"160 additional farm sites to debut novel payment option at Wiesn-Tent"
Let's Talk Oktoberfest: Digital Payments with a Twist
By: Regina Mittenmeier
Insight: Increasingly, festivals and large events are embracing digital payment methods. Particularly common are contactless options like Google Pay and Apple Pay[1][2].
Munich - Say goodbye to heavy wallets, as the mobile phone becomes your new wallet on Oktoberfest's beloved Wiesn. More contactless payment methods are flooding the scene, ushering in a digital revolution.
Munich - Drop that hefty wallet, it's time to go mobile on Oktoberfest's iconic Wiesn. An avalanche of contactless payment options is looming, spearheading a digital takeover.
From Peter's Point of View, the Armbrustschützenzelt's Landlord
"We wanna gradually introduce digital payments in our tent," shares Peter Inselkammer with our team. Card payment is common, but mainly used by box guests headed to the office. This year, the Wiesn's digital future dawns, with Google and Apple Pay payment options to grace many stands, tents, and businesses[3].
Test Run and No Suggested Tips
The Wiesn countdown is on; in less than 100 days, it begins on September 20. For now, expect cashless payment at select waitresses in the Armbrustschützenzelt, as a slow test run is underway. "We're keeping our foot on the brake," admits Otmar Mutzenbach, manager of the Armbrustschützenzelt. There's no plan for tips suggestions displayed on card terminals, as Inselkammer prefers guests to decide for themselves whether to leave a tip.
Two Digital Ways to Pay on Oktoberfest 2025
Two payment methods are on the table. The first entails waitresses flashing a digital or printed QR code which, when scanned, takes you to a payment platform to settle the stated amount. Alternatively, waitresses could be equipped with SumUp card terminals - a white box acquainted to some from the gastronomy or retail sector. The final decision hasn't been made[3].
Pricing and Tips: The Same Rules Apply
A liter of beer is priced at €15.50 at the Armbrustschützenzelt this year. Whether guests prefer rounding up to €16 or opting for cashless payment, it's business as usual: "It's essentially the same," assures Inselkammer. Card payment elsewhere sometimes presents tips suggestions on the terminal display. However, Inselkammer isn't considering introducing this at the Armbrustschützenzelt, empowering guests to decide on tips freely.
Google Pay at the Wiesn: More Than a Handy Wallet
Schausteller spokesman Peter Bausch, who operates the Top Spin Hollywoodschaukel on the Munich Wiesn, confirms that digital payments are on the rise, including Google and Apple Pay, at various Schausteller booths. The Wiesn's digital future is underway.
Boosting the Region: The Economical Power Behind the Theresienwiese Festivities
Often, Oktoberfest Munich is associated with the over €1.5 billion generated during the festival days. But its influence goes beyond the magical 16 days on the Theresienwiese. Tavern keepers keep their businesses thriving year-round, employing around 8,500 people, surpassing the employment at the BMW plant in Munich[4]. Tavern keepers also invest heavily in the region's economy - Approximately €50 million was pumped into their businesses in 2024, securing jobs for years to come.
A Song for the Wiesn: Munich's City-wide Competition
It isn't all about beer, booths, and payment methods. Munich is calling for a competition to choose "A Song for the Wiesn," inviting Munich residents to join in.
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[1] https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/09/25/10-ways-to-make-apple-pay-work-better-for-you[2] https://venturebeat.com/2021/02/21/googles-new-payments-services-pushes-apple-pay-and-samsungs-pay-to-the-sidelines/[3] https://www.munich-online.de/thema-oktoberfest[4] https://www.merkur.de/wirtschaft-und-finanzen/berufe/oktoberfest-die-wirtshauswirtschaft-ist-ein-massiv-wirtschaftstreiber-fuer-muenchen-und-umgebung-11609894.html[5] https://www.funfairdaily.de/2021/09/19/oktoberfest-2021-karten-fuer-das-wiesn-kaufen-bereits-jetzt-sparen-wird-man-das-an-einem-einschlafer-stammler-erfahren/
- The rising trend of digital payments is not limited to big tech festivals such as Oktoberfest, as retail businesses are also adopting cashless options like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
- Since technology has entered the retail sector, smartphones can be used for more than just communication, they now serve as Payment devices when purchasing gadgets like smartphones at the retail stands on Oktoberfest's Wiesn.
- To stay competitive in the fast-paced retail finance industry, tavern keepers on Oktoberfest's Theresienwiese invest heavily in technology, providing contactless payment methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay, attracting tech-savvy customers to their businesses.
