For many of us, the ability to make contactless payments via our mobile phone is a relatively new experience that we’re still getting heads around – so imagine how two Brits felt after carrying out a transaction using a whole new mind-boggling form of technology.

That was the case for travel couple Ben and Reanne (@otwd_travel) who are currently holidaying in China, where advancements are clearly further on than they are back home in the UK. In a clip shared with their 54,000 followers, Ben walked into a small convenience shop and declared: “This is how advanced the cashless payment system is in this country.”

Wandering around the store, he grabbed a packet of Lays’ Wasabi flavoured crisps and a bottle of water, before heading to the till to showcase the tech in question. After his items were scanned, Ben continued: “So now I’m going to pay for it – but I’ve left my phone and my card at home, I’ve actually got nothing.”

He then proceeded to place his hand over a small scanner on the counter, which immediately took his payment. “Palm pay,” he said in amazement, prompting the shopkeeper to laugh in response.

“How crazy?” asked Reanne as they departed. “This country is blowing my mind!” added Ben. “I just paid with my palm!”

Ben then explained how he configured the ayment method. “You register your palm – I did it earlier today with WeChat [a Chinese instant messaging app]. Set your card up and no matter where you are in the world, you can pay with your palm print,” he said. Reanne added: “It’s to do with the vessels in there we’ve been told – how clever is that? It’s literally one of the best things I’ve ever seen.”

Their followers were sceptical about the “controlling” aspect of the technology, however. “That system is a lot more sinister than you think,” one TikTok user claimed. “Have you heard of social points?”

A second claimed: “So the government know everything you’ve bought.” A third theorised: “Yes this is not good at all, cashless society means full control over the people, this means the government will be able to control all aspects, especially when they introduce carbon points system.”

Whilst a fourth warned: “What happens if your biometrics are stolen and hacked? I work in IT. Imagine the information stolen. Hackers can simulate prints.”

GMA Marketing explains the technology further: “Once registered with the WeChat app, customers simply have to place their hand over the scanner to initiate a transaction.

“The advantage of contactless payment over other identity verification methods like fingerprint recognition is its superior hygiene aspect, as there is no physical contact involved in the payment processing or authentication process.”

It adds: “The merchant generates a QR code for the customer to scan using the WeChat app. Once the customer scans the merchant’s QR code, they can complete the payment. This mobile payment method is used for purchases in physical stores, websites, and media advertising.”