Singapore Tip: Use Changi Pay / EZ-Link Wallet for Cross-Border Cashless Payment

Alipay+ is a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation solutions that connects global merchants with consumers, allowing customers to use their preferred e-wallets and banking apps for seamless payments abroad — in more than 66 countries. For merchants, it simplifies the process by enabling them to accept a wide range of payment methods from different countries through a single integration.

(Image by Mudassar Iqbal from Pixabay)

For Singapore residents, including foreigners residing in Singapore, there are a number of options for cross-border, cashless payment. Three Singapore-based apps ride on the Alipay+ payment network, namely Changi Pay, EZ-Link Wallet and OCBC Digital.

As OCBC Digital requires an account with OCBC Bank, it may not be applicable to all Singapore residents. This article will focus on Changi Pay and EZ-Link Wallet. If you are interested in OCBC Digital, refer to OCBC's website for more details.

1. Changi Pay

Changi Pay is a digital wallet that is integrated into Singapore's Changi App that facilitates cashless payments at Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport, as well as globally via the Alipay+ network. Users can also manage e-vouchers, earn Changi Rewards points, and enjoy competitive exchange rates with no foreign transaction fees when paying abroad.

The e-wallet allows residents in Singapore to top up funds into a linked Liquid Account for seamless QR code payments in participating countries, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, etc, without needing a local bank account.

Key Points:

1. Download "Changi App" from authorised app stores.  

2. Setup Liquid Account with Singapore-registered mobile number and verify identity with SingPass.

3. Top-up e-wallet with SGD fund via PayNow.

4. In Singapore, scan merchant's SGQR code to make payment in SGD.

5. In Changi Airport, Jewel Changi and iShopChangi.com, or when overseas, scan merchant's Alipay+ QR code to make payment.

6. Currency conversion rate is determined by Alipay+ at time of transaction and both the rate and converted amount in SGD will be indicated on the app before confirming payment. The converted amount will be deducted from the e-wallet. There is no transaction fees for overseas payments via Alipay+.

7. Remaining funds in Changi Pay can be withdrawn by downloading "Liquid Pay" app and request for withdrawal.

More: Changi Pay @ Changi Airport

2. EZ-Link Wallet

The EZ-Link payment system began as a transport card for payment of MRT and bus fares on public transports in Singapore. Many Singapore residents and foreigners residing in Singapore will own at least an EZ-Link card. Unknown to many, the EZ-Link system also supports a digital payment solution, called EZ-Link Wallet.

While the EZ-Link card is for use in Singapore only, EZ-Link Wallet allows online and in-store payments using a virtual Mastercard or by scanning QR codes, including SGQR codes, at participating merchants both in Singapore and overseas. The wallet enables easy top-ups from a linked bank card and offers rewards and promotions for its users.

EZ-Link Wallet, powered by Mastercard, can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Pay on NFC-enabled device for contactless payment at merchants that accept Mastercard both in Singapore and overseas. It works like a credit / debit card.

EZ-Link Wallet is also embedded in the SimplyGo app and the latter supports scanning of SGQR codes and Pay by Wallet too. However, the SimplyGo app does not support Alipay+ for cross-border payment.

Note that EZ-Link Wallet and EZ-Link card are not linked. Fund in the wallet can be used to top-up the physical card

Key Notes:

1. Download "EZ-Link" from authorised app stores — and the "SimplyGo" app too.  

2. Setup an account in either EZ-Link / SimplyGo with a mobile number and email. Singapore residents can verify their identity with SingPass and foreign residents with FIN.

3. Top-up e-wallet with SGD fund via credit / debit card — you will need to add new cards via the "SimplyGo" app.

4. In Singapore, use EZ-Link / SimplyGo to scan merchant's SGQR code or use Pay by Wallet (virtual Mastercard) to make payment in SGD with no transaction fees.

5. When overseas, use EZ-Link to pay by scanning the merchant's Alipay+ QR code. Exchange rate is determined by Alipay+ at time of transaction and both the rate and converted amount in SGD will be indicated on the app before confirming payment. Note that amount more than CN¥200-equivalent may incur a transaction fee of 3%.

6. Overseas payment via Pay by Wallet using EZ-Link / SimplyGo will incur 1~2% transaction fees. Exchange rate is determined by Mastercard.

7. All payment amounts (SGD) will be deducted from EZ-Link Wallet.

More: EZ-Link Wallet

At a glance...

	Changi Pay	EZ-Link Wallet
Top-up	PayNow	Visa / Mastercard
Alipay+	Yes (no transaction fee)	Yes (3% transaction fee above CN¥200)
SGQR Code	Yes	Yes
Mastercard (virtual card)	-	Yes (overseas payment will incur 1~2% fee)

Next: Singapore Tip: Use YouTrip for Cashless Payments Overseas