Planning an overseas trip often comes with the same headaches: currency exchange, confusing FX rates, hidden fees, and different payment standards in each country. GLN (Global Loyalty Network) was created to reduce that friction by connecting local e-wallets and payment rails into one cross-border network—so you can pay abroad more like you do at home.
In this guide, you’ll learn what GLN is, how it works for international QR payments, where it’s supported, what fees/limits to expect, and when you still need a traditional card.
What Is GLN (Global Loyalty Network)?
GLN is a global payments infrastructure designed to connect different countries’ financial systems and e-wallets into a single network. Instead of exchanging cash or relying only on cards, GLN aims to enable QR payments, selective ATM cash withdrawal, and even cross-border transfers through integrated partner apps.
- Pay overseas without manual currency exchange
- Use local QR payment networks in supported countries
- ATM withdrawal supported in some regions (availability varies)
- Cross-border remittance and purpose-based payments (e.g., tuition/medical) may be available depending on partners
Simple way to think about it: GLN is like using a domestic “easy-pay” wallet abroad—when the local ecosystem supports QR payments.
How GLN International Payments Work
GLN overseas payments typically run on an e-wallet balance model (often represented as a KRW-based wallet balance, depending on the partner app). You top up the wallet, then pay at participating merchants via QR or barcode.
Core Mechanism (High-Level)
- Wallet balance is generally managed in KRW terms (partner-dependent)
- FX is applied at the time of transaction using a real-time rate model
- No separate “cash exchange” step is required
Typical User Flow
- Complete identity verification in the GLN app or a partner app
- Top up your wallet balance
- At a supported overseas merchant, present QR/barcode for payment
- The system applies FX conversion and settles automatically
Note: Exact UX and features can differ by partner app, country, and local regulations.
Fees and Exchange Rates: What to Expect
Based on the fee structure described in the original overview, GLN overseas payment fees may include:
- Percentage fee: 0.3% of the payment amount
- Fixed fee: 0.13 USD (or USD-equivalent)
- Exchange rate: Real-time rate applied at transaction time
Why travelers care: compared to many card payment experiences, GLN-style flows can feel simpler and more transparent—often letting you see the conversion/fees before confirming payment.
Disclaimer: Fees and FX rules can change by country/partner and may be updated by GLN or local providers. Always confirm inside your app before you pay.
Spending Limits and Restrictions
Typical limits referenced in the original summary include:
- Wallet holding limit:~ $1,600
- Per-transaction limit:~ $1,600
- Daily limit:~ $8,000
- Monthly limit:~ $16,000
Compliance note: AML policies and local financial regulations may affect limits or availability by country.
GLN Supported Countries (Quick Overview)
Support can vary by local partnerships and policies. The table below highlights commonly referenced destinations and payment rails:
| Country | Main Payment Method | ATM Withdrawal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | QR Payments (e.g., BIDV network) | Limited | Strong real-world usability for travelers |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | QR Payments (e.g., SCB / local QR standard) | Limited | QR is widely adopted in daily life |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | QR (and possible card-network link such as JCB, depending on partner) | Not typical | Often best for convenience stores & small merchants |
| 🇨🇳 China | Alipay / WeChat Pay integrations (partner-dependent) | Not typical | Useful as an alternative where cards are less common |
| 🇱🇦 Laos | QR Payments (e.g., BCEL network) | Limited | Practical in traveler-heavy areas |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | QR Payments (e.g., AUB network) | Limited | Coverage may vary by region |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | QR Payments (e.g., Taishin network) | Not typical | Good for shops; transport acceptance varies |
Important: Supported networks and features can change. Check your app’s latest supported-country list before departure.
Domestic Wallet / Partner App Integrations
GLN is not “one standalone app only.” It often works through integrations with banks and major wallets. Commonly referenced partners include:
- Hana Bank / Hana Money / Hana Card
- KB Kookmin Bank / KB Star Banking
- Naver Pay / Toss / Samsung Wallet (availability depends on rollout and partnership)
If you already use a major Korean wallet app, GLN functionality may be accessible without installing multiple new apps—depending on partner support.
Pros of Using GLN for Travel
- No manual currency exchange: wallet-based payment with FX applied automatically
- Excellent for QR-first markets: especially Southeast Asia, parts of China, and select use cases in Japan
- More transparent fee structure: often visible before confirming payment
- Convenient integrations: may work inside apps you already use
- Beyond payments: some corridors support transfers or specific-purpose payments (tuition/medical)
Cons and Limitations (What GLN Can’t Replace Yet)
- Not universally accepted: coverage depends on local merchants and networks
- Merchant awareness can be low: you may need to confirm whether the store supports local QR rails
- Cards still matter: hotels (deposits), car rentals, and some reservations often require a credit card
- Details may feel fragmented: fine print and feature scope can vary across partners
Who Should Use GLN?
- Travelers heading to Southeast Asia, China, or Japan (QR-heavy environments)
- Anyone who wants to reduce card overseas fees where QR is accepted
- People already comfortable using QR payments
- Travelers who dislike carrying cash or managing small change
Install GLN / Find Partner Apps
You can usually access GLN through a dedicated app or partner wallets. Use the official store searches below to find the most up-to-date options:
- Android (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/search?q=GLN&c=apps
- iOS (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/kr/search?term=GLN
Final Takeaway
GLN is more than just another travel payment app. It’s an attempt to connect fragmented payment ecosystems so that travelers can pay abroad with a familiar QR-based flow. While it may not be a perfect “one-wallet-for-everywhere” solution yet, it can offer real convenience—especially in destinations where QR payments are the norm.
Practical recommendation: don’t treat GLN as a full replacement for cards. Instead, pack it as a second payment option—a smart backup (and sometimes primary) method for everyday spending abroad.
FAQ (Google-Friendly)
Is GLN better than using a credit card overseas?
It depends on where you travel. In QR-heavy markets, GLN-style payments can be very convenient and transparent. However, cards are still required for certain use cases (hotel deposits, rentals, large bookings).
Do I need to exchange currency before using GLN?
Usually no. The model is designed to apply FX automatically at the moment you pay, based on the transaction-time rate inside your app.
Can I withdraw cash with GLN?
In some countries, limited ATM withdrawal may be supported. Availability varies by local partners and regulations, so check the current feature list in your app before you travel.
