Changi Pay digital wallet launches new feature to make shopping and dining internationally a breeze

Singapore residents travelling to China using Changi’s digital wallet will benefit from greater access and ease of payment at tens of millions of Chinese merchants – Changi Pay offersattractive foreign currency exchange rates and zero transaction fees.

Singapore residents can look forward to making payments with ease when visiting China as they will be able to use the Changi Pay digital wallet to scan and pay for purchases.

This is made possible through a collaboration between Changi Airport Group (CAG), Liquid Group[1] and Ant Group, where CAG’s digital wallet incorporates Liquid Group-issued Liquid accounts and joins the Alipay+ ecosystem, enabling payment at tens of millions of merchants across China. Changi Pay was first launched in 2021 by CAG in partnership with Liquid Group.

Changi Pay users can now pay securely at merchants on the Alipay+ network in China, where mobile payments via QR codes are much more popular than using cash or traditional bank cards. Users will also enjoy attractive exchange rates and avoid incurring transaction fees that are often charged for overseas credit card transactions. Those who make payment in China using Changi Pay will also receive e-vouchers, redeemable when they return to shop at Changi Airport, giving them more bang for their buck.

Ms Lim Peck Hoon, CAG’s Executive Vice President for Commercial, said, “We have been turbocharging our digitalisation efforts to enhance the travelling experience for our passengers and 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.”

Douglas Feagin, Senior Vice President and Head of Alipay+ Cross-Border Mobile Payment Services, Ant Group, said, “We’re proud to strengthen our partnership with a global travel icon like Changi Airport Group to support their digitialisation efforts to enhance the travel experience for travellers. 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+ is a suite of global cross-border payments and marketing solutions operated by Ant Group. Alipay+ enables digital payment acceptance of e-wallets, banks apps and buy-now-pay-later apps at millions of merchants globally that are part of the Alipay+ ecosystem. Alipay+ is also widely accepted in popular travel destinations including the Republic of China, Macao SAR, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and South Korea, among others. Ant Group is also the operator of Alipay for Chinese mainland users and the Alipay merchant network in China.

Mr. Jeremy Tan, CEO of Liquid Group, 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.”

Activate Changi Pay now to get sign-up vouchers

To activate Changi Pay, users need to download the Changi App and activate Changi Pay with their Singapore-registered mobile number.

To set up Changi Pay for payment in China, users need to link their Liquid account with their Changi Pay account after a one-time verification process via Singpass. New users who top-up S$50 into their Liquid account in Changi Pay will receive S$40 off iShopChangi purchases[2].

Changi Pay users who make three transactions (minimum of RMB100 per transaction) in China can enjoy a limited-time promotion of two S$5 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.

Changi Pay is currently accepted at close to 70% of outlets across Changi Airport’s terminals and Jewel.

To find out more about using Changi Pay in China, visit: https://changi.me/ChangiPayInChina