Soon after arriving in the Philippines, most foreigners encounter the same situation. Apple Pay does not work, cards are not always accepted, and suddenly everyone recommends a local mobile wallet. Usually, the choice comes down to two names: GCash and Maya. At first glance, they seem similar. Both allow payments, transfers, and QR codes. But … Read more
For many foreigners living in the Philippines, the first surprise comes quickly. You pull out your iPhone at a café or store, double-tap the side button, and nothing happens. No Apple Pay. No familiar tap-to-pay experience. Just a cashier waiting for cash, a QR code, or a local app you have never used before. The … Read more
Sooner or later, every foreigner living in the Philippines hears the same advice: “Just use GCash.” It is usually said casually, as if it were the most obvious solution in the world. For locals, it is. For foreigners, however, that recommendation often comes with hesitation. If you come from a country where payments are deeply … Read more
For many foreigners, one of the first surprises when arriving in the Philippines is discovering that Apple Pay and Google Pay are not available for everyday use. In countries like the United States, Europe, or parts of Asia, contactless payments are standard. In the Philippines, however, the reality is very different. Instead of global payment … Read more