consultation, please contact us:
www.x-telcom.com
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