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How to Use GCash When You Travel Abroad
Traveling to another country is fun, but managing different currencies and payment methods can be a hassle.
GCash simplifies spending overseas. You can use it for both cashless payments and ATM withdrawals—and even save on fees! Discover how to use GCash during your next trip.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Global E-Wallet
E-wallets like GCash let you shop, pay bills, or manage your money with ease. While most features are accessible through the app, you can also order a physical GCash Visa or Mastercard for over-the-counter transactions or ATM withdrawals.
Here's how you can enjoy these features when you're traveling abroad.
1. Scan store QR codes for cashless payments.
GCash is part of the global payment network Alibaba, which has millions of merchant partners in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This means you can use GCash at stores that accept Alipay+. Simply log into your account and scan the QR code to pay your bill.
2. Swipe your GCash Card.
You can use your GCash card at any store that accepts Visa or Mastercard. It’s particularly useful for self-checkout stores or ticket machines, which are popular in Asia and Europe.
GCash Visa or Mastercard is recognized in over 200 countries around the world.
3. Withdraw local currency from international ATMs.
You can use your GCash card to get local currency from ATMs that are part of the Bancnet, Visa, or Mastercard network.
Be cautious when withdrawing money abroad. Stick to ATMs from major banks, typically found in malls or business districts. If unsure, ask your hotel concierge for the most trusted banks and nearby ATMs.
Is GCash Better Than Other Payment Methods?
GCash can help you save money, monitor expenses, and prevent the common hassles of using different currencies.
GCash vs. Credit Cards
Avoid extra fees. GCash doesn't charge currency conversion fees or cash advance fees for ATM withdrawals. It also applies real-time exchange rates, so it’s easier to predict your charges.
Prevent end-of-the-month bill shock. Your daily transaction history reflects every purchase in pesos, so you can monitor expenses on the fly.
GCash vs. Cash
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Stick to your budget. Rather than dipping into your main bank account, you can load your travel allowance into GCash and set daily spending limits.
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Enjoy extra security. Cash can be lost or stolen, but GCash transactions are protected by PIN codes and biometric verification. If you spot signs of fraud, you can instantly transfer the remaining funds and lock your card through the app.
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Minimize stress. You don’t have to search for money changers or worry about getting rid of extra local currency at the end of your trip.
Check if GCash is Accepted in Your Destination
You can use GCash online payments in 46 countries. Before your trip, check this list for updates.
Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates
North America: United States of America
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Preparing Your GCash Account for International Travel
Follow these steps to ensure that your GCash account is enabled for international payments. Since processing time can take up to seven days, and you may be busy right before your trip, work on this as soon as possible.
Verify Your Gcash Account
You have to verify your GCash account before you can use it outside of the Philippines.
Open the GCash app. Tap “Profile” then “Verify Now.”
Read through all the requirements and reminders, then tap “Next.”
Enter the six-digit authentication code sent to your mobile number.
Input your birthday and confirm that you’re a Filipino citizen.
Scan a valid government-issued ID (accepted IDs include passport, national ID, driver’s license, SSS, PRC, and postal ID).
Complete the selfie scan.
Review your account information and tap “Submit.”
Order a GCash Card
Once your account is fully verified, you can order a GCash card. While it’s not required, the card is helpful for withdrawing local currency from affiliated ATMs.
Open your GCash app. Tap “Cards” then “Order a GCash Card.”
Fill out the fields (such as complete name, birthday, and address) and tap “Next.”
Review your account information and tap “Next.”
Tap “Pay.” The fee will be deducted from your GCash account. If you live in these serviceable areas, your card will be delivered within seven working days.
Now that you know how to use GCash when you travel abroad, add an extra layer of convenience and security to your account. Enable international roaming, so you can enjoy reliable internet access and receive OTPs and payment notifications wherever you are.