CHINA/SINGAPORE. Singapore residents travelling to China can now use Changi Pay digital wallet to scan and pay for purchases following a collaboration between Changi Airport Group (CAG), Liquid Group (issuer and operator of Changi Pay) and Ant Group.
Ant Group operates Alipay+, which offers a suite of global cross-border payments and marketing solutions. CAG’s digital wallet incorporates Liquid Group-issued Liquid Accounts, and it has now joined the Alipay+ ecosystem – enabling payments at merchants across China.
Changi Pay users can pay securely at merchants on the Alipay+ network in China, where mobile payments via QR codes are much more popular than cash or bank cards.
Additionally, Changi Pay offers attractive exchange rates and zero transaction fees. Those who make payments in China using Changi Pay will also receive e-vouchers, redeemable when they return to shop at Singapore Changi Airport.
CAG Executive Vice President Commercial Lim Peck Hoon said: “We have been turbocharging our digitalisation efforts to enhance the travelling experience for our passengers. We are proud to see this collaboration bear fruit.
“Alipay is a widely accepted form of payment in China and the inclusion of Changi Pay on the Alipay+ network not only brings greater benefits and convenience to Singapore residents visiting China, but also puts Changi Pay on the world map as we progressively roll this out in other countries.”
Users can download the Changi App and activate Changi Pay with their Singapore-registered mobile number. To set up the digital wallet for payment in China, they can link the Liquid Account with their Changi Pay account after completing a one-time verification process via Singpass.
New users who top-up S$50 (US$36.68) into their Liquid Account in Changi Pay will get S$40 (US$29.34) off iShopChangi purchases (subject to promotion terms and conditions).
Ant Group Senior Vice President and Head of Alipay+ Cross-Border Mobile Payment Services Douglas Feagin remarked: “We’re proud to strengthen our partnership with a global travel icon like Changi Airport Group, supporting their digitalisation efforts to enhance the travellers’ experience.
“I’m sure Singapore residents who value the familiarity of using a home-based wallet will appreciate the convenience of using Changi Pay as they embark on new and exciting adventures in China.”
Alipay+ enables digital payment acceptance of e-wallets, banks apps and buy-now-pay-later applications with merchants that are part of the global Alipay+ ecosystem. It is widely accepted in popular travel destinations including the People’s Republic of China, Macau SAR, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and South Korea. Ant Group is also the operator of Alipay for Mainland Chinese users and the Alipay merchant network in China.
Liquid Group CEO Jeremy Tan said: “It is with great pride that we embark on this transformative journey with Changi Airport Group, enabling Singapore residents to navigate the dynamic markets of China in a seamless fashion.
“Combined with Liquid Account services provided by Liquid Group, Changi Pay’s inclusion onto the Alipay+ network underscores the potential of innovation and strategic partnerships, simplifying international transactions and reducing costs.
“Throughout each journey, we strive to enhance both convenience and value for Changi Pay users by upgrading the cross-border payment experience.”
Changi Pay users who make three transactions {minimum RMB100 (US$13.71) per transaction} in China can enjoy a limited-time promotion of two S$5 (US$3.67) Changi Pay e-vouchers for use at Changi Airport’s Lotte Duty Free and any other participating merchants at Changi Airport, Jewel Changi Airport and on iShopChangi.com. ✈
All images courtesy of Changi Airport Group
