GCash, a leading e-wallet service in the Philippines, unveiled a significant update in March 2024 that caters to the needs of Filipinos residing abroad.
Filipinos abroad, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), can now conveniently establish a GCash account using a foreign SIM or mobile number native to their current location. Previously, only Philippine SIM cards were permissible for GCash registration and usage.
Paul Albano, GCash’s International General Manager, acknowledged the challenges faced by OFWs in maintaining Philippine SIM cards and expressed the demand for utilizing local mobile numbers in their residing countries. This feature rollout initially covers countries such as the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, Spain, Germany, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, Qatar, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea, with forthcoming support planned for Singapore, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Here’s how to create a GCash account using a foreign SIM:
- Download the GCash app, choose the country, and input the foreign mobile number.
- Enter personal information.
- Set your GCash PIN (MPIN).
- Provide a photo of your Philippine passport or valid ID for verification.
- Complete the facial verification process.
- Submit the application along with any additional details and await confirmation via SMS indicating successful account creation.
Filipino tourists traveling abroad can utilize the GCash app for payments in 17 countries and territories without service charges, albeit with favorable exchange rates.
