How TikTok's algorithm works + travel shopping tips

Tech Things #22

I spent some time in Singapore recently to hear how TikTok is maintaining election integrity, which you may have seen on some of my social feeds. What TikTok also shared, interestingly, is how the algorithm works. We received first hand information from its Singapore HQ, where its Transparency and Accountability Centre is located. I found it fascinating to hear and see how it uses AI and Machine Learning to moderate videos, and then an explanation of how the algorithm works:

https://www.recharged.co.za/tiktok-algorithm/

I also made a fun vlog about the trip, which you can see on my TikTok page here. The trip is also why this newsletter is a week late, but I’ll make up for it by sending another one next week with some exciting news.

I received questions on my Instagram travel page about how I carry cards without a wallet, and what I do for forex while abroad. I thought I’d share more here. I use a wallet cover when I travel and swap out with a normal clear case when I’m in SA. My wallet case holds 2 cards, so I carry credit cards from different banks in case I encounter an issue. In this instance, my FNB and Discovery Bank ones. I purchased the Spigen slim case from Amazon US and had it delivered to me while I was there on a work trip. I ended up buying one for my sister recently in Singapore - I love the brand and love how thin the case is, it doesn’t add bulk.

Apart from physical cards, my default for purchasing things abroad is tapping my virtual cards on my Apple Watch. I have all of them loaded on there, including my FNB Global Account card, and my Discovery real-time forex account card. Plus as a backup, I have my virtual cards loaded on my phone. I rarely buy forex in cash, I just use my cards to tap. I find it convenient and some countries with their Apple Pay support, allow for larger purchases. I once left my credit card in my hotel and went to buy an iPad but fortunately I just tapped from my watch for the transaction and it went through.

I’d like to think the above are some really good tech travel tips, but I will share another big tip for you: if you plan to visit Singapore for work or leisure, it is one of the only countries I am aware of that gives you your VAT back for Apple, which is around 5-6%, plus their pries are cheaper than SA. It’s something to be aware of if you are transiting through Changi Airport as well. I have purchased my iPhone there years ago, but recently I’ve been getting it at the Dubai Airport or on my recent EU and US travels where it also works out cheaper than SA.

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Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Review: TopSpin 2K25:
  https://www.recharged.co.za/review-topspin-2k25/

• Amazon live in South Africa:
  https://www.recharged.co.za/amazon-south-africa-is-live/

• Review: Endless Ocean Luminous:
  https://www.recharged.co.za/review-endless-ocean-luminous/

• Omoda 7 ‘PC on wheels’ heading to SA: https://www.news24.com/citypress/trending/omoda-7-pc-on-wheels-unveiled-in-china-heading-to-sa-20240503

Keep your eyes peeled for the next edition!

Till next time,
Nafisa