Banco do Brasil has introduced a new feature to enable Brazilians in Argentina pay for their purchases using Pix, Brazil’s instant payments system.

The service is available to all Pix users, including those who do not bank with Banco do Brasil, Reuters reported quoting the bank.

It was developed in partnership with Argentine lender Banco Patagonia, which is majority-owned by the Brazilian bank.

Banco do Brasil Internal Controls and Risk Management vice-president Felipe Prince was quoted by the news agency as saying: “The launch of Pix abroad strengthens Banco do Brasil’s international ⁠operations and underscores its commitment to innovation in payment methods.”

Prince said Argentina is the first step in the bank’s strategy to expand payment options for Brazilian users internationally.

Banco do Brasil said it is considering to extend the Pix payment feature to other markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The bank said it is focusing on regions with large Brazilian communities.

Pix was created by Brazil’s central bank to enable instant transfers at any time. The system is free for individuals and is supported by around 900 institutions.

Under the new feature, Brazilian customers in Argentina can scan a QR code using their banking app to pay at participating merchants. The merchant receives payment in Argentine pesos, while the customer is debited in Brazilian reais.

Banco do Brasil manages the transaction processing, including peso-to-real conversion and applicable taxes.

The launch comes as e-commerce activity in Latin America continues to grow, supported by widespread internet access and high mobile phone usage across the region.

Recently, Visa signed a definitive agreement to acquire Argentine payments platforms Prisma Medios de Pago and Newpay to expand its presence in the country.