GCash, one of the leading e-wallet services in the Philippines, just announced a major update this March 2024 that will benefit Filipinos living abroad.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos living abroad can now create a GCash account using a foreign SIM or mobile number that’s native to their current country. Before this update, only Philippine SIM cards are allowed when registering and using GCash.
Now, Filipinos living in 13 countries and territories can use their local SIMs when creating a GCash account. No need to go through the hassle of purchasing a SIM in the Philippines or having to carry their Philippine SIM every time they travel back abroad.
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“It’s a challenge maintaining that SIM. Sometimes they run out of load. The clamor has been to allow them to use their local mobile number in the country they are residing or living or working at,” said Paul Albano, GCash’s International General Manager.
This feature is initially available in the countries and territories listed below:
- United States (US)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Canada
- Australia
- Spain
- Germany
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Japan
- Qatar
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
- Korea
GCash said that support will be added soon in Singapore, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
How to create GCash account using foreign SIM
Step 1: Download the GCash app, select the country, and input the mobile number.

Step 2: Input your personal information.

Step 3: Set your GCash PIN a.k.a MPIN.

Step 4: Take a picture of your Philippine passport or Philippine valid ID for verification.

Step 5: Accomplish the facial verification.

Step 6: Provide additional details, submit the application, and then wait for the SMS confirmation that your account has been successfully created.

Users on the said territories can easily send money to their friends and family back in the Philippines via the GCash app, as well as pay bills and use other features of the platform like they can when they are in the Philippines.
For Filipino tourists traveling abroad, the GCash app can also be used for payments in 17 countries and territories at no service charge with a low exchange rate.