There’s a huge shift from using cash regularly to making transactions without cash. Having physical cash in your bag is no longer a necessity before anyone can make transactions. Someone without any physical cash can walk into a store, purchase goods and make payment.
In some countries, people pay for train fare without physical cash.
For instance, you forgot your cash at home, board a train and then suddenly remember you left it at home. It can be frustrating and embarrassing.
However, with the use of digital app, individuals can still board a train and make payment through a smartwatch or phone.
The demand for convenience is what led to the use of non-contact and cashless payment.
Digital wallet comes with a lot of convenience. You don’t have to queue in banks to get cash. You certainly don’t have to queue at Automated Teller Machine just to withdrawal cash. All you need is a suited device that accepts the use of the digital app.
The use of digital wallets has surpassed what it can do. The question now is where can it be used?
Platforms like Google Wallet has being in use for a while now and it has reached a lot of countries globally.
In the subsequent sections, we’ll look at all the Google Wallet supported countries and how users can access the platform.
What is Google Wallet?
Google Wallet is an app that allows users to securely make transactions through their smart devices. Only people with Android phones, watches and other compatible devices can use this app.
Additionally, you can use Google Wallet to make payments just like you would with a card or cash.
Furthermore, Google Wallet uses Google pay services to process transactions.
What Google Wallet Does
Google Wallet’s main job is to securely hold the digital versions of your physical items. These are the things you can store and do with it.
- Google Wallet can be used for transactions. To make payment, simply tap your phone or wrist watch close to the payment terminal and it will be processed. Google Wallet uses a Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC is a technology that prevents your card details from being exposed when used in any store for payment. It also initiates and processes payments.
- Metro cards and transportation passes can be stored in the app. To pay for your bus fare, simply hold your device close to the transit reader.
- Airplane passes and train tickets can be stored in your Google Wallet. It keeps you updated about departure times and change in flight schedule.
- To avoid missing out on your coupons, gift and loyalty cards, store them in Google Wallet.
- Event tickets and gym passes can be stored in your Google Wallet. It keeps it handy so you can easily get them whenever you need them.
- In some locations, Google Wallet allows you to add your identity cards, driver’s license, company badges and other IDs to the app.
- Furthermore, health records can be stored in the app.
- Google Wallet app permits users to use strong security like face scan or fingerprints to secure the wallet. This makes it hard for someone to gain access into your Google Wallet account.
How Google Wallet Works
Google Wallet works on supported Android devices. Having an android device is key, but being in Google Wallet Supported Countries is the only way to launch the app.
- To use the app, you’ll have to follow these steps.
- Get the app from the Google Play store.
- Use your Google account to sign in.
- Connect your bank card.
- You can create a shortcut to quickly open the payment screen.
- Hold your device close to the payment reader to pay for items.
- You’ll get a tick symbol on your screen. This shows a successful transaction.
- To make payment for transport passes, tap your device close to the card scanner. The pass gets read and you’re clear.
Furthermore, Googles ‘Find My Device’ is a feature that helps you lock and wipe all your data if your device is misplaced.
List of Countries Where Google Wallet is Supported
Below are the lists of Google Wallet supported countries:
- Africa: Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone and Somalia.
- Asia: Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Palau, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Yemen.
- Europe: Albania, Andorra, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
- North America: Antigua and Barbuda, Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Oceania: Papua, New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand.
- South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
If you country isn’t on the Google Wallet Supported Countries list, visit the site for verification.
List of States Where Google Wallet is Supported in the USA
Google Wallet is accessible in all the states in the USA.
However, some states within the country are allowed to add their IDs and drivers license to Google Wallet.
Additionally, in states that support digital IDs in Google Wallet, you’ll still need your physical ID for police checks and buying age-restricted items in stores.
Google Wallet Alternative Platforms:
Direct Competitor Platforms:
- Apple Pay
- Samsung Wallet or Samsung Pay
- PayPal
Specialized Alternatives:
- Revolut
- Venmo
- Zelle
- Cash App
- Wise
Conclusion
Google Wallet allows android users in Google Wallet supported countries to store digital payment cards, loyalty cards and some government IDs.
Google Wallet users in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond can use their Android devices for payments.
Google Wallet features can store digital IDs and some transit cards. However, not all locations can use these feature.