Yes, you can use the KOHO app while travelling internationally as long as a few key conditions are met:
You’ll need an active internet connection
The KOHO app must be downloaded before leaving Canada (it cannot be downloaded from app stores outside of Canada)
You must not be travelling to a sanctioned country where KOHO services are restricted. The KOHO app and transactions are not permitted in sanctioned countries. You can view the current list here Current sanctions imposed by Canada.
Recommended setup before you travel
If you’re heading abroad, we strongly recommend switching your two-step verification (2SV) from SMS to an authenticator app.
Why?
If you don’t have access to your Canadian phone number while travelling, SMS verification codes won’t work, and you won’t be able to log in.
If you’re keeping your Canadian number active while abroad, you can continue using SMS.
How to switch to an authenticator app
Tap the profile icon (top left corner)
Select Login & Passwords
Choose to update your two-step verification method
Open your authenticator app (such as Apple Passwords or Google Authenticator)
Add a new account for KOHO
Copy the unique setup code displayed in KOHO into your authenticator app
Your authenticator app will generate a 6-digit code
Enter the 6-digit code back into KOHO
You’re all set ✅
Using your KOHO card while travelling
We want you to spend worry-free when travelling! In most countries, your KOHO card works for everyday purchases, both in-person and online. However, there are certain countries where purchases are restricted.
If a country shows ❌ below, your KOHO card will not work there.
Country | In-Person Shopping | Online Shopping |
Albania | ✅ | ✅ |
Azerbaijan | ✅ | ✅ |
Bolivia | ✅ | ✅ |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | ✅ | ✅ |
Belarus | ❌ | ❌ |
Central African Republic | ❌ | ❌ |
China | ❌ | ❌ |
Cote d-Ivoire | ✅ | ✅ |
Cuba | ❌ | ❌ |
Democratic Republic of Congo | ❌ | ❌ |
Eritrea | ✅ | ✅ |
Ethiopia | ✅ | ✅ |
Ghana | ✅ | ✅ |
Haiti | ❌ | ❌ |
India | ✅ | ✅ |
Indonesia | ✅ | ✅ |
Iraq | ❌ | ❌ |
Islamic Republic of Iran | ❌ | ❌ |
Kosovo | ✅ | ✅ |
Latvia | ✅ | ✅ |
Lebanon | ❌ | ❌ |
Liberia | ❌ | ❌ |
Libya | ❌ | ❌ |
Republic of North Macedonia | ✅ | ✅ |
Mali | ❌ | ❌ |
Mauritius | ✅ | ✅ |
Montenegro | ✅ | ✅ |
Nicaragua | ❌ | ❌ |
Nigeria | ✅ | ✅ |
Pakistan | ✅ | ✅ |
People's Democratic Republic of Korea | ❌ | ❌ |
Philipines | ✅ | ✅ |
Romania | ✅ | ✅ |
Russian Federation | ❌ | ❌ |
Sao Tome and Principe | ❌ | ❌ |
Serbia | ✅ | ✅ |
Sierra Leone | ✅ | ✅ |
Slovenia | ✅ | ✅ |
Somalia | ❌ | ❌ |
South Sudan | ❌ | ❌ |
Sri Lanka | ✅ | ✅ |
Sudan | ❌ | ❌ |
Syrian Arab Republic | ❌ | ❌ |
Tanzania | ✅ | ✅ |
Tunisia | ✅ | ✅ |
Turkey | ✅ | ✅ |
Ukraine | ❌ | ❌ |
United Arab Emirates | ✅ | ✅ |
Venezuela | ❌ | ❌ |
Yemen | ❌ | ❌ |
Zimbabwe | ❌ | ❌ |
Please note that due to outdated payment processing services in Cuba, you may not be able to use your KOHO card for transactions or withdrawals in Cuba.
If you're planning to make purchases in these countries we'd recommend you use a different card. If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Happy travels 🌏