Historically speaking, it’s only been possible to use Atome in the country where you created your account. For example, if you created your account in Singapore, you can only use it within Singapore.
However, Atome has now launched a trial that allows Singapore users to shop at selected merchants across Malaysia. This allows them to take advantage of Atome’s many benefits, including interest-free instalments, turning offline spend into online, optimising bonus caps, and MCC standardisation.
Atome Singapore users can now make payments in Malaysia
Atome Singapore users can now scan and pay at selected merchants across Malaysia.
The payment process is basically the same as in Singapore: scan the Atome physical QR code, enter the amount payable, and choose the card you want to pay with. As always, you’ll have the option of paying in three interest-free instalments.
As for the payment currency, Atome will convert your purchases into SGD at “rates you can trust”. Once you enter the amount in Malaysian Ringgit, you will be able to see the converted SGD amount before confirming payment.
The amount you pay will be based on the exchange rate from Atome’s appointed licensed payment service provider, which may include an FX spread where applicable.
-Atome
For what it’s worth, the Atome screenshots show a RM104 transaction converted into S$32.85, versus S$32.83 on Google. That would be very decent indeed, if true. Of course, we should probably wait for real-world data points, and to see whether this will attract any cross-border DCC fees.
