What is meant by “contactless” smart card

Contactless smart card refers to a card with an RFID chip which does not require physical contact with a reader to operate. Contactless smart card technology is based upon ISO 14443 A/B, ISO 15693 and ISO18000 standards. Functionality ranges from basic reading/writing, data storage, to more intelligent functions such as cryptography. This technology lends itself to multiple uses from authenticating identity and allowing admittance to a building, to reading from long distances at drive through toll-booths