Android Pay, a simple, one-tap solution to reduce the number of cards in your wallet has now arrived in Asia, starting with Singapore. Utilising near field communications (NFC) technology, Android Pay, essentially turns your device into a tap-and-go style credit or debit card. Until recently, this technology was limited to the western hemisphere and now, finally, Asia is set to be part of this innovation.

With Singapore being the first Asian nation to receive Android Pay, there has already been infrastructure that has been set up to allow for this endeavour. Upon launch, MasterCard or Visa cards from banks such as DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Charted would be immediately compliant with being recognised by Android Pay.

Retailers such as BreadTalk, Cold Storage, NTUC FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong, Starhub, Toast Box, Uniqlo, and Watsons would be able to accept payment using your Android device. Even 7-11, McDonalds and Subway would allow Android Pay in their retail locations. Android Pay can also be used within apps for micro-transactions.

To promote the event, McDonalds is offering $2 discounts on every $6 spent at any of their participating outlets. Other retailers have yet to comment on offers or discounts with their new tie-in with Google. Android Pay would also be making its way into SBS trains and busses with a system being worked out to support Ez-Link Cards.

Currently Samsung Pay and Apple Pay have already launched in Singapore and have tied in with numerous retailers. However, there is no news about a collaboration between the three services and as of now, they are run independently.

As of now, Asia has been earmarked for the expansion of Android Pay, with Australia receiving this convenience sometime later this year.

Download: Android Pay

Let us know if you have been using Android Pay and how the technology has impacted your life.