Still have questions? We have answers
Online Shopping
1.How do I identify my card number?
The card number is the sixteen (16) digit number on the face of your card which begins with the sequence 4463.
2.Would the online merchant require any card verification?
Yes. While not all online merchants do, you may be asked at some sites to verify your card. The verification field on websites is usually classified as either the C.V.V (Card Verification Value) or C.V.C (Card Verification Code) and is a 3-digit number which can be found on the reverse of your card. If it was never used before, it will be covered by a circular ‘scratch off’ seal.
3.Does my Republic Visa OneCard expire?
Yes. The card is valid for approximately five (5) years.
4.How would I know when the card expires?
The expiry date is stated on the face of the card where it states ‘Good Thru’ e.g. Good Thru 08/19 which means the card expires in August 2019.
Security
1.How will I know if a website is secure?
Secure websites usually have a locked padlock icon or “https” in the URL instead of “http” e.g. https://www.secured.com
2.Would I need to use my ATM PIN when shopping online?
No. The four (4) digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) is only required for use at ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) machines. Under no circ*mstance should you share your ATM/POS PIN with a third party.
3.What should I do if I notice transactions I did not do?
Depending on the nature the following options are available.
- If you attempted a transaction and it appeared unsuccessful but you then notice a charge to your card, then:
- Contact the seller – some sellers usually refund their customers without them having to contact their bank.
- If the matter is unresolved after contacting the seller, you can visit the nearest Republic Bank branch and complete a dispute form.
- If you never visited a particular website or attempted a transaction and see a charge to your card, then:
- Visit the nearest Republic Bank branch and complete a dispute form.
Payment Process
1.Does the card have a limit for online transactions?
Yes. The Republic Visa OneCard has a daily limit of GY$200,000: or equivalent in foreign currency which is shared between online and Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions. This means you can use the full amount for online shopping providing that no POS transactions were done, or you can use the balance if POS transactions were effected. e.g. GY$20,000: used at a POS at the supermarket would mean a balance $180,000: can be used for online transactions.
2.What currency should I select for transactions?
Where the option is available to select a currency for transactions, it is recommended that you select US Dollars.
3.What is the exchange rate for online transactions?
Please verify all prevailing exchange rates via the following link: https://republicguyana.com/personal/forex-rates
5.What if my payment is not being accepted?
This can happen for several reasons, including:
- Card information entered has an error. Double-check that you have entered the correct card number, expiration date and C.V.V (when required).
- The purchase is above your daily card limit *(GY$200,000)
- Your Republic Visa OneCard has expired. Visit any of our branches for a replacement.
- There are some online stores that do not accept payment from credit/debit cards issued outside of their jurisdiction e.g. a North American or European online store not accepting payment from credit/debit cards issued outside of North America or Europe. If this occurs, you can use the * PayPal option if available.
*See guidelines for daily limit in question 1 under ‘Payment Process’ tab.
*See steps for linking your Republic Visa OneCard with PayPal.
4.What is PayPal and how can I link my card to PayPal?
PayPal is an online financial service that can make online payments on your behalf. You simply link your debit card when creating a PayPal account and then use your PayPal account details – usually your email address and PayPal password – to make a payment at a website that accepts PayPal. PayPal makes the payment to the online store for you and deducts the equivalent from your debit/credit card which is linked to your PayPal account. Where available, PayPal is a secure payment option for websites that do not accept payment from debit/credit cards issued in our region.
Linking your debit card to PayPal
- Visit the website www.paypal.com or download the PayPal app.
- Click on the ‘Sign up’ or ‘Sign Up for free’ tab.
- Enter your email address and a password of your choice to begin registration.
- Complete the registration form.
- Link your card.
- Click on the ‘Wallet’ tab and confirm the card.
- Verify your card with the code that will be sent to the Bank 24 hours after confirming the card.
- Once you have verified the card, your PayPal account is set and ready to use.
Other
1.Why shop online?
- Convenience – you can do it anytime of the day or night and from anywhere you want, whether at home or at the office, you just need internet access and you are all set.
- More choices – no need to go from store to store looking for a different size or colour, there is a variety of options and sellers from which to choose.
- Benefit from lower prices and discounts.
- You can compare prices easily and quickly.
- Access to products and services not available locally.
- Privacy – purchases are discreet.
2.How safe is online shopping?
While there are inherent risks associated with online shopping, we have provided very useful tips along with dos and don’ts for safe online shopping and once followed, will minimise the risk.
3.What if I have never shopped online before and don’t have much technical experience?
There is a step-by-step guide and tutorial video which we have prepared to guide you through the process. It may also be useful to attempt a transaction low in value as you familiarise yourself with the process.
4.What do I need to shop online?
- Your Republic Visa OneCard to make the payment.
- Funds in your primary account to cover the payment.
- An overseas mailbox address to ship the items, this and the related telephone details is issued by local freight forwarders upon registration, which is usually free.
5.How do I get my items to Guyana when I shop online?
You can register with any of the local freight forwarders such as Zip Logistics or Zoon. The sign-up is usually free and upon registration you will have an overseas address and unique mailbox to ship your items. Once the item arrives at the address you can then arrange with the freight forwarder to ship same to Guyana.
6.Is there a charge/fee for shopping online?
There is currently a fee of GY$200: for every online payment.
