Philippines central bank OKs use of international sim for GCash services

The beta launch will be available for 1,000 users in Japan, Australia, and Italy.

The Philippines’ Central Bank approved GCash’s plan to initiate a beta launch for its international GCash Overseas service, which would allow sign-ups to the app using an international SIM card.

Called GCash Overseas, 1,000 beta users in Japan, Australia, and Italy can sign up and use the app to send money, pay bills, and buy load credits using their international SIM card.

The program aims to target Filipinos living abroad to enable them to support their families back home by availing of GCash's services without the need of a Philippine SIM.

The new program takes GCash back to its roots when it was first conceptualised as a SMS-based domestic remittance service. 

GCash Overseas’ beta launch will run for a limited time, with a full launch expected later this year.

According to GCash President and CEO, Martha Sazon, GCash Overseas will “remove barriers and create a better experience” for Filipinos living abroad. She added that the beta launch is another for them to continue making their financial services easier and more accessible for their users.