How can foreigners quickly set up local payment instruments in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, foreigners can follow the steps below to quickly set up local payment instruments (e.g. GCash, PayMaya, etc.), while being mindful of compliance requirements:

1. Selection of mainstream payment instruments

• GCash(most commonly used)
  Support money transfer, code payment, phone bill recharge, bill payment and so on.
• PayMaya(now known as Maya)
  Offers virtual card and offline payment capabilities.
• Bank e-wallets(e.g. BPI Mobile, UnionBank Online)
  A bank account needs to be opened first.

2. Preparation of materials

Foreigners are usually required:

• valid passport(Proof of owner's identity)
• Philippine visa or permanent residence permit(e.g. ACR I-Card)
• local mobile phone number(Globe/Smart prepaid card is sufficient, real name SIM registration is required)
• Some cases may require it:
  • Proof of address (rental contract/utility bill)
  • TIN tax identification number (long-term residents)

⚠️ Mandatory real-name system for SIM cards in the Philippines from 2023, with passport registration required when purchasing a mobile phone number.

3. Example of account opening process: GCash

(1) Download the App and register

• Search for "GCash" on iOS/Android App Store to download.

(2) Register for a GCash account

• Fill in the basic information: Enter your Philippine mobile phone number (must be registered with your real name), name (same as your passport), email address, etc.
• Setting a password/PIN code: For login and transaction authentication.

(3) Authentication (Fully Verified Account)

To unlock full functionality (e.g., transferring money, withdrawing cash), you must complete authentication:

1. Select Document Type: The foreigner chooses "Passport".
2. Uploading materials::
   • Photograph of the front page of your passport (clearly showing your name, date of birth and expiry date).
   • Self-portrait (in some cases a passport photo is required).
3. Additional information: It may be necessary to enter visa type, residence address, etc.

⚠️ The review usually takes a few hours to 1 business day and the account is upgraded to "Fully Verified" upon successful completion.

(4) Recharge method

• Offline Cash Recharge:
  • Top up at GCash partner outlets (7-Eleven, Palawan Pawnshop, etc.) by presenting your QR code or mobile phone number.
• bank transfer:
  • Bundle a Philippine bank account to transfer funds directly to the GCash wallet.

Comparison of other payment tools

Frequently Asked Questions

❓Q: "Can I open a travel visa?" → ✅Yes, but some functions may be limited (e.g. large transfers). Authentication with a long-term visa is recommended.

❓Q: "What should I do if I don't have a local bank card?" → ✔️ Top up in cash through offline outlets or get a friend to do it for you.

❓Q: "How do I bind a credit card?" → 🔄 International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) can be added within the app after Fully Verified.

caveat

1. 📵 Avoid account sharing and the Philippines is strict on money laundering;
2. 💸 The single day transaction limit is usually ₱50,000 to ₱100,000 pesos;
3. 🔄 If the review fails, check the clarity of the photo or contact customer service[email protected].

For higher limits or business use, consider applying for a GCash merchant account (additional documentation such as a business licence is required).

5. Detailed steps for opening PayMaya (Maya) for foreigners

PayMaya (now renamedMaya) is another popular Philippine e-wallet that supports virtual VISA cards, offline payments, and investment features. Below is the registration process:

(1) Download the App and register

• Search in the App Store or Google Play "Maya"(formerly PayMaya).
• Register with your real Philippine mobile phone number and fill in your name, email address and other information.

(2) Authentication

1. Select Document Type → "Passport for Foreigners".
2. Upload passport photo + selfie(Passport in hand is required in some cases).
3. Enter visa information and local address.

�️ The review is usually completed within 24 hours and the account is upgraded to "Fully Verified" upon successful completion.

(3) Recharge Methods

• Offline Cash Recharge: SM Supermarkets, Robinsons and other co-operative outlets.
• bank transfer:: Direct transfers from local banks such as BPI, BDO, etc.
• Credit/Debit Card Binding: Visa/Mastercard international cards can be tied but may have lower limits.

6. GrabPay - a suitable alternative for short-term visitors

If you only need to pay for a taxi/takeaway and don't want to authenticate your real name:

1. Download the Grab App and register with your mobile number.
2. Select the GrabPay function → top up with cash or international credit card.
3. ⚠️ has a single transaction limit of about ₱10,000 pesos for accounts without real names.

7. Banking e-purse such as BPI/BDO

If you are staying permanently and have a local bank card:
1️⃣ Open a bank account first (passport + ACR I-Card + proof of address required).
2️⃣ Download the corresponding bank's app (e.g. BPI Mobile).
3️⃣ Direct activation of the e-wallet function without additional authentication.

8.Summary of key considerations

✅ Prioritise GCash/PayMaya: widest coverage; GCash is more suitable for daily micropayments and PayMaya for scenarios requiring virtual cards.
⚠️SIM must have a real name in advance! Available at Globe/Smart business offices with passport.
💰 Big money needs? Consider tying a Philippine bank card or applying for a merchant account.
🚫 Avoid frequent cash withdrawals to prevent triggering anti-money laundering scrutiny.

Having problems? Contact customer service:
- GCash. [email protected] / +2882 (Globe users)
- Maya. [email protected] / +0288242910