FAQ

Valid is the validation result shown when a scan succeeds (whether from a link or in the app). Genuine appears as the IC Status in the app after an additional cryptographic originality check that indicates the tag was manufactured by NXP B.V. Genuine is an indicator in IC Status, not a separate validation state.

Download the StampCats app and enable NFC on your phone. When you're near a StampCats location, simply tap your phone on an authentic StampCats NFC tag to collect that location's stamp. Each stamp is cryptographically verified and added to your digital passport.

Open the StampCats app or visit your passport page online to see the interactive map showing all available StampCats locations worldwide. Click the "Stampable Places" button to see a complete list of locations you can earn a stamp for visiting.

You can collect country stamps multiple times, but you cannot stamp the same country twice in a row. You must get another country stamp before collecting the same country again. This means on day trips or border runs, don't forget to get a different country stamp between visits or you'll miss out on stamps. Place stamps can only be collected once per lifetime. This is because place stamps get pins on the map and many people want to keep a travel log with unique location visits.

The counter is a key security feature of the NTAG 424 that helps prove you possess the card. It is part of the cryptographic process and the CMAC is based on it. The counter increases each time the tag is read, and it is monotonic (only goes up). When you scan your card in the app, it increments twice because we read it twice to prove it's a real tag. This behavior helps prove the tag is valid and prevents reuse of older links. The value is shown in both decimal and hex.

NFC can be glitchy sometimes if the card moves or you're at the limit of read range. The NFC reader is usually at the top of the phone, not the middle where the MagSafe magnet is located. Orientation and metal can interfere with the connection. Reads are not instant with NFC and are sensitive to movement. Make sure NFC is enabled on your phone and hold it steady close to the tag. Try moving your phone around slowly over the tag until it reads.

Yes! Your passport has a unique URL that you can share with anyone. There is a QR code inside the cover of the passport to automatically copy the URL to your clipboard, and you can just paste the URL if accessing on desktop. Passports are public information, but there is no identifying info of the person who owns it. So if someone finds your card, they will not be able to know it's you. Each StampCats tag has its own unique identifier.

You can order from our Amazon storefront for your country. Each tag comes with a unique digital passport where all your stamps are collected.