Are you using Google Maps on a WordPress website? Read this carefully before continuing.

Google Maps Officially Bans Usage in Vietnam

On May 20, 2024, Google updated its Google Maps Platform Prohibited Territories page – the list of countries prohibited from using Google Maps Platform services. Vietnam is on that list, along with China, Cuba, North Korea, and Iran.

“Prohibited Territories: China, Crimea, Cuba, Donetsk People’s Republic, Iran, Luhansk People’s Republic, North Korea, Syria, Vietnam“

— Google Maps Platform Terms of Service – Prohibited Territories

This means: if you are integrating Google Maps API on your website – from store locators, embedded maps, to address search features – you are violating Google’s terms of service. The consequence could be blocking the API key without notice, causing all maps on your website to break immediately.

This is not a technical or cost issue. This is a legal and operational risk that tens of thousands of Vietnamese websites are facing without knowing it.

Why Do Many Websites Still Work?

Google hasn't turned off everyone's API at once – that doesn't mean you're safe. Your API key could be locked at any time without notice, especially when:

• Google tightens end-user IP address checks
• You upgrade your service plan or change billing info
• Request volume spikes and triggers an audit

When that happens, all maps on the website will display an error, and you won't understand why.

The Solution: DPS Store Locator with Goong Maps

DPS Store Locator is a WordPress plugin completely free, using Goong Maps – a map platform developed in Vietnam, with no legal restrictions regarding territory of use.

Goong Maps is built by a team of Vietnamese engineers, featuring map data for Vietnam that is more detailed and accurate than Google Maps, especially in provinces and suburban areas. Servers are located domestically, so loading speeds are significantly faster.

Just paste the shortcode onto any page:

[dps_store_locator]

Key Features

Goong Maps – Legal, Fast, Standard for Vietnam No worries about locked APIs, no terms violations, and domestic servers for superior display speed.

Find Nearest Store by Location Customers click “My Location,” and the plugin automatically calculates the distance and displays the nearest store instantly – entirely on the client side, without additional API calls.

Filter by Province/City, District Suitable for retail chains with hundreds of points of sale nationwide.

Address Entry with Autocomplete Admin types the address, and the system suggests it immediately via Goong Place API – no need to manually enter coordinates.

Mobile Responsive Standard The interface looks beautiful on all devices, optimizing the customer experience for mobile lookups.

Quick Comparison

Install in 5 Minutes

1. Download the plugin at dps.media and install via WordPress Admin → Plugins → Add New
2. Get a free API Key at account.goong.io/keys (Maptiles Key + API Key)
3. Go to DPS Store → Settings, fill in the 2 keys
4. Go to DPS Store → Activate, lấy mã kích hoạt miễn phí tại dps.media rồi nhập vào
5. Add stores at DPS Store → Add New Store – type the address, coordinates fill automatically
6. Paste shortcode on any page and publish

Free Activation – Nothing to Lose

The plugin has no paid features. The activation code is free, valid for 3 months, and can be renewed for free. Activation only helps DPS.MEDIA track usage volume and send important security notifications when necessary.

Don't Wait Until Your Map Breaks

If your website is using Google Maps API, now is the time to switch to a more legal, stable, and free solution. Migration only takes 30 minutes and does not affect existing store data.

Download the plugin and get the free activation code at: dps.media

DPS.MEDIA JSC – Comprehensive Digital Marketing Solutions for Vietnamese SMEs 56 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC | marketing@dps.media | 0961 545 445