Foreigners Can Now Use WeChat Pay Directly with Their International Cards - No Need to 'Top-Up' a Virtual Prepaid Card
Last week, Alipay introduced a Tour Pass mini-program which allows international visitors to top-up a virtual prepaid card (valid for 90 days) issued by the Bank of Shanghai for use on the platform. Through a major partnership with the main card issuers, foreigners (essentially visitors without a Chinese bank account) will be able to use their cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Global Network and JCB) on WeChat Pay without having to purchase a virtual prepaid card.
Alipay and WeChat Pay make up over 90 percent of the total market share for mobile payments in China and while it is still possible to use cash when visiting China, it is a little bit of an inconvenience in most instances. At the time of writing, Alipay only accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Diners Club cards but WeChat Pay currently supports American Express and Discovery Global Network cards (even though it is unclear when Diners Club cards are supported).
The new Go with Amex campaign has arrived in Singapore, offering up to S$790 in statement credits for hotel spending.
SingSaver has just brought back the Team Cashback vs Air Miles campaign which will run from 8 May 2024 to 5 June 2024 - new applicants can enjoy fantastic sign-up gifts, as well as a chance to earn up to 34,000 bonus Max Miles or S$370 worth of voucher when your team wins. Additionally, all successful applications during the campaign period will also allow you to take part in the Grand Lucky Draw where a pair of Business Class tickets could be yours.
Register now to earn double Hilton Honors points for stays consumed between 02 May 2024 and 02 September 2024 - stack this with an Impresario rate to earn up to 40 points per USD as a Diamond member (or 38 points per USD as a Gold member).
Looking for the best eSIM for tourists on your next visit to Thailand? The dtac Happy Tourist eSIM allows you to stay connected the moment you land at just USD 9.90 (or USD 6.90 if you are new to Airalo) and it will also unlock free workout classes if you sign-up for a Classpass trial.
Accor's use of an incorrect currency rate led to an 18% reduction in the points awarded after my stay, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of point accruals.
The JW Marriott Auckland is still refurbishing its guest rooms and suites (with an expected completion date in November 2024). I stayed in a Deluxe Room (non-refurbished) and have found the experience to be lacking of a typical JW Marriott property.
Get a S$5 eCapitaVoucher with S$200 mobile contactless spend on your American Express cards - limited to 1,000 redemptions only.
TGM at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 now offers a semi-buffet experience for travellers with the right lounge memberships - you can use your Priority Pass entitlements here!
Earn 2,000 bonus points in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program with every two nights that you consume between 01 April 2024 and 31 May 2024 - registration required.
Enjoy 25% off stays of two nights or more at participating Accor hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific - Accor Plus members can access the sale now with an additional 10% savings (bringing the total discount to 35%) for participating properties in Asia and the Pacific.