Maya (formerly PayMaya) and GCash are two of the biggest e-wallet apps used in the Philippines. Both support wallet-to-wallet transfers, bill payments, and QR payments—so the better choice usually comes down to acceptance, fees, cards, and how support handles problems when something goes wrong.
Acceptance: GCash is often described as the most commonly seen QR/e-wallet option at everyday merchants. Maya is also accepted widely, but user reports suggest acceptance can vary by location and merchant setup.
Cards: Maya is frequently discussed for card-like online checkout via virtual/prepaid card options. If your main use case is international online shopping, check supported merchants and any conversion/processing fees before relying on one wallet.
Support: Community threads often emphasize that support quality matters most when accounts are locked, transfers fail, or disputes arise. Keep receipts, screenshots, and transaction IDs to speed up resolution.
Foreigners: Availability, onboarding, and verification requirements can differ by status and documentation. If you’re visiting, confirm what level of verification you can complete and what limits apply before depositing larger amounts.
Best practice: Use small test transfers first, enable strong account security, and avoid keeping more balance than you need for routine spending.