An automated method is provided for activating a NFC application in a mobile interface device. In this method, the device receives from a beacon a wireless beacon signal comprising at least one beacon identifier. The wireless beacon signal is processed by the mobile interface device to determine the at least one beacon identifier. The mobile interface device determines based on the at least one beacon identifier, whether to activate the NFC application. Responsive to a determination that the NFC application should be activated, the mobile interface device transitions the NFC application from a passive state to an active state. NFC communication is then established between the mobile interface device and at least one NFC transmitting device disposed within a beacon range volume defined by the beacon location and the beacon range.