NETS and Alipay launch FlashPay card for Chinese tourists visiting S'pore

SINGAPORE - Chinese tourists visiting Singapore can now purchase a Flashpay card that can be used on local transit even before leaving home, thanks to a partnership between NETS and Alipay, said a joint statement released today.

The card has been created to offer Chinese tourists more convenience when planning a trip to Singapore.

It can be purchased using Alipay Wallet, Alipay's mobile app, which has 190 million active users across China.

According to a recent research report by the World Tourism Cities Federation, Chinese tourists are most concerned about transportation when travelling abroad, and prefer to take public transport while overseas.

The report also revealed that they are becoming more comfortable making travel arrangements online as compared to going to a travel agency.

Mr Ang Sok Hong, Senior Vice President, Sales, NETS said: "Given Alipay's popularity amongst Chinese consumers and its volume of traffic, it was only natural for us to partner with Alipay to see how we could make outbound travel more seamless for Chinese tourism."

He added: "Visitors can now get going from the moment they touch down without having to worry about the logistics of buying a transit card. They can travel straight away!"

Mr Peh Ke-Wei, vice-president of passenger development at Changi Airport Group said: "We are delighted to join hands with NETS and Alipay in this partnership to attract more Chinese tourists to visit Singapore.

"China is an important market to Changi Airport and is currently our fifth largest source market in terms of passenger numbers. CAG is constantly on the look-out to collaborate with like-minded partners to boost passenger traffic to and via Changi Airport."

Alipay Wallet users can log into their registered accounts to purchase the Flashpay card. An e-voucher will be sent to their Alipay Wallet account.

The travellers will only need to present the e-voucher at designated "Changi Recommends" counters at Changi Airport to collect their Flashpay card.

The $50 Alipay Flashpay card has a stored value of $45 and tourists will be allowed to purchase up to five cards.

Those who redeem the card between Nov 27, 2014 and Mar 31, 2015 will also receive a $20 voucher, courtesy of Changi Airport Group.

minlee@sph.com.sg