Can I use GCash and GCash card abroad: guide for Filipinos

GCash and the GCash card are one of the most popular payment methods to make local payments and transfers in the Philippines. However, should you think about using GCash and the GCash card overseas, we've got you covered.

If you've ever wondered “Can I use GCash¹ abroad” or “Can I use GCash card² abroad?”, read on for a guide on how to use the GCash ewallet and card abroad, as well as if there’s any transaction and withdrawal fees abroad. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Can I use GCash abroad?

Yes, you can use GCash abroad. But first you need to make sure you have a Fully Verified GCash account. Basic GCash features include paying bills, purchasing telco, non-telco, and broadband load directly through the app, topping up your GCash wallet, and scanning to pay.

Once your GCash account is fully verified, your GCash wallet and transaction limit is increased, and you can access other GCash account features that include sending money to other GCash Wallets quickly and securely, bank transfers, transactions with merchants and apps online using your GCash account, and other financial services.

To get a Fully Verified GCash account, you will need a valid government ID. You may also need to submit other documents if you are younger than 18 years old or are not a Philippine citizen. Those who are residing abroad or have a non-Philippine SIM can create a GCash Overseas account. Do note that only GCash accounts registered with a Philippine mobile number can access credit and loan services.

How to get started?

Get started with your GCash verification by tapping Profile > Verify Now on your GCash app, downloadable on Google Play/Apple App Store.

Once that’s done, you also need to ensure that GCash QR Payments are accepted in the country you are travelling to. As GCash partners Alipay+, this is possible in select countries³ outside the Philippines if the merchant is a partner of Alipay+.

Exchange rate when using GCash abroad

Your GCash account can be used for QR payments overseas, with Global Pay via Alipay+. You are not charged any service fees⁴ nor currency conversion fees; just the real-time foreign exchange rates, from pesos to the local currency of the country you are in. GCash endeavors to use the lowest exchange rate when calculating your payment. This is the same for those paying via the GCash card.

How to make QR payments with GCash ewallet overseas?

To make QR payments with your GCash e-wallet overseas, just do the same as you would in the Philippines. Ensure that your GCash account has been fully verified and look out for the Alipay+ logo at the merchant to ensure that GCash QR payments are accepted.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on making QR payments with GCash e-wallet overseas:

1. Open GCash app
2. Tap the QR option on the bottom navigation bar
3. Scan the merchant’s Alipay+ QR code. Be sure to position it within the frame
4. Double-check the amount due and tap “Pay”
5. When the payment is successfully completed, you can view, download or share your receipt

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Can I use the GCash card abroad?

Yes, fully verified GCash users can use the GCash card abroad. The GCash card is linked to your GCash account, just like a debit card. This can be used for online purchases, in-person purchases at a merchant, and for ATM cash withdrawals. Your GCash card can be used both in the Philippines and abroad.

First, you will need to order a GCash card. This is powered by Visa, and costs PHP 250. Once you have it, you can use it just like a debit card, and can make payments at over 35.9 million merchants worldwide.

Read more: How to Order GCash Card: Guide on eligibility, benefits, and more

How to activate the GCash card for overseas use?

When you receive your GCash card, you will first need to link it to your GCash account.

1. On your GCash app, tap Cards > Link my Card
2. Enter the six-digit authentication code and tap Submit
3. Fill in the last four digits of your card and your Virtual Account Number. Tap Submit
4. A prompt will appear confirming that your GCash Card has been successfully linked

If you have already done so, you will want to check that your GCash card has not been locked so that you can use your GCash card abroad without holding up the queue at the payment counter.

Steps to unlock your GCash card:

1. Go to your GCash Card page
2. Select your GCash Card account
3. Tap Unlock Card
4. Input the six-digit code sent to your mobile number and tap Submit
5. You will receive an SMS that confirms your GCash Card has been successfully reactivated

How to use the GCash card when travelling?

Just use your GCash card abroad as you would any other debit card when travelling overseas. If you’re using the latest GCash card, it can be used at all merchants that accept Visa payments.

Here’s how to pay using your GCash card:

1. Insert or tap your GCash Card at the payment terminal
2. You may also need to enter your six-digit card PIN for added security

You can use your GCash Card for online or in-person at merchants for up to PHP 100,000 per transaction.

Just like the GCash wallet, the GCash card has no foreign exchange fee for international transactions. Only the exchange rate at the time of purchase will apply – GCash will use the best possible rate. Check the GCash app for the conversion of your wallet balance to the current foreign exchange rate.

What are the GCash withdrawal fees abroad?

One other thing you can do with your GCash card is to use it to withdraw money at ATMs worldwide. You can withdraw money from any BancNet ATM in the Philippines and card-enabled ATMs worldwide.

Do note that a GCash withdrawal fee abroad applies. Fees can range from PHP 0 to 18, depending on the ATM provider, and may vary based on the rates approved by the BSP, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Check your bank’s official website for specific fee details.

You can withdraw a maximum amount of PHP 20,099 per transaction, up to PHP 40,099 per day.

Stretch every peso when you spend abroad at the mid-market rate with the Wise card

With the Wise card, makaka gastos ka ng 40+ currencies sa mid-market rate, kasama ang USD, SGD, GBP at JPY. Kaya, siguradong makakakuha ka ng sulit na deal sa mahigit 150+ countries. Para makapagsimula, gumawa ka lang ng libreng Wise account, mag-order ng card, at mag-top-up ng PHP.

Maaari kang mag-order ng physical card ng Wise sa halagang 369.90 PHP. Kung mayroon kang physical na card, makakagawa ka ng chip and PIN payments, at may 2 libreng ATM withdrawals na aabot sa 12,000 PHP bawat buwan.

Kapag nasa abroad ka, puwede mong piliing gumastos ng direct as PHP at hayaan mag auto-convert, o i-convert sa gusto mong currency gamit ang iyong Wise account. Kahit ano piliin mo, makukuha mo ang rate na nakikita mo sa Google, na may kasamang low, transparent fees mula 0.57%.

Know how much you're spending upfront with no hidden fees and markups with Wise

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