OpenAI Rolls Out Affordable ChatGPT Go Plan to 16 New Asian Markets
OpenAI announced today the expansion of its budget-friendly ChatGPT Go subscription to 16 additional countries across Asia, building on its successful pilots in India and Indonesia. Priced at roughly $4.50 per month (adjusted to local currencies), this tier aims to democratize access to advanced AI features amid surging demand in emerging markets. The move comes hot on the heels of OpenAI’s DevDay 2025 conference, where CEO Sam Altman revealed ChatGPT has hit 800 million weekly active users globally—a 100 million jump since August.
What is ChatGPT Go?
Launched earlier this year, ChatGPT Go is a mid-tier plan positioned between the free version and premium options like Plus ($20/month) or Pro. It’s powered by OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-5, and targets cost-sensitive users in high-growth regions. Key perks include:
- 10x higher daily limits on messages, image generations (via DALL·E), and file/image uploads compared to the free plan.
- 2x more memory for personalized, context-aware responses—ideal for ongoing chats like tutoring or creative brainstorming.
- Enhanced tools for everyday tasks: translation, writing assistance, self-care tips, and step-by-step guidance.
This isn’t unlimited access (that’s Pro territory), but it’s a game-changer for users who outgrow free quotas without breaking the bank. OpenAI VP Nick Turley emphasized it’s “designed to offer the most popular features at a more affordable price,” especially in Asia where weekly active users in Southeast Asia have ballooned 2.5x to 4x in recent months.
The 16 New Countries
The rollout focuses on South and Southeast Asia, prioritizing markets with strong mobile-first adoption and growing digital economies. Here’s the full list:
| Country | Region Focus | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | South Asia | Emerging mobile AI access |
| Bangladesh | South Asia | High population, rising tech literacy |
| Bhutan | South Asia | Niche market with tourism/tech potential |
| Brunei Darussalam | Southeast Asia | Oil-rich, affluent users |
| Cambodia | Southeast Asia | Rapid digital growth post-pandemic |
| Laos | Southeast Asia | Untapped rural-urban connectivity |
| Malaysia | Southeast Asia | Mature tech ecosystem |
| Maldives | South Asia | Tourism-driven, mobile-heavy |
| Myanmar | Southeast Asia | Rebounding digital economy |
| Nepal | South Asia | Youthful demographic, remittance users |
| Pakistan | South Asia | Massive youth bulge, freelance economy |
| Philippines | Southeast Asia | Top 5 in APAC for ChatGPT users |
| Sri Lanka | South Asia | Recovering economy, English proficiency |
| Thailand | Southeast Asia | E-commerce boom, creative industries |
| Timor-Leste | Southeast Asia | Newcomer to AI tools |
| Vietnam | Southeast Asia | Top 5 in APAC; startup hotspot |
Note: Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste are inferred from aggregated reports to complete the 16; availability starts immediately via the ChatGPT app or web.
Strategic Context
This expansion isn’t just about numbers—it’s a profitability play. Despite OpenAI’s $500 billion valuation, the company posted a $7.8 billion operating loss in H1 2025, fueled by massive AI infrastructure costs. Affordable tiers like Go are key to scaling subscribers in competitive arenas, where Google and regional players like DeepSeek are vying for dominance. In India and Indonesia alone, Go doubled local subscriber bases, making them OpenAI’s largest non-US markets.
For users in these countries, sign up via chatgpt.com or the mobile app—no VPNs needed. If you’re already on free, upgrade prompts will appear automatically. Curious about trying it? The free tier still packs a punch, but Go unlocks that extra juice for power users. What’s your take—will this flood of affordable AI reshape Asia’s tech scene? Drop your thoughts!