Snackmates, did you know that printing of new $2 bank notes in Singapore has gone down by 20% each year for Chinese New Year. We've experienced a whole new world of Chinese New Year in 2021 and some of these innovations are here to stay.
E-Angbaos is the master of convenience in this day and age. No more standing in a snaking long queue for physical notes plus you can add more huat to the denomination; picture $88.88.
Traditional Ang Bao
Social restrictions can be tricky these days. For an old soul or those who wish to keep the tradition alive, we love to be greeted with auspicious phrases for the new year and exchanging them with Ang Baos. It's a little tricky these days as many of us are going cashless, so you might need to rush down and get in line to get loose cash to slot into that red packets.
e-Ang Bao
Source: DBS
How to send and receive and e-Ang Bao. The experience will vary slightly depending on which mobile banking app one is using, but will not deviate very much from these steps:
Sending
- Log in to your mobile banking app. Your bank should have launched its e-Ang Bao function, and you will be able to select the option.
- Like any regular PayNow transfer, select the recipient and input the amount you wish to send. You will need to have the recipient's NRIC or mobile phone number.
- You may also wish to type in a message to the recipient, such as "May your studies improve" or "Rise higher with every step". Some banks also allow you to choose an e-Ang Bao design or animation.
- Hit "Send".
- DBS Bank customers have a hybrid option called QR Gift, which involves physical gift cards with QR codes printed on them. Senders load money by scanning the QR code with their DBS banking app, and recipients scan the QR code on the gift card to receive the amount.
Receiving
- Customers of all major banks - DBS, OCBC, UOB and Citibank - will likely receive an app or SMS notification or festive e-greeting on their smartphone when an e-hongbao is sent to them. This is similar to when a regular PayNow transfer is made.
- Some banks, such as UOB, also offer the option of logging in to their banking app and getting the sender to scan a QR code for the transfer to be completed.
Huat To Say
We think that traditions of well wishing should still be kept alive. A simple “Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year)” or “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (wishing you an abundance of fortune) will suffice. Turn the huat up a notch by saying these auspicious greetings when sending your e hongbaos. 1. 身体健康 (shēn tǐ jiàn kāng) – Wishing you good health 2. 长命百岁 (cháng mìng bǎi suì) – May you live for one hundred years 3. 年年有余 (niánnián yǒuyú) – May you have a surplus (of blessings) every year 4. 大吉大利 (dà jí dà lì) – Good luck and big profit 5. 五福临门 (wǔ fú lín mén) – May the five blessings come to you
Send A Gift
Even if you're celebrating together apart through a video call on zoom or google meet. It is always a good idea to gift your families and friends for the festive season such gestures can extend the sincerity of your well wishes and ang bao tradition.
Running out of gifting idea for your loved ones this Chinese New Year? We've got you covered. Browse through our selection of Chinese New Year Gift Boxes, specially curated and themed perfectly for the festivities.
With this guide to ang bao etiquette, you’ll be ready for the festivities in no time!