In this article:
Exciting trips deserve simple and convenient ways to pay for every purchase. Learning how to use GCash abroad can help you pay for purchases, withdraw local currency, and manage your travel budget more efficiently.
Before your next international trip, discover how GCash's travel features can help you pay with confidence and enjoy a smoother travel experience.
Ways to Pay with GCash Abroad
A day of travel can include everything from café stops and souvenir shopping to transportation and attraction tickets. GCash offers convenient ways to pay for these expenses while you’re abroad.
QR Code Payments
Fully verified GCash users can make cashless payments at participating Alipay+ merchants. Depending on your destination, you can use it at well-known merchants such as Starbucks, Lotte Duty Free, Changi Airport outlets, Dubai Mall, Harrods, and Liberty London.
Just open the app and tap “QR/Pay.” You can scan the merchant’s QR code or generate your own QR code for the cashier to scan. Once the amount is confirmed, you’re all set to complete the payment.
Card Payments
For quick tap-and-pay transactions, a GCash Card is another handy travel companion. Enjoy an omakase dinner in Japan, shop for K-beauty favorites in South Korea, or pick up souvenirs in Singapore with a card accepted at more than 150 million merchants worldwide that support Visa or Mastercard.
If you’re planning to use one on your trip, order your GCash Card through the app.
- Tap “Cards” and select “Order a GCash Card.”
- Tap “Order a Card”, then choose “Send Me a Card.”
- Review your information and tap “Next.”
- Enter your delivery details and tap “Next.”
- Tap “Pay” to complete your order.
The card costs ₱250, which includes the card fee and delivery. Once your order is confirmed, your card will be delivered to your registered address within 10 to 13 business days.
Travel Tip: Frequent travelers may want to check out the GCash Klook Card, which comes with a ₱5,000 Welcome Travel Pack and Klook Rewards Gold benefits for added travel savings and perks.
ATM Withdrawals
Street food stalls, local markets, transportation fares, and small neighborhood shops may still require cash in some destinations. When the need arises, you can use your GCash Card to access local currency from Visa-supported and BancNet ATMs in more than 200 countries.
Before heading to an ATM, check that your wallet has enough balance to cover both the amount you need and any applicable fees.
For Fully Verified and Platinum account holders, international cash withdrawals are limited to ₱20,099 per transaction and ₱40,099 per day. Use ATMs located at major banks, airports, and shopping centers whenever possible for safety.
Why It’s Helpful to Know How to Use GCash Abroad
Different payment methods come with different advantages when you’re abroad. With GCash, you can get a range of benefits as you complete transactions.
GCash vs. Credit Cards
GCash uses real-time foreign exchange rates for eligible overseas purchases, helping you keep track of converted amounts more easily.
Depending on the card issuer, some credit cards may charge additional foreign transaction fees (FOREX). GCash Visa transactions currently carry a FOREX rate of 0.5%, making them a competitive option for spending overseas.
GCash vs. Cash
Cash is still useful for certain purchases, but digital payments can come in handy when an ATM isn’t nearby. GCash lets you pay at participating QR merchants, make purchases with your GCash Visa Card, and withdraw local currency from supported ATMs when needed.
With less cash to carry, you can rely on the built-in security features of digital wallets to help safeguard your funds. PIN authentication and biometric verification add an extra layer of protection while you're on the go.
Enjoying Worry-Free Moments Abroad
Enjoying your trip becomes a lot easier when paying for purchases feels simple. By preparing GCash before you travel, you can spend less time worrying about payments and more time making the most of every destination.
To make your trip even more convenient, consider setting up a roaming plan before you fly. Prepaid roaming offers the flexibility to top up and stay connected whenever needed, while postpaid roaming provides a seamless option for staying online throughout your journey.
Enjoy your travel experience and make every moment count, with the freedom to pay your way, anywhere you go.
