Weekly consumer searches for "QR Code" topic on Google in Mexico 2018-2023

Google search behavior on the topic of QR codes in Mexico peaked in July and August of 2022 after having built up for several months in a row. The peak seemingly coincides with the end of FFM cards (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, also known as Tourist Card) - although there is no explicit connection between the two developments. The FFM process involves the use of a QR code that sent incoming travelers to an online form. QR codes have different utilities, but in this context mainly are associated with contactless (tap to pay) payments with smartphones or wearable devices. Domestic transaction figures for QR payments are difficult to find, making it difficult to separate whether the interest in the QR code topic stems from the coronavirus app or from genuine interest in QR for, for example, payments. Most figures on the topic come from consumer surveys, and focus on the share of respondents who used such a payment method or not.