ChatGPT Go Arrives in Asia With Local Currency Options
OpenAI is making its advanced AI tools more accessible across Asia with the rollout of its new ChatGPT Go subscription plan in sixteen new markets, including the Philippines and Pakistan, for Ph300 and Rs1,400 respectively.
Which Countries Now Have ChatGPT Go
According to OpenAI, the new subscription tier is now available in the following Asian countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- East Timor
- Vietnam
It is important to note that availability might differ depending on whether you are using the web, iOS, or Android version of ChatGPT.
Local Currency Billing Explained
A significant feature of this expansion is the introduction of localized pricing. Users in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan can now subscribe using their local currency, simplifying the payment process. In the other newly added markets, billing will continue in US dollars, with prices adjusted for local taxes like VAT or GST.
If you subscribe through the iOS or Android apps, the payment is processed by the respective app stores, which may also present the charges in your local currency.
How ChatGPT Go Compares to Other Plans
ChatGPT Go is positioned as an affordable mid-tier option for users who need more than the Free plan but don't require the full power of the Plus or Pro tiers. Here’s a breakdown of what sets it apart:
- Upgrades from Free: It includes everything in the Free plan, plus extended access to GPT-5, more image generations, more file uploads, higher usage limits, and a longer conversation memory.
- Multimodal Tools: You can use tools like advanced data analysis more frequently and upload more images and files compared to the Free version.
- Limitations: The Go plan does not include access to legacy models like GPT-4o, which are reserved for Plus and Pro subscribers.
- Premium Features: Advanced features like Sora video generation and connectors for integrating with apps like Gmail and Calendar are not part of the Go plan.
OpenAI may adjust usage limits on the Go plan based on system load to ensure fair access for everyone, as it's designed to be a lighter, lower-cost option.
OpenAI’s Strategy in Emerging Markets
The expansion of ChatGPT Go into countries like the Philippines and Pakistan is a strategic move to attract users in price-sensitive markets. By offering local currency billing, OpenAI eliminates common issues like foreign exchange fees and bank transaction rejections, which often prevent users from subscribing. This approach helps broaden the paying user base by converting those who found the Plus tier too expensive.
What to Check Before You Subscribe
If you're in a country like the Philippines or Pakistan and are interested in ChatGPT Go, here’s a quick checklist:
- Check the subscription or upgrade menu within your ChatGPT account to see if the Go plan is visible.
- Confirm the price is displayed in your local currency (PHP or PKR).
- Ensure your payment method is compatible with local billing.
- Be aware that premium features like Sora and connectors are not included in this plan.
