When talking about cashless payments locally, it’s hard not to think of GCash. For two decades, GCash has been a dependable partner for many Filipinos in managing their financial health and wellness. This time, it aims to be your ultimate travel companion, no matter where your international adventures take you.
Thanks to its partnership with the global payment platform Alipay+, Filipino travelers can use the GCash app for all their payment needs, as Alipay+ is widely available in many Asian destinations with over 80M+ merchants worldwide. To put this to the test, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle embarked on a quick Hong Kong adventure—exploring iconic spots, uncovering hidden gems, and experiencing firsthand how seamless traveling can be with GCash.
10 a.m.: See Hong Kong from above
Located on Lantau Island, Ngong Ping Village is one of the must-visit cultural spots in Hong Kong. To get there, one must ride a cable car via Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung station, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the island. Filipino travelers can easily purchase a roundtrip ticket at the station using their GCash app.
11 a.m.: Meet the Big Buddha
Ngong Ping Village spans 15,000 square meters, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural designs and offering various shopping and dining experiences. But the highlight is The Big Buddha, a majestic statue atop Mt. Muk Yue. The village also houses the renowned Po Lin Monastery, a world-famous Buddhist establishment.
12 noon: Refuel with sweet treats and brewed drinks
Traveling during this season can be chilly, as the cool breeze envelops Hong Kong. Warm up with drinks and desserts at the vegan deli and café near the monastery, or grab a cozy cup of coffee at Starbucks in the main village, which you can conveniently pay for using GCash.
2 p.m.: A shopping spree
Near Ngong Ping 360’s Tung Chung station lies Citygate Outlets, a commercial complex housing a myriad of fashion brands, restaurants, and art spaces. This is one of the best destinations to do some retail therapy, with labels offering great discounts and sales. Many merchants here accept Alipay+, so you can pay using GCash Global Pay QR.
It is so easy to use. Just tap the QR icon on your GCash dashboard, select “Generate QR,” choose “Pay Abroad with Alipay+,” and show the QR code to the cashier. Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a receipt detailing exchange rates.
Using GCash Global Pay QR eliminates the stress of going to money exchange kiosks or being charged with service fees. It also helps you manage your travel budget even better with low foreign exchange rates and receipts in Philippine peso and international currency. Topping it all off, you can also score discounts by claiming vouchers on “A+ Rewards” and selecting your country of destination.
4 p.m.: Egg tarts and matcha for merienda
Egg tarts are definitely a must-try when in Hong Kong, and for many, the best place to get a serving of it is at Bakehouse. Established in 2013 by Chef Grégoire Michaud, Bakehouse is renowned for its pastries and has garnered a large following through the years all thanks to its heavenly sourdough egg tarts.
Similarly, The Cupping Room, a beloved café chain founded in 2011, is known for world-class coffee, sleek interiors, and sustainable practices. We paired our egg tarts with a matcha coconut latte—an indulgent treat! Bakehouse and The Cupping Room are among Alipay+ merchants worldwide where Filipinos can use their GCash for payment.
7 p.m.: Happy hour at Holy Eats
To cap off your Hong Kong adventure, head to Elgin Street in Soho. Here, Holy Eats offers contemporary global cuisine and unique cocktails in an edgy, counter-culture-inspired setting. Must-tries include Holy Fries, Beef Tartare, and Steamed Gyoza. As for drinks, the Yakult Martini, garnished with botanical accents, is a standout.
#TravelMoIGCashMo
There’s always something new to see and experience in Hong Kong. And with GCash by your side, you can pay your way through the places listed above—and beyond. GCash lets you take full control of your travel budget with its real-time foreign exchange rates and zero service fees.
You also gain access to exclusive deals, all within the GCash app. Alipay+ is available in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Macau, Thailand, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Spain, the UAE, the USA, and Qatar. Traveling abroad soon? Simplify your journey by using GCash and discover the world with confidence!