You can now use Garmin Pay in the Philippines

No wallet? No phone? No problem! Say hello to Garmin Pay!

Garmin has brought the new payment method to the Philippines on Wednesday, June 3, allowing users to tap and pay through their Garmin smartwatches without the need for a wallet or a phone.

Still feels alien to you? Here's what you need to know about this new billing option:

What is Garmin Pay

Garmin Pay is "a contactless payment feature available on select Garmin watches." It uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to send encrypted payment information to compatible payment terminals, in a similar fashion as tap-to-pay cards and e-wallets.

It uses tokenized data, meaning your real card number is never shared with merchants. Plus, it requires a watch passcode for authentication. If you take the watch off your wrist, it automatically locks and requires the passcode again before making any more payments.

How to use Garmin Pay

First, install the Garmin Connect app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone.

Then, open the app. Ensure your Garmin smartwatch is connected, and select your compatible device from the list.

To access the wallet, navigate to the Garmin Pay or Wallet section.

Tap the “+” sign to add your card. Enter your card details and follow the prompts to complete the verification process.

Make sure your GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Card is unlocked inside the GoTyme Bank mobile app before you begin! Once you're finished setting up, you can already use your Garmin Pay. It even works completely offline without an internet connection.

Where is Garmin Pay accepted

You may use Garmin Pay anywhere Visa contactless payments are accepted, including restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, convenience stores, retail shops, and transit or travel merchants—both locally and internationally. Best of all, you still earn Go Rewards points on eligible purchases.

What cards and devices are compatible

The feature is available for Visa debit and credit cards issued by EastWest Bank and GoTyme Bank and other foreign-issued Visa cards. Other local banks have yet to announce support for the platform.

Most of the latest devices from Garmin support Garmin Pay, including the Venu, Forerunner, and fēnix series.