Send luck, not envelopes – learn how to send e-ang baos and take a sustainable turn for the Chinese New Year festivities this year!
Sending e-ang baos is the new way to go for Chinese New Year in Singapore, and we’re loving the added convenience! Yes, the red packet designs in Singapore are too cute to ignore. But with a move towards sustainability, digital ang baos are becoming a green alternative and fuss-free option for gifting. Here are all the details you need to get started!
How to send e-ang baos for Chinese New Year in Singapore
What are digital e-ang baos?
E-ang baos are digital gifts used in place of physical red packets. Beyond a regular money transfer, e-ang baos have an added festive flair with special animations, Chinese New Year designs, and customisable greetings. You can even schedule an ang bao to be sent to your relatives! Goodbye, paper cuts.
This gifting alternative is popular for anyone with relatives living overseas, and takes the hassle out of waiting in line for new bank notes in Singapore. It’s also a fun way to give red packets to close friends or colleagues.
Due to the amount of energy used to create new notes and burn excess notes, the Monetary Authority of Singapore highly encourages the use of digital ang baos in place of physical ang baos with new or fit-for-gifting notes.
How do I send an e-ang bao in Singapore?
To ensure you can send digital ang baos, check if you have an account that lets you transfer money. This includes:
- A PayNow account registered to a Singapore bank account
- A DBS PayLah! Account
- An Internet Banking account in any major bank in Singapore (ie. OCBC app, UOB TMRW, Maybank)
- Any other app that allows you to transfer money (ie. Revolut, Wise, or YouTrip for family members who live abroad)
You should also check if your recipient has an e-wallet that can receive the money.
During the festive season, some platforms adjust their interface, so you might see some changes in your Internet Banking apps that will help facilitate easy gifting.
You may have to pay small transfer fees if you’re sending a digital packet overseas. There may also be a minimum gifting amount depending on the transfer method you’re using (for example, PayLah! eGifts require a minimum value of $8).
What do e-ang baos look like?
An e-ang bao differs from a regular money transfer thanks to the adorable animations and designs used. Most digital red packets mimic the suspense of physical packets by hiding the value of the ang bao first, and revealing it only when opened. While you might lose the physical gesture of gifting, an e-ang bao is still a blessing of luck.
And that’s all you need to know about sending e-ang baos for the festive season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any fees for sending e-ang baos in Singapore?
There are typically no additional fees to send e-ang baos if the transfers are local. However, you may have to pay small top-ups if you’re sending a digital red packet out to someone outside of Singapore.
Which apps or banks in Singapore allow e-ang baos?
Most major banks and payment platforms offer e-ang bao features, such as:
- DBS/POSB
- OCBC
- UOB
- Maybank
- Standard Chartered
- PayNow
- PayLah!
- Revolut
- Wise
- GrabPay
Can I send an e-ang bao to someone using a different bank?
Yes! If you’re using PayNow, you can send money to giftees from any bank as long as they’re also registered with PayNow.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount for e-ang baos?
It depends on the bank, but the minimum usually starts from $0.01 or $1. The maximum amount of money you can transfer is based on your daily transfer limits.
Is it acceptable to give e-ang baos instead of physical ones?
While it’s not as traditional, the practice of using digital red packets is starting to grow, especially among the younger generation.
However, if you’re planning to give ang baos to any elders, it’s best to use physical red packets, especially if they’re more particular about tradition.
Are digital red packets only used for Chinese New Year?
No! You can use e-ang baos for birthdays, weddings, corporate gifting, or even other festive occasions like Hari Raya or Deepavali (digital designs tend to change with the season, too).
Do digital red packets feel less meaningful than physical ones?
It depends on who you’re gifting it to. Some prefer the convenience of not having to deal with physical bank notes after giving or receiving red packets, while others appreciate the preservation and practice of traditional Chinese beliefs.
When in doubt, it’s always best to ask the hosts or the people you’re gifting ang baos to.
