Travelling Cashless? Here’s How You Can Pay Via GCash Abroad

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 foreign countries

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 internationally. The following countries include:

  1. South Korea 
  2. Japan 
  3. Singapore 
  4. Malaysia 
  5. Hong Kong
  6. Macau 
  7. United Arab Emirates 
  8. France 
  9. Germany 
  10. Italy 
  11. United Kingdom 
  12. United States 
  13. Australia

How to use GCash abroad

  1. Look for shops and restaurants with an in-store Alipay+ signage
  2. Open your GCash mobile application and tap on the QR reader found in the dashboard
  3. Scan the establishment’s QR code to pay
  4. 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 overseas. Simply look for merchants with an in-store Alipay+ sign, and you’re good to go. Here are some of the establishments that currently accept payments through the e-wallet: 

South Korea

Myeongdong shopping district in South Korea | Image credit: Marco_Piunti via Canva Pro

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. 

  1. Starbucks
  2. Lotte
  3. Line Friends
  4. Paris Baguette
  5. Haidilao
  6. Hyundai Duty-Free Shop
  7. Shilla Duty-Free Shop

Japan

Harajuku fashion district in Tokyo, Japan | Image credit: visualspace via Canva Pro

For those travelling to Japan, GCash is accepted in various retail and food establishments in select cities such as Shinjuku, and Odaiba. 

  1. Takashimaya 
  2. Odakyu
  3. Isetan Shinjuku
  4. Don Quixote
  5. Rayard Miyashita Park 
  6. Tokyo Solamachi Mall 
  7. Ichiran Ramen
  8. Kani-Doraku
  9. Kura Sushi

Singapore

Marina Bay Sands shopping centre in Singapore | Image credit: Chris Putnam

Travellers in Singapore can also pay via GCash in select Alipay+ partner establishments.

  1. Changi Airport
  2. Solo Swensens
  3. Fragrance 
  4. Lotte
  5. Shilla Duty-Free shops
  6. Comfort Delgro Taxi rides

Malaysia

Jalan Alor street food market in Kuala Lumpur | Image credit: Lina Moiseienko via Canva Pro

In Malaysia, you can use opt for cashless transactions via GCash in various convenience stores and restaurants. 

  1. KK Mart
  2. Happy Mart
  3. Mydin
  4. Tealive
  5. Dunkin Donut
  6. Bake with Yen

France

  1. Printemps

Germany

  1. Müller
  2. IVS Groups

Italy

  1. itTaxi
  2. IVS Groups

United Kingdom

  1. Harrods
  2. Liberty London
  3. Harvey Nichols

Note: Watch out for our updates on more Alipay+ partner establishments overseas. 

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 

So, 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. And, for more tips on travelling with money, check out our article on saving during your trip!


Featured image: Peckic via Canva Pro 

Andrea Larice Yap

Andrea is a writer and creative individual based in Manila. This tiny human runs on iced coffee, music, and films. You’ll probably catch her daydreaming in a park or jotting down random words to put in a song. Otherwise, expect her taking a dive in the pool of uncertainty called “life.”