In a recent survey, 1 in 4 Singaporeans have adopted mobile payment. In 2016 alone, over 30,000 retail points in Singapore enabled cashless payment. The most popular online wallets include DBS Paylah!, Apple Pay, and Android Pay.
You can only imagine how much growth the cashless payment received due to the Circuit Breaker period! People have been leaning towards this payment scheme due to the lack of face-to-face interaction that comes with it.
A mobile wallet stores payment information on your mobile device and lets you transact painlessly. It is fast and convenient. The downside? You are vulnerable to cyber hacking. On that note, here are several tips that you can use to secure your device while you shop.
#1: ENABLE THE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Two-factor authentication gives you an added layer of protection. Enabling this will let you control your purchases. You will be notified whenever your card or your online wallet is in use. You will get a message or an email asking for your verification code. This is something you have to put to pursue the online transaction. This will alert you in case fraudulent transactions are about to take place.
#2: BE VIGILANT AGAINST BOGUS SITES
Notice every little detail such as the web address. Cyber criminals use similar characters in the web address to virtually trick you into putting your bank details and other personal information. For instance, you may shop in amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com. Consider using tools such as Google Safe Browsing to check the current safety status of a website.
#3: PAY WITH CREDIT CARD
Credit cards are not tied to your savings account. Furthermore, it often offers fraud prevention and protection services compared to debit cards. If you use a debit card on purchases, the money will automatically be taken out from your savings account. Treat debit cards like cash. In contrast, credit cards enable you to have enough time to dispute fraudulent charges. Seek the help of the bank to investigate the incident. It is a good habit to regularly check your billing statement and your weekly transactions online.
#4: DO NOT SAVE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION
Some online retailers, like Lazada, offer the option of storing your credit card or debit card information after you have made a transaction. While it is convenient for you to do this, you must never put your personal information at risk. Major companies have suffered data breaches where consumers’ information have been stolen. Do not let this happen to you! Moreover, never provide your credit card or debit card details over an email or a phone call.
Protect yourself! Be vigilant and strategic whenever you purchase online.
According to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, plastic face shield offers adequate basic protection and can be worn if you need to go out of your home during this period.
For the general public who need to go out of their homes during this period, any mask including reusable masks, DIY masks or plastic face shields, offer adequate basic protection.
Face shields have a number of advantages over masks. It can be more comfortable to wear than a face mask and it is easier to clean and disinfects after each use.
Video by Lindsley et al, 2014/NIOSH
According to a report from JAMA Network, face shields were shown to reduce immediate viral exposure by 96% when worn by a simulated health care worker within 18 inches of a cough. Face shields also protect your eyes and other parts of the face not covered by the face masks.
While face shields offer more advantages, they are are not 100% foolproof. Experts have recommend wearing with face masks to be effective. In addition, practicing good personal hygiene and social distancing should form the first line of defence against the coronavirus.
If you are considering to get a face shield in Singapore, here are some places where you can get them:
Welcome to the new normal! The Circuit Breaker period allowed us to stay at home out of necessity, while we anxiously spray disinfectant on every item around the house. WE all know that we have to follow the social distancing measures and to wait for the COVID-19 updates. However, it is hard to stay at home when you are running out of home essentials and grocery supplies. How do you shop for your essentials? Is it safer to buy online or in store?
GOING OUT TO SHOP IN STORE
Stepping outside to buy groceries and household supplies is the quickest and simplest way to restock. It is also accessible, whereby everything you need can be found in one place. The shopping mall can also provide you with different brands and packaging sizes. You can even return a damaged item on the spot.
Going outside to shop is no longer simple and safe as it used to be. Since most stores close earlier and some ceased their operations, you will have to time your shopping accordingly. You need to wear a mask and carry a disinfectant with you. Without the usual public transport measures, you will have to walk to the store or to avoid the peak hours. You will also have to line up for hours to fulfill your grocery journey.
Going outside also increases your chances of getting sick. You can contract the illness from surfaces, from crowded lines, or from the cash. This is according to the World Health Organization. Not to mention, the germ exposure that you can get from ATMs and banks. Remain safe wherever you are by practicing social distancing and by keeping your hands clean at all times.
The use of cash can be prevented by carrying your debit or credit card. You may also use cashless services such as Apple Wallet and PayPal. These methods are convenient and safe.
