can you redeem a google play gift card from another country

Do you have a google play gift card purchased from Canada and want to redeem it in the USA? Wondering, what could be the possible ways? In short, is it even possible to redeem a google play gift card from another country? 

Google operates in 219 countries around the world. It provides gift cards in around 38 countries.

Google Play gift card allows users to purchase apps, games, and more through the Google Play Store. You may wonder of redeeming a Google Play gift card from another country?

To answer this question, no, you cannot redeem a Google Play gift card from another country. This is due to the differences between the terms and conditions of gift cards in different countries.

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To help you understand the redemption of the Google Play gift cards, we will talk about: 

  • Can you redeem a Google Play Gift card from another country? 
  • Common issues related to redeeming a gift card from another country. 
  • Troubleshooting the problem while redeeming Google Play gift cards from other countries. 

If this fascinates you, scroll down to find more on the redemption of the Google Play gift card

Why Can’t You Redeem a Google Play Gift Card from Another Country? 

Redeeming Google Play gift cards from another country has several issues. Here are the details. 

1. Cards are Region-Locked 

When you make a Google Account, while the set up you are required to fill the country you are based in. Using this information Google provides you a region and services available in said region.

You can only redeem Google Play gift cards that are available in your region. Not all gift cards work internationally, some are region-locked. The Google Play gift card is also locked by region. It means this card is only redeemable in the region where it was purchased.

Once your region is changed, the Play balance is not transferred to your Google account. This can be an issue when a user’s region is constantly changing. 

2. Google Account Region 

The Google Account region plays a vital role in redeeming a gift card. The recommended practice is to ensure that your Google Account’s region aligns with the currency of the gift card you are buying.

You can check your Google Account for the region and buy the card accordingly. 

If the user is not in the region, they may not be able to access their Google Play balance. To access this balance the user must be in the region again.  

3. Currency and Payment Methods 

You must understand the currency of the Google Play gift card you are buying. Most people have issues with gift cards because they are in one country and buy cards for another.

For instance, if you are in Australia, you must purchase a gift card that has Australian Dollars. Doing this saves you from being entangled in currency issues and exchange rates.

Some gift cards allow you to use different currency cards to be used worldwide using a currency exchange method. However, this can be confusing and expensive for the user in the long run. 

4. You Can Only Change the Country Once a Year 

Changing the country in the Google Play App can be an issue. Your Google Play balance is linked to the Google Play country.

Furthermore, once you change your country, you cannot do it again for a year. So, you will not be able to use the balance in the new country, but the credit will remain linked to the old country. 

Alternate Options to Redeem a Google Play Gift Card from Another Country 

To avoid issues with redeeming a Google Play gift card from another country.

using vpn redeem a google play gift card from another country

The following things can be done: 

1. Create a New Account 

A simple solution to the regional problem could be to create a new account. Remember to make this account once you have changed the region of the device that you are using.

Set up a Google account and redeem the Google Play gift card from another country.  

It has some added benefits as well. If you create an account in London, redeem a gift card and travel to another country, your balance will remain safe. The next time you are in town you can use that balance.  

2. Change Country Location from Google Play Settings and Use VPN 

You can also redeem a Google Play gift card from another country by changing the region through the Google Play settings. But this can only happen once per year.  

Another way around this is using a VPN to change your location according to the region while being in another country. This helps you mask your location details and show the service provider that the Account region and the country are the same.  

Risks Redeeming a Gift Card Purchased for Another Country

If you choose to redeem Google Play gift cards from another country, there are a few issues associated with it. Keep the following risks in mind: 

1. You Will Lose the Balance that was Associated with Previous Country 

According to Google, changing your country may bar you from using the Google Play balance but you will not lose it. There are no expiration dates for the Google Play gift card in every region except one.  

In Singapore, gift cards have not been available for purchase since 2020. The current Google Play balance the people have will expire on January 31, 2025. So, use your Singapore gift cards before you lose them.  

2. Changing the Country Location Will Apply these Setting on All Other Devices 

Changing the country location on a device will apply the same setting across all the devices using a particular account. This carries significant risks if you have devices that operate in different regions. 

To stay clear, you can use two different accounts on your devices to ensure your balance is useful from any country worldwide. 

Wrapping it up 

You cannot redeem a Google Play gift card from another country. It requires you to match the Google Play region with the currency of the gift card.

For instance, if you bought a gift card using US Dollars, this gift card will only be applicable within the USA. 

Another takeaway is using multiple accounts to represent different regions enabling you to utilize gift cards. Similarly, a VPN can help when traveling to ensure the Google Play gift card works smoothly in transit. 

Finally, if you are in Singapore and have redeemed a Google Play gift card before 2020, ensure the utilization of the balance before January 31, 2025. This will help you avoid any loss of balance.  

You can get the best value on any gift card purchase through Send Credit. So, check it out today and enjoy the rewards of gift cards. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Google gift card not working in my country? 

Your Google play gift card is not working because: 

1. You must ensure the currency on the gift card aligns with the one on the Google Play account. 

2. The account is associated with a company or school some features might not work. Contact the technical staff at Google Play to sort this out. 

3. You must ensure Google Play provides gift cards in your country. Other countries’ gift cards might not work.

Is it legal to use a VPN for Google Play?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN for Google Play. This will help you maintain your IP to a said location from another country helping you continue the Google Play balance.


Content Writer
Sophia Bennett is a dynamic tech writer with extensive experience in digital marketing. She explores how technology intersects with daily life, delivering clear, in-depth, and engaging articles that highlight how tech innovations enhance personal and professional experiences.