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How to Subscribe to ChatGPT and Claude via Google Play

A step-by-step guide for Hong Kong and Macau users to change their Google Play region to the US and subscribe to ChatGPT and Claude memberships using Visa or Mastercard.

Why Change Your Google Play Region?

ChatGPT and Claude subscriptions are fully available on the US Google Play Store. However, the Hong Kong and Macau Google Play stores may have limited availability or restrictions for these subscriptions. By changing your Google Play region to the US, you can subscribe directly using your Visa or Mastercard — no gift cards needed.

Prerequisites

  • A Google account
  • A Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card (cards issued in Hong Kong/Macau work directly)
  • An Android phone or tablet

Note: You can only change your Google Play country once per year. Make sure you want to switch to the US region before proceeding.

Step 1: Change Your Google Play Country

You can watch the official Google tutorial first: How to change your Google Play country

  1. Open the Google Play Store app
  2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
  3. Go to Settings → General → Account and device preferences → Country and profiles
  4. Select United States
  5. You'll be prompted to add a payment method — enter your Visa or Mastercard details
  6. Follow the prompts to confirm

Step 2: Enter a US Address

When adding a payment method, you'll need to provide a US address. We recommend using an address from a sales-tax-free state so you won't be charged extra tax on subscriptions.

Open Google Maps, search for "Portland, Oregon" or "Salem, Oregon", click on any location on the map, and note down the following:

  • Street address
  • City
  • State: Oregon
  • ZIP Code

Oregon has no sales tax, so using a local address avoids additional charges.

Step 3: Wait for the Region Change

The region change may take up to 48 hours to fully take effect. During this time:

  • The Google Play Store may still show content from your old region
  • If your payment method was successfully added, the switch usually happens quickly
  • If it hasn't changed after 48 hours, try clearing the Google Play Store cache: Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Clear cache

Step 4: Subscribe to ChatGPT / Claude

Since ChatGPT and Claude may not be directly accessible in some regions, please set up OpenHK proxy service first to ensure a stable connection before proceeding.

  1. Search for and download ChatGPT or Claude from the US Google Play Store
  2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account
  3. If phone number verification is required, grab a US number from OpenHK SMS Verification — pay in HKD, with an automatic full refund if no code arrives.
  4. Navigate to the subscription page and select the membership plan
  5. Complete the purchase using your linked Visa / Mastercard

Important Notes

  • Once per year: You can only change your Google Play region once per year, so proceed carefully
  • Previous purchases: Apps and content purchased from your old region remain accessible after the change
  • Auto-renewal: Subscriptions renew automatically via the credit card on file
  • Manage subscriptions: Open Google Play Store → Tap your profile → "Payments & subscriptions" → "Subscriptions" to manage or cancel
  • Use with OpenHK: If you have trouble accessing ChatGPT or Claude services in your region, pair with OpenHK proxy service for a stable connection
  • Also on iPhone?: Check out our US Apple ID registration guide to subscribe via the App Store