NFC business cards in Sri Lanka: the complete 2026 guide
Paper business cards end up in a drawer. An NFC business card opens your phone number, WhatsApp, Google reviews, menu and booking page on the customer's phone with one tap, and you can update it any time. Here is how it works and what it costs in Sri Lanka.
What is an NFC business card?
NFC (near field communication) is the same short-range technology used for tap-to-pay. An NFC business card has a tiny chip inside it that stores one web link. When someone holds their phone near the card, the phone opens that link, just like scanning a QR code but faster.
The card itself stays the same forever. What changes is the page it opens. With OneTap ID that page is your own business profile with buttons for call, WhatsApp, directions, save contact, your Google review link, menu, online orders and appointments.
How it works on iPhone and Android
- Android: almost all Android phones sold in the last few years have NFC. It is usually on by default (Settings → Connected devices → NFC).
- iPhone XS and newer: NFC reading is automatic. The customer only holds the top of the phone near the card with the screen on.
- Older iPhones and phones without NFC: every OneTap display also has a printed QR code that opens the same page with the camera.
No app is needed on either side. The customer sees a normal web page that loads in a second.
Seven ways Sri Lankan businesses use NFC cards
- Google reviews at the counter. A stand next to the cash register with “Tap to review us” turns happy customers into 5-star reviews in under a minute. Read our guide to getting more Google reviews.
- Menus on the table. Restaurants and cafés put a card on each table. Guests see the menu with photos and prices, and can order online. See digital menus and online orders.
- Appointments. Salons, clinics, gyms and tutors let customers book a time slot from the card. See online appointment booking.
- Hotel and guest-house rooms. A card at reception or in the room shows Wi-Fi, room service and direct booking for the next stay. See direct room bookings.
- Repair and job status. Phone, laptop and appliance repair shops give a job number, and customers check the status themselves. See job tracking for repair shops.
- Personal networking. Sales people, agents and freelancers share their contact, portfolio and social links in one tap.
- Events and stalls. At exhibitions and pop-up stalls a card replaces stacks of leaflets.
NFC card vs paper business card
| Paper card | NFC business card | |
|---|---|---|
| Change phone number or prices | Print again | Edit online, done |
| Google reviews, WhatsApp, map | No | One tap each |
| Menu, orders, bookings | No | Yes |
| See how many people used it | No | Visits and taps in your dashboard |
| Lasts | Until it is thrown away | Years, one card for the counter |
How much does an NFC business card cost in Sri Lanka?
Prices depend on what you get with the card:
- Blank NFC tags or basic cards that open a single link are the cheapest, but you have to build and host the page yourself.
- OneTap Solo — Rs. 3,490 once. One designed NFC display, your complete business page online for life, QR code, custom branding and free setup.
- OneTap Business — Rs. 5,990. Two displays plus online orders, menu and appointments, with the first 12 months included.
- OneTap Business Plus — Rs. 9,990. Five displays, up to three branches and staff logins.
You can also start with the page and add single features later, for example room bookings or the job tracker, from your dashboard.
What to look for before you buy
- Can you edit it yourself? You should be able to change details any time without paying again.
- Does it have a QR code too? So every customer can use it.
- Is the page fast and mobile-friendly? Customers leave slow pages.
- Does it do more than a contact card? Reviews, menu, orders and bookings are what bring money back.
- Local support. WhatsApp help in Sinhala, Tamil or English when you need it.
Make your business page in minutes. Add the card, menu, orders or bookings when you are ready.
Questions people ask
Do NFC business cards work with iPhone?
Yes. iPhone XS and every newer iPhone read NFC cards automatically when the screen is on. Older iPhones (7 to X) can read them from the NFC button in Control Center. Every card also has a QR code, so any phone with a camera works.
Does the customer need an app?
No. The tap opens a normal web page in the phone's browser. Nothing has to be installed.
How much does an NFC business card cost in Sri Lanka?
Simple cards that only open one link are cheap. A complete setup with a designed display, your own business page, QR code and setup costs from Rs. 3,490 with OneTap ID, and packages with online orders and bookings start from Rs. 5,990.
Can I change the details after the card is made?
Yes. The card points to your page, so you change your phone number, menu, prices or offers in your dashboard and the same card shows the new details straight away.
Is NFC safe?
The card only holds a web link. It cannot read anything from the customer's phone and it cannot take payments.