Me Time!

[sharonkhoo]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2134575\" time=\"1717425204\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2134575 time=1717425204 user_id=53606]
Fwiw, the service-oriented Chinese restaurants will initiate giving the old folks a traditional flip menu book, and also take the orders in the traditional way (even if they key the order into their ipad). Even if they don’t, u can ask whether this option is available (usually i do it when shown to the table and waiter points to the qr code). If no such option then just take your business elsewhere (i’ve done that sometimes when phone low batt).[/quote]

What annoys me is that when I complain that the font is too small, the waitstaff (usually all young) assume I don't know how to use the digital device, and then try to show me how to do it! When I keep telling them it's not that I don't know, it's because the words are too small! Usually I'm with others, and someone else will take over. If not, I would probably just leave.

[starlight1968sg]

Yes, reading fine prints is a challenge for me too.


So I avoid such eateries.

I found a stall in a coffee shop near BB swimming pool that sells fish ball noodles at $3.50! The portion of noodles is decent. The shop closes once all food sold.

Stalls selling a meal less than $5 are quite hard to find.

[doodbug]

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2134578\" time=\"1717460714\" user_id=\"14025:

Yes, reading fine prints is a challenge for me too.

So I avoid such eateries.

I found a stall in a coffee shop near BB swimming pool that sells fish ball noodles at $3.50! The portion of noodles is decent. The shop closes once all food sold.

Stalls selling a meal less than $5 are quite hard to find.

I know I probably am in the minority who is of the view that it is actually easier for me to get a nutritionally balanced (those who are counting macros will understand what I mean) meal in Western Europe (excludes Scandinavia & Switzerland) at a more affordable price than in Singapore. Most hawker food is not nutritionally balanced. I can get a bowl of fishball noodles at $5 (it won't be $5 at food courts), but that doesn't go anywhere in fulfilling protein, vitamins or mineral needs for the day. Yes it does fulfil the carbohydrates requirements. You do need 40g of protein a day. Most hawker dishes, even if there is one serving of protein, require adding a portion of veg, plus a fruit, to make a balanced meal.

In many Western countries, filled sandwiches and wraps are typically filled substantially with veg and meat, which makes for a balanced meal.

That said, basic meals in Singapore to fill one's stomachs are no doubt, still cheaper in Singapore. A plate of fried hokkien mee or carrot cake - I guess a Western equivalent might be a pizza or fast food? While kopi-si in Singapore will be cheaper than a latte overseas, over the years, I have gravitated to making my own lattes to cut down on the processed coffee powder and condensed/evaporated milk used in local beverages.

[zac's mum]

Some workarounds (not that DH has tried, becos he always relies on me): take a photo of it with HP, then pinch zoom to enlarge the font. Or bring your laohua glasses when u go out (he refuses to!)

[MyPillow]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2134576\" time=\"1717427118\" user_id=\"13281:

I guess the ultimate place is Luckin Coffee - all the outlets I have patronised do not have any option of manual ordering or payments - orders and payments are only processed through the app. Can't pay with cash can't order in person.

I heard luckin coffee is from China & they are literally cashless ,using digital app order & payment for food chains.
my dh who went china twice since march said that their city is so advanced in cashless payment,
all are digital via the Alipay app in the places he went, company canteen, cafe, supermarket, malls, food outlets,transport
if one use cash in supermarket , must be exact amount , hardly any cashier around too.
dunno how the senior do it, but they just did it in city ...not sure abt outskirt

[doodbug]

MyPillow\" post_id=\"2134582\" time=\"1717467641\" user_id=\"70594:

I heard luckin coffee is from China & they are literally cashless ,using digital app order & payment for food chains.
my dh who went china twice since march said that their city is so advanced in cashless payment,
all are digital via the Alipay app in the places he went, company canteen, cafe, supermarket, malls, food outlets,transport
if one use cash in supermarket , must be exact amount , hardly any cashier around too.
dunno how the senior do it, but they just did it in city ...not sure abt outskirt

The Chinese are willing to forgo privacy and 'freedoms' - all payments are made through Wechat Pay or Alipay. The companies and the government can monitor all your money transfers and expenditures I won't describe it as advanced - the technology is available already and anyone in the world can use or implement it - but they are definitely much farther along in adoption. In China they are able to push ahead with widespread adoption. You can't really function in life without using the mega-apps, which you use to practically do everything from booking transport and all sorts of tickets (entry tickets, cinema, places of attraction), to restaurant bookings etc.

The seniors are all on apps. Simple - they don't have many bank branches nor ATMs around.

I don't think Singaporeans are ready for this yet.

[starlight1968sg]

I started using FP app to pay at ntuc supermarket and meals at kopitiam.

So far still OK.

[MrsKiasu]

I find myself clumsy when using app to pay at hawker ctr, including using CDC. But supermarkets very efficient even can whip out additional card ie member card using credit card payment. I think probably haven’t got forced to use app yet.


On another matter, I was so suaku to use CC to pay taxifare to airport, there is admin charge+GST. Pls dont use CC.

[MrsKiasu]

In China, I remember paying for strawberries from auntie selling at road side already cashless before covid time. I guess must be lucky having the cashless system during covid.

[doodbug]

MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2134586\" time=\"1717469202\" user_id=\"43981:

In China, I remember paying for strawberries from auntie selling at road side already cashless before covid time. I guess must be lucky having the cashless system during covid.

I set up Wechat pay some 10 years ago!

I find it difficult to function in China on Free & Easy travel, without Wechat pay or Didichuxing for that matter. Many shops and taxi drivers do not have change, or struggle to find change. Many vending machines do not accept cash. Even metro train tickets - even though machines may accept cash, the cash function doesn't seem to be working properly (doesn't seem to swallow cash well) as this function is not frequently utilized or maintained, and it ends up easier to pay by Wechat.

Also, all the coupons for eateries, fast food etc pop up on Wechat pages haha.

More importantly, the Wechat function is pretty important in communicating with locals like drivers (if you hire one for the day), or a shop vendor if you want their contact or to enquire on certain products or to arrange delivery etc.