Changi Pay Incorporates Liquid Account for Singapore Residents to Make Cashless Payments in China
SINGAPORE, 19 September 2023 – 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 Groupissued 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 foreign 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.”
[1] Liquid Group Pte Ltd (Liquid Group) is the issuer and operator of Changi Pay. The payment services relating to the use of Changi Pay are provided by Liquid Group. CAG is marketing the aforesaid payment services on behalf of Liquid Group.
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 buynow-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[1].
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.
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
For high resolution photos, please download from https://changi.me/ChangiPay. Please credit the images to Changi Airport Group.
For more information, please contact: enquiry@changiairport.com
Ant Group
Scott Lai
Scott.lai@antgroup.com
About Changi Airport Group
Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) (www.changiairportgroup.com) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009. As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.
As one of Asia’s most connected international aviation hubs, Changi Airport links Singapore to some 140 cities globally, with over 100 airlines operating more than 6,000 weekly flights. Jewel Changi Airport, a multi-dimensional lifestyle destination, opened in
April 2019, adding to Changi Airport’s shopping and dining offerings of over 550 F&B and retail outlets across the airport. The world’s most awarded airport, Changi has won over 650 accolades for its consistent and excellent airport staff service, passenger experience and safety standards.
About Ant Group
Ant Group aims to build the infrastructure and platforms to support the digital transformation of the service industry. Through continuous innovation, we strive to provide all consumers and small and micro businesses equal access to digital financial and other daily life services that are convenient, sustainable and inclusive. For more information, please visit our website at www.antgroup.com or follow us on Twitter @AntGroup.
About Alipay+
Alipay+ is a suite of cross-border digital payment, marketing and digitalization solutions that help connect global merchants to consumers. Consumers enjoy seamless payment and a broad choice of deals using their preferred payment methods while travelling abroad. Small and medium-sized businesses may use Alipay+ digital tools to enhance efficiency and achieve omni-channel growth.
About Liquid Group
Liquid Group is a leading fintech, headquartered in Singapore. It specialises in global digital payment solutions with the mission to make cross-border P2P and B2B payments more affordable, transparent, and efficient for businesses and individuals. The company also operates XNAP, a QR (C2B) digital payment network, which enables cross-border acceptance of card based digital wallets and QR payment apps across multiple markets in the Asia-Pacific.
Liquid Group is a Major Payment Institution (MPI), regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to conduct Account and E-money Issuance, Merchant Acquisition, as well as Domestic and Cross-Border Money Transfers. It is also a member of Singapore’s PayNow and a participant of FAST network.
[1] All new users of Changi App are eligible to receive a S$30 iShopChangi voucher. Those who top up S$50 into their Liquid account linked to Changi Pay are eligible to receive an additional S$10 iShopChangi voucher. Subject to promotion terms and conditions.