NFC tags are pretty much the new norm. Do you know what they are and how to use them?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication, a popular wireless technology allowing you to transfer a small amount of data between two devices in close proximity. It works much like when you swipe a hotel key card. When you place a powered NFC tag near a reader, it will transfer its stored data to that device.

NFC tags are easy to use. There’s no need to bother with pairing any Bluetooth and you don’t even have to fiddle with any Wi-Fi passwords. Just tap your NFC tag to an NFC reader to establish a wireless connection to buy groceries, gas or to rent a car. 

NFC tags are versatile. They can be used for buying pretty much anything as mentioned above, as well as for boarding passes, ski lift tickets and some restaurants even have their menus NFC tagged. Many digital cameras and headphones already have NFC tags embedded. There are NFC-equipped credit and debit cards and NFC powered smartphones, which you can use for contactless payment. The uses for NFC tags are virtually limitless and there are different types of NFC tags available, varying in memory capacity.

NFC tags provide a fast connection…faster than QR codes.

NFC tags can also be very secure. You can choose NFC tags that can be rewritten so they can be repurposed or you can block them from being rewritten and they can even be public key encrypted to protect against malicious behavior.

NFC tags are even easy to get. Purchase them at electronics stores or, easier yet, just order them online from Amazon!