Apple Pay has launched in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, expanding digital payment services across Central Asia and supporting the region's shift towards cashless transactions.
In Kyrgyzstan, the National Bank announced the launch, while in Tajikistan the service became available to customers of Alif Bank and Humo Bank.
Apple Pay allows users to make contactless payments using an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac, as well as pay for purchases in mobile applications and online without presenting a physical bank card. The service is available for both domestic and international transactions.
Payments are secured through tokenisation, which replaces card details with a unique digital identifier. Transactions are authenticated using Face ID or Touch ID.
The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan said the launch reflects its efforts to modernise the country's payment infrastructure and integrate international financial technologies into the domestic market.
According to the regulator, Apple Pay will support the growth of cashless payments, e-commerce and digital services while improving payment security and convenience for consumers and businesses.
Officials also said the service strengthens Kyrgyzstan's position as an emerging digital financial market and enhances services for international visitors who are accustomed