Singapore pilots next generation QR mobile payments service

Banners for Singapore's SGQR and SGQR+ enhanced interoperable common QR code payment schemes

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is testing an upgraded version of its SGQR unified QR payment code that will enable merchants to accept QR code payments made using a wider range of local and cross-border payment schemes through a single financial institution rather than having to maintain commercial relationships with individual payment scheme providers... More






What's New in Payments

Singtel expands mobile wallet alliance to Japan

Singtel’s Via mobile payment alliance debuts in Japan — Singtel — “Singtel’s Via, Asia’s first cross-border mobile payment alliance, has launched in Japan… The alliance which currently counts Singtel’s Dash and AIS Global Pay among its member mobile wallets enables tourists from Singapore and Thailand to shop and dine across Japan using QR code payments in their local currency at competitive exchange rates.




What's New in Payments

Edinburgh Tattoo to accept WeChat Pay

Pic credit: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Traditional annual Scottish tourism highlight The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is to get a very modern twist from 2018 with the addition of support for Chinese internet giant Tencent’s WeChat Pay mobile payments platform, enabling the growing number of visitors from China who attend the event to purchase tickets, merchandise and other services from their smartphones. More


What's New in Payments

Carnival Corporation to offer Alipay payment services onboard its fleet in Asia

Carnival Corporation to offer Alipay payment services onboard its fleet in Asia — Carnival Corporation — “Carnival Corporation’s first and largest brand in China – Costa Cruises – will give passengers the option to use their existing Alipay accounts as a payment method for cabin folios. All onboard spending – including shopping, activities, excursions, food and drinks – will be added to each guest’s cabin folio as the purchase is made.”





NFC World

Carnival unveils NFC and BLE wearable for cruise ship passengers

Ocean Medallion

Holidaymakers aboard Carnival Corporation cruise ships will soon be given an NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled wearable device, designed by the man behind Disney’s MagicBand, that will let them access a range of next generation services including boarding without checking in, unlocking rooms, accessing personalised entertainment, ordering food and making payments. More







Starwood expands keyless entry to hotels worldwide

Starwood

The Bluetooth-based mobile keyless entry solution unveiled by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide in November 2014 has been extended to select Le Méridien, Westin, Sheraton and Four Points hotels, with “many additional properties” expected to go live with SPG Keyless over the coming months... More