STAYING INDOORS TO SHOP
Shopping online has become more popular than ever. Getting deliveries right at your doorstep lets you skip the countless hours you spend in the store and the anxiety of getting infected. Most stores have strict disinfection practices, encourage no-contact deliveries, and accept contactless payments. It is easier to find specialty items online such as bubble milk-tea shops or freshly-baked goods.
The only downside is that you will have to visit several websites to look for everything you need. Stocks are limited too. You need to tick the item into the cart before you lose your chance. Most online stores have delivery delays due to the surge in demand. You have to be patient. Nonetheless, you can always order in advance.
FairPrice and Lazada Singapore are just a few of your online grocery options. These shops accept electronic payments and cash on delivery. After filling in the shop’s bank account details and amount, review your details and confirm. You will be spoiled with their item selections found online.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
For Singaporeans who only need a set meal without having to shop, food delivery apps can provide cravings for an entire family. This options offers all the advantages of shopping online, minus the long queue. There are upsides and setbacks to any way you choose to shop, and it is up to you to decide which best suits your lifestyle.
The Circuit Breaker period is almost over! With merely two weeks left, many Singaporeans are prepared to get back to their previous routines. Going back to the “outside world” can bring some irrational and unpleasant fears for us urban-dwellers.
What will happen if you forgot your mask at home? What if you stumbled through an open manhole? Who do you ask for help if you tripped along the stairs? This list compiled some of the most common intrusive thoughts, which run in the minds of many people. You are not alone.
#1: FALLING ONTO THE TRAIN GAPS
Going back to our “normal” travel route entails that you will encounter rush hour lines at the MRT and bus station. People jostling you when you are trying to stand behind the safety line on the platform is a commuter’s worst nightmare! Not to mention, you may fall onto the gaps. We all need personal space, especially these days. Ride during off-peak hours to avoid situations like these.
#2: BEING CRUSHED BY THE LIFT DOORS
With the rise of sensory-operated lift doors, people have embraced faster lifts. However, being caught between the lift doors can be painful and embarrassing. Prevent this from happening by being kind to your co-passengers. Always hold the lift door for someone. You will never know when you will need that favor back!
#3: HAVING YOUR GADGET EXPLODE
Few years ago, there was a particular smartphone model that explodes on its own. It was banned in several airlines worldwide. It is one of the top tech scare – having your phone explode while you are using it. Avoid this from happening by putting your gadget in your hand-carry bag. This includes your power banks, laptops, and smartphones. Keep your gadgets from overheating or overcharging.
#4: GETTING SICK FROM STREET FOOD
Singaporean street food has a diverse collection of cuisines. From Roti Prata to Kaya Toast and Ice Cream Sandwich, your tummy will be delighted with many choices. Still, some people worry about buying street food. For people with weak stomachs, check the establishment’s food safety or hygiene rating. An “A” grade means the establishment met 85 percent of the requirements. Be guided accordingly.
#5: SLIDING OFF THE MOTORCYCLE
One of the quickest ways to travel Singapore from one end to another is by riding the motorcycle. Riding the motorcycle in the front or the back seat can save you time and money. Although, there is a slight chance that you can fall off the vehicle. This is why you must obey the road safety rules and wear proper safety gears at all times.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
We all encounter situations where we’re confronted by our own mortality. And this unpleasant situations can happen at any moment. Do yourself a favor by getting insured. Ease your worries of the future by ensuring your life and your health. You may also build an emergency fund to cushion unforeseen events.
Enjoy bundled gifts worth up to $1,6951 with these Samsung Galaxy deals.
Working from home can be challenging, but having the right tools on hand can help you stay productive and win the day.
Be mobile and able
You’ll need a device that’s powerful enough to create your in-office productivity. The Galaxy S20 series – Samsung’s latest flagship – and its Microsoft Office tools are what you need to help you stay engaged and work efficiently:
Being able to access all of your data is key. With cloud storage, you can access all your important files from home, without worrying which device you are working from. The Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription2 gives you 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage and access to premium Office apps such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.
Sync your PC and phone – Samsung’s Link To Windows3 feature easily mirrors your phone screen to your PC. That way, you can keep track of tasks on your phone and PC simultaneously on one device, helping you to streamline your work process.
Get a 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription + Samsung 24” FHD Monitor (worth $296 in total)1 with purchase of the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G.
