GCash expands footprint in Japan
Traveling Filipinos who are using GCash in Japan can now use the app in more stores, including small businesses in the countryside.
In a statement on Monday, the Ayala-led e-wallet brand announced that its partner cross-border payment solution company Alipay+ had teamed up with PayPay, allowing GCash to widen its presence in Japan.
“The expanded coverage means access to a more diverse set of merchants, too by enabling cashless payments to local businesses like izakayas, wagashi shops, guesthouses and anime merchandise shops,” GCash explained.
READ: GCash to expand reach to 10 new markets abroad
GCash users can make payments in over 3 million merchants in Japan by scanning the PayPay QR (quick response) codes at the stores.
“Through the partnership between Alipay+ and PayPay, we are making a crucial step forward in bridging a gap in global tourism through seamless, cashless payments,” GCash International general manager Paul Albano said.
This latest initiative is part of the goal of the e-wallet brand to expand its service globally to reach out to more Filipinos.
GCash Overseas is available in 16 markets: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan, Germany, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore.
To sign up, users living abroad can use their international mobile numbers and Philippine passport or other Philippine valid ID as proof of identity.
Having fully verified accounts will allow the users to send money home for free via the app. Users can also pay bills and buy load credits, among others.
Last year, Albano said they plan to make their services available in 10 more markets.
GCash is also available as a payment platform in select merchants in several countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Qatar, UAE, US, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and UK.
The e-wallet also has partnership with international payment gateway Visa, enabling its users to pay in over 100 million merchants across 200 countries and territories. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad INQ
