Yes, you can in some places, but you can’t in some. It depends on where you are heading and whether that country is Starbucks-friendly.
For instance, if you frequently visit the UK, USA, Mexico, or Hong Kong, you will certainly find that you can use your Starbucks app seamlessly, just as in your home country.
Read on to know how you can use the Starbucks app internationally and in what countries Starbucks is not available.
Can I Use the Starbucks App Internationally?
A Starbucks app is available in many countries around the world, and these countries have their own version. Here are some of the countries where you can use the Starbucks app:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Japan
- China
- South Korea
- Australia
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
Note: It varies from country to country what the Starbucks App offers, menu, prices, etc. While it may require adjusting to new menus and limited rewards, the Starbucks experience can add comfort and familiarity to any journey. Just be sure to switch your app’s country setting, scope out the nearest cafe locations, and brush up on some foreign language skills for ordering.
Tip: Before traveling abroad, check the Starbucks app to see what features are available there. Also, you can learn more about Starbucks Rewards programs in different countries by visiting the country-specific Starbucks website.
Can You Use a Starbucks Card In Any Country?
Generally, Starbucks Cards obtained in the US will work in many foreign countries, such as Canada, England, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Mexico, and Australia.
Although transaction totals are converted from the local currency to the card’s base currency (that is, the currency of the country where the card was purchased), Starbucks doesn’t charge anything for this conversion.
Still, fees may be imposed by the bank or card provider for currency conversion or international transactions. (If you plan to load your Starbucks Card using a credit or debit card outside the U.S.)
More importantly, you should check first with the specific store whether it accepts Starbucks Cards, since Starbucks Cards may not be accepted at all locations, especially those that have a Starbucks brand such as airports, grocery stores, and bookstores.
For more information, you can read the Starbucks Card Terms and Conditions.
In Which Country Starbucks Is Not Available?
Sadly, there are some places around the world where Starbucks is banned, not available, or has few cafes, like:
- Cuba: Starbucks is banned in Cuba due to the long-standing trade embargo between the United States and Cuba.
- Alaska: Due to Alaska’s remote location and limited Starbucks locations inside grocery stores and airports, the coffee chain is not as prevalent in the state as it is in other parts of the United States.
- Israel: In 2003, Starbucks withdrew from Israel due to “ongoing operational challenges.”
- Iran: Starbucks is banned in Iran due to U.S. sanctions against the country.
- Croatia: As Croatia has a strong coffee culture with many independent coffee shops, Starbucks has not opened any stores in the country.
- Pakistan: Although Starbucks is not yet available in Pakistan, the company plans to open stores there soon.
- West Virginia: Starbucks has only a small number of stores in West Virginia, as the state is not as populous as other parts of the United States.
- Western Australia: Due to Western Australia’s strong coffee culture, there are fewer Starbucks stores in the state compared to other parts of Australia. Independent coffee shops are more prevalent.
- Barbados: Starbucks has only two stores in Barbados, as the country is more known for its tea than its coffee.
- Nantucket, Massachusetts: Starbucks is banned in Nantucket, Massachusetts, due to an ordinance prohibiting chain stores downtown.
- Door County, Wisconsin: Due to the area’s small-town vibe and the preference for local businesses, Starbucks is not as common in Door County, Wisconsin as in other parts of the state.
So, in the above-listed places, you cannot enjoy a Starbucks coffee if you are headed to any of these places. If it is for a short time, don’t worry; you will soon be back to enjoy a Starbucks drink in your home country, and if you stay long, you will find a place with some decent drinks (to make a new favorite). So, either way, don’t worry.
Can You Use the Starbucks App At the Airport?
Can a Starbucks fan resist a drink from this brand at that moment of high tension in an airport?
Starbucks understands that and thus makes sure that you can even use the app at the airport to get a coffee or tea or whatever drink that it is you want to help you kill the endless waiting time. This is a feature that you will find in most airports where Starbucks is available.
Over 70 US airports now offer mobile orders through Starbucks, which began offering the service in June 2021. To place a mobile order at an airport Starbucks, you will need to:
- Download the Starbucks app on your phone.
- Create an account or log in to an existing one.
- In the app, tap the “Order” button.
- Search for “Airport” and select the Starbucks location you want to order from.
- Choose your drink and food items.
- Add your payment information.
- Review your order and tap “Place Order.”
Your order will be sent to the Starbucks location you selected. A notification will be sent to you once your order is ready.
Read More: How Much Caffeine Is In White Coffee?
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – the complete lowdown on using your beloved Starbucks app and card while traveling abroad. The availability really depends on which country you’re visiting.
But with some pre-trip research and preparation, any Starbucks fanatic can figure out how to get their coffee fix, even in far-flung corners of the world.
With global domination on the agenda, Starbucks still has some frontiers left to expand. But for now, wanderlust and coffee-lust can absolutely coexist with the right travel hacks. Wherever your suitcase lands next, enjoy the journey – and the Java!