Get a 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription + Wireless Charger Stand (worth $226 in total)1 with purchase of the Galaxy S20+ | S20
Samsung Online Store Exclusive: Get a Samsung 27” Essential Curved Monitor (U.P. $288) at $1881 with purchase of Galaxy S20+ | S20
Better notes start with the right tools
Become WFH pros with some of these Galaxy Note10 features:
When you’re working remotely, staying focused may be challenging, especially after endless hours of virtual meetings. One simple hack is to take handwritten notes instead of typing them to avoid getting distracted by what’s happening on your PC screen. Plus, writing notes by hand can boost your memory power. The Galaxy S Pen on the Note10 will seamlessly convert your handwriting to text4, and when you’re done, you can share your notes via a Microsoft Word doc or an Outlook email.
Ever had a great idea that you just can’t remember? We could all benefit from having a quick way to capture our thoughts whenever inspiration strikes. Jot down your ideas on the Galaxy Note10 screen without even opening an app.
Why stop at simple notes? Use the Galaxy Note10 with Samsung Notes and easily create rich multimedia content with photos and audio tracks.
Get a 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription + Wireless Charger Stand (worth $226 in total)1 with purchase of the Galaxy Note10 series.
Samsung Online Store Exclusive: Get a Samsung 27” Essential Curved Monitor (U.P. $288) at $1881 with purchase of the Galaxy Note10 series.
Set WFH boundaries
To avoid burnout, draw strict boundaries that ensure much-needed breaks and “me time”. Schedule time onto your calendar to take a well-deserved break to catch up on all your favourite shows. The Galaxy Tab S5e is the perfect companion for your in-home entertainment experience.
At only 5.5mm thin and weighing 400grams, the Galaxy Tab S5e is Samsung’s slimmest tablet yet5. With its quick-charging 7,040mAh (typical)6 battery, you can enjoy up to 15 hours7 of video play on a 10.5-inch8 Super AMOLED display that delivers stunning colours and optimal screen brightness. Featuring an AKG Quad Speaker system sound and Dolby Atmos® 3D surround sound, enjoy rich, true-to-life sounds that will keep you fully immersed in what’s on screen.
Purchase the Galaxy Tab S5e and get a free 12-month Viu Premium Subscription and Book Cover in black (worth $194 in total)1.
Prefer something more versatile? Meet the category-defying Galaxy Fold. The Galaxy Fold is both a smartphone and a tablet, offering you the best of both worlds, whether for work or for play.
We love how you can even easily mirror9 the Galaxy Fold screen to the TV to watch all your favourite dramas with your loved ones.
Get the Galaxy Fold and enjoy a Samsung 43” QLED Q60T 4K Smart TV and 12-month Viu Premium Subscription (worth $1,695)1.
Stay Strong While You Stay In
Working from home can blur the lines between work and rest. If you find it difficult to disengage after a day at work, one of the best ways to boost your energy is to get active. The Samsung Health app tracks your daily progression on activity level, workout intensity, sleep quality, calorie and water intake and recommends new fitness programmes according to your fitness interest. Track your workouts with the Galaxy Watch Active2. The Samsung smartwatch tracks all your activity in one place, so that you can take charge of your fitness and establish a fitness routine to keep yourself in shape.
Save $20 and get a free Wireless Battery Pack worth $981 when you purchase the Galaxy Watch Active2.
All promotions are valid at Samsung Online Store, selected Consumer Electronics and IT online stores and Online Retailers from 9 May to 7 June 2020, unless otherwise stated.
1 While stocks last, terms and conditions apply. Please check at Samsung Online Store for details. 2 Subscription charges may apply. 3 Availability may vary depending on country or carrier. Compatibility and availability of functions and features may vary depending on app. To connect your phone to your PC, activate “Link to Windows”, and use the “Your Phone” application on your PC. “Your Phone” application is preloaded on PC with Windows 10, October 2018 Update or later, and is downloadable for Windows 10, April 2018 Update or later versions. 4 Actual text export function may require some processing to turn writing into text. Text export feature availability may vary by language. 5 As compared to other Samsung tablets of comparable size. 6 Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition, based on Samsung internal test results under controlled testing parameters . Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 6,840mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network, usage, settings, battery condition and other surrounding factors and conditions. 7Based on Samsung internal test results under controlled testing parameters on a fully-charged battery. Dependent on network, usage, mode settings, battery condition, and other surrounding factors and conditions. 8 Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners. 9 Subject to device compatibility.
