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OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Go Plan to 16 Asian Countries, Expands Local Payment Options

Cansin Cengiz

09 Oct 2025 — 2 min read

OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Go Access Across Asia: What You Need to Know

OpenAI has extended its affordable ChatGPT Go subscription to 16 new countries in Asia, making advanced AI more accessible than ever. Priced under $5 per month, this move aims to capture the region's rapidly growing interest in AI-powered tools and address the needs of a diverse user base.

Where Is ChatGPT Go Now Available?

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Laos
Malaysia
Maldives
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand
East Timor
Vietnam

In countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan, users can pay in local currencies. Elsewhere, the subscription remains billed in USD at roughly $5, with local taxes potentially affecting the final price.

What Does ChatGPT Go Offer?

Higher daily limits for messages, image generation, and file uploads
Double the memory compared to the free plan for more personalized conversations

This expanded access is designed for users who need more from ChatGPT but want an affordable, entry-level subscription.

OpenAI’s Growing User Base in Asia

OpenAI reports a fourfold increase in weekly active users in Southeast Asia since launching ChatGPT Go. The plan first appeared in India in August and then rolled out to Indonesia in September. In India, paid subscriber numbers have doubled post-launch, showcasing strong demand for accessible AI solutions.

Competition Heats Up: OpenAI vs. Google

The expansion comes as OpenAI faces stiff competition from Google, which recently launched its AI Plus plan in Indonesia and expanded to over 40 countries. Google’s plan offers access to Gemini 2.5 Pro and creative tools like Flow (design), Whisk (image remixing), and Veo 3 Fast (video creation), plus 200GB of cloud storage.

A Pivotal Moment for OpenAI

This move follows OpenAI’s announcements at DevDay 2025, where CEO Sam Altman revealed ChatGPT now boasts 800 million weekly active users worldwide—up from 700 million in August. The company also introduced a major platform shift: ChatGPT is transforming into an ecosystem with in-app applications, similar to an app store. Partners like Spotify, Zillow, and Coursera are already involved, aiming to make ChatGPT a one-stop hub for productivity and services.

Why Affordable AI Matters

Despite rapid growth and a $500 billion valuation, OpenAI reported a $7.8 billion operating loss in the first half of 2025 due to heavy investments in AI infrastructure. Subscription tiers like ChatGPT Go are crucial for driving profitability while expanding access in high-growth Asian markets.

Conclusion

With its latest expansion, OpenAI is positioning itself as a major player in Asia’s AI landscape. By offering affordable and flexible access to advanced AI, the company is not only responding to market demand but also setting the stage for future innovations that could redefine how businesses and individuals interact with AI-powered tools.