No more hassle

Visitors leaving Malaysia can now put their leftover Malaysian currency to good use with WorldKoins, writes Hanna Hussein

AFTER visiting Malaysia for a business meeting in Kuala Lumpur or a holiday in Redang, what do you do with all your leftover Malaysian currency? If you are a frequent traveller to many foreign destinations on AirAsia flights, you now have the option of trading your leftover notes and coins on the WorldKoins platform for WorldKoins credit that can be used to shop online.

WorldKoins is a mobile app operated by Appykoins which allows leftover currency to be converted to eGift cards and vouchers which can be used to shop online on mobile phones.

In collaboration with AirAsia, WorldKoins offers this service to all travellers who fly on board selected flights from Kuala Lumpur. This six-month pilot programme allows AirAsia travellers the option of converting Malaysian Ringgit into WorldKoins credits that can be used to shop at merchants such as Lazada, Grab, Skype, iTunes, Google Play, Facebook, and transfer to PayPal or even donate to selected charity organisations.

WorldKoins co-founderMartijn Langhout said that the app allows travellers to make full use of leftover currency, especially small amounts.

“It is usually very hard to exchange small amounts of currency at the money changers so WorldKoins is a great avenue to help travellers use that leftover money in a more meaningful way,” he said adding that AirAsia crew on selected flights will inform travellers on the availability of this service and help them to register as part of the airline’s value-added service to enhance convenience for guests.

AirAsia Group chief commercial officer, Siegtraund Teh said it is thrilled to be the first airline to partner with WorldKoins. “We are always looking for ways to provide better value to our guests and this partnership will further strengthen our offerings and ensure continuous seamless travel experience for our guests as they can now maximise their unspent currency.”

She said the airline hopes to make this service available on all flights after reviewing the pilot stage. AirAsia cabin crew will help travellers on board selected AirAsia (AK coded) flights to join the WorldKoins platform by keying in relevant information such as the mobile number and the amount to be deposited into their device.

Travellers will then receive an SMS to activate their account and after 72 hours, they can start conducting transactions on the WorldKoins app where they can check their WorldKoins balance and redeem various eGift cards, discount vouchers, convert to PayPal credit or donate to charity.

WorldKoins is looking to grow opportunities and expand its partners in the airline, airport, travel and tourism industries.

For details, visit www.airasia.com/my/en/promotion/worldkoins-inflight-service.page.