Changi Airport is poised to become the first airport in Southeast Asia to accept transactions made via the Chinese mobile payment platform WeChat Pay, with the airport aiming to roll out the platform across most of its merchants by the end of the year.

The collaboration between the two companies means that passengers will be able to use WeChat Pay to purchase goods at the airport’s more than 150 outlets, including its duty-free, luxury retail and iShopChangi online store.

WeChat Pay is one of China’s most popular mobile payment platforms alongside alternatives such as Alipay. The system is integrated into the mobile messaging app WeChat, which currently has more than a billion monthly active users.

Chinese travellers accounted for about one-third of all sales at Changi Airport in 2017.

“Singapore is an important part of the Belt and Road initiative, and Changi Airport is the transportation hub of Singapore,” said Grace Yin, operation director.

“Through this collaboration, WeChat Pay will provide a more convenient shopping experience to Chinese tourists in Changi Airport. We hope the collaboration will also provide fresh options and new perspectives to Changi Airport’s retail operations.”

As companies within the travel sector look to capitalize on the growth of the Chinese market, many have begun looking towards mobile payment platforms such as WeChat Pay and Alipay as a way to attract customers.

This is particularly the case for airlines. In August last year, Dutch carrier KLM became the first non-Chinese carrier to accept WeChatPay.

Beyond WeChat Pay, Changi also accepts a range of other payment methods:

1. Credit/Debit Cards: Most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are accepted at various stores, dining outlets, and service counters.
2. Mobile Payments:
   • Alipay: Popular with Chinese tourists, Alipay is widely accepted throughout the airport.
   • Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay: These digital wallets are generally accepted by stores and dining venues that support contactless payment.
3. UnionPay: Another popular option for Chinese tourists, UnionPay cards are widely accepted in Singapore, including at Changi.
4. Cash: Changi accepts Singapore Dollars (SGD) as well as a few other major currencies, such as USD and EUR, at currency exchange counters and selected retailers.
5. Changi Gift Card and Vouchers: These can be used across participating outlets in the airport, adding flexibility for gifting and spending.

These options make it convenient for international travelers, particularly those from China, to make payments in their preferred format.

Visiting Singapore? Do not miss:

Alertify is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!