Singaporeans Asia Pacific's biggest spenders on dining

They splurge US$262 monthly on meals.

According to MasterCard's latest survey on Consumer Purchasing Priorities – Dining, in terms of spending, Singaporeans take the lead as the region’s top spenders on dining, with an average monthly dining spend of USD262. Japanese and Chinese consumers follow closely behind with an average monthly dining spend of USD225 and USD203 respectively. 

In contrast, the region’s smallest spenders – India and Indonesia – spent only USD17 and USD19, or 3% and 4% of their monthly household income on dining respectively.

“There are big differences between the various cultures in the Asia/Pacific region and their tipping habits, and it’s always interesting to see how this is reflected in the research. It is also interesting to see the convergence of the growing online connectivity of Asia/Pacific consumers and their passion for food,” says Georgette Tan, group head, Communications, Asia/Pacific, Middle East & Africa, MasterCard.

“Food blogs are playing an increasingly influential role in Asia’s food scene, turning both locals and tourists alike to the best eats in town and placing lesser-known eateries on the radar of the keen, tech-savvy diners.”

Going online to check for credit card promotions available also remains popular, particularly in markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong and China where about 1 in 2 respondents do so regularly. Across Asia/Pacific, however, the frequency drops slightly to an average of 1 in 4 markets.