Cashless transactions have become the norm for both consumers and merchants with the advances in technology and the pandemic’s preference for contactless payments. With travel making a comeback, you can also opt to go cashless on your trips! Thanks to GCash’s partnership with third-party mobile and online platform Alipay+, you can now make transactions overseas simple, fast, and easy. Planning on travelling cashless? Here’s how and where you can use GCash abroad!
Also read: 13 Mobile Banking Apps Every Pinoy Should Have
GCash now accepted in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia
On 19 Oct 2022, GCash, together with Alipay+, launched a cross-border remittance service through their e-wallet platforms for cashless transactions. The service is powered by “cutting-edge blockchain technology” developed by Alipay+. In fact, this is the first-ever digital wallet remittance service available globally. It offers a fast, easy, and secure way to directly transfer money.
If you’re planning to go cashless abroad, you’ll be pleased to know that payments through GCash are now accepted in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia. According to the virtual wallet, it is planning to extend its services to more countries like the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, and Australia.
How to use GCash abroad
- Look for shops and restaurants with an in-store Alipay+ signage
- Open your GCash mobile application and tap on the QR reader found in the dashboard
- Scan the establishment’s QR code to pay
- Or tap the “Pay abroad with Alipay+” button to generate a QR code that the establishment can scan
Note: Make sure to verify your GCash account in order to pay cashless when travelling abroad.
Also read: 10 Best Credit Cards for Travel in the Philippines
Where can you use GCash abroad
You can use GCash across various shopping and dining establishments in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Simply look for merchants with an in-store Alipay+ sign, and you’re good to go. Here are the following establishments that currently accept payments through the e-wallet:
South Korea
In South Korea, verified GCash users can pay through the e-wallet at Alipay+ partner establishments located at Myeongdong, Dongdaemoon, Hongdae, Itaewon, and Seoul Namsan Tower.
- Starbucks
- Lotte
- Line Friends
- Paris Baguette
- Haidilao
- Hyundai Duty-Free Shop
- Shilla Duty-Free Shop
Japan
For those travelling to Japan, GCash is accepted in various retail and food establishments in select cities such as Shinjuku, and Odaiba.
- Takashimaya
- Odakyu
- Isetan Shinjuku
- Don Quixote
- Rayard Miyashita Park
- Tokyo Solamachi Mall
- Ichiran Ramen
- Kani-Doraku
- Kura Sushi
Singapore
Travellers in Singapore can also pay via GCash in select Alipay+ partner establishments.
- Changi Airport
- Solo Swensens
- Fragrance
- Lotte
- Shilla Duty-Free shops
- Comfort Delgro Taxi rides
Malaysia
In Malaysia, you can use opt for cashless transactions via GCash in various convenient stores and restaurants.
- KK Mart
- Happy Mart
- Mydin
- Tealive
- Dunkin Donut
- Bake with Yen
Don’t have the app yet? The GCash e-wallet is available for both IOS and Android users. You can download the mobile app on the Apple Store or Google Play store.
Also read: Mobile Banking Hacks: 6 Ways You Can Avoid Bank Transfer Fees
What say you? Will you opt to go cashless with GCash abroad? While cashless payments are slowly paving the way for safer and easier transactions, it’s always good to have some cash with you just in case. For more tips on travelling with money, check out our article on saving during your atrip!
Featured image: Peckic via Canva Pro
