ICYMI: GCash Is Now Accessible in 16 Countries Worldwide

(SPOT.ph) Using GCash has no doubt made life easier, with almost everyone having a registered account and most major commercial establishments accepting payments via the mobile wallet app. Pandemic restrictions hastened the shift to digital payments, and a post-lockdown world definitely benefits from quick and seamless transfers. Its ubiquity in the Philippines is apparent, and we know it has some people wishing they can use the app even abroad. Well now you can, at least in 16 countries worldwide.

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GCash is now available in 16 countries

Just to set the record straight, GCash has technically been accessible in other countries for quite some time now thanks to global partners like Alipay+ and other local channels that enable payments abroad. You use your GCash credits to pay for things using the "Scan QR" function, and the converted total is automatically deducted. You also get a conversion rate so you can keep track of your transactions. For users with the GCash card, which acts like a debit card, swiping is easy abroad as VISA is accepted by most payment terminals. Like using your phone to pay, you can also monitor your card spending and corresponding conversation rates on the app.

The new thing with GCash now is that a local SIM from any of the covered countries can now be used to open an account and cash in like you would be able to do in the Philippines. 

Prior to GCash's move to go global, you could only create a GCash account using a Philippine SIM number, with app usage limited to only the Philippines. Everything back then was in Philippine Peso only.

Users abroad "can sign up with their international mobile numbers with their Philippine passport or other Philippine Valid ID as proof of identity," according to a GCash news release. Verification is important, as this unlocks all the app's functions and serves as a layer of security for transactions.

This is great news for Overseas Filipino Workers looking to transfer money to loved ones in the Philippines, but it's also a win for Filipinos travelling or visiting the covered area. Think of it this way: It's as easy as asking for someone's GCash number and sending them your share of the bill—except you're abroad.

Same applies for paying bills, taxes, and even tuition. You can even purchase load on the app for someone else, even if they live halfway across the world, without having to transfer apps.

Also read: Heads Up, BPI Users: Loading GCash Will Soon Cost You P10

For now, GCash has launched in the following territories:

• Canada
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Italy
• Japan
• Qatar
• Spain
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• United States
• United Kingdom

GCash most recently launched in Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Next up on the list are Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

More could be added in the future, as GCash took time to properly roll out access and features to foreign countries. Access abroad was initially beta-tested in 2022 in the US, Canada, Italy, the UK, Australia, and Japan, with 10 countries added in 2023. GCash is expected to finish its initial list of 16 countries in 2024.

“In 2024 and beyond, we are doubling down on our mission to serve our users beyond Philippine shores. With around 13 million Filipinos living abroad, we recognize and answer the need for them to be present for their families back home and remain in control of helping build the financial future of their loved ones,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc, the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

Also read: You Can Now Use GCash in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, and the UK

If you're worried about security, fret not—the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas greenlit GCash's move so more Filipinos abroad can be services. Once you're able to access GSave—the app's built-in savings account managed in partnership with CIMB—funds in the savings account  will be insured up to P500,000.

“Thanks to BSP’s support, we are now able to provide our Kababayans across the globe access to financial services that would help alleviate difficulties in managing their finances and better support their families back home. We will soon be rolling out more services like savings, gifting vouchers, using their GCash for online payments, as well as more accessible ways to cash-in,” said Paul Albano, General Manager of GCash International.

Also read: GCash Double Authentication is Here To Ward Off Scammers

Fingers crossed that all of the app's most-used features are fully operationale abroad by the time you're back in the country of Merlions and premium airport experiences—be it for a Taylor Swift concert or just to relax.

Curious about GCash payments in Singapore, Japan, and other countries? We tried it out to let you know what to expect, why we like it, and how to make the most out of digital payments using the mobile wallet app.

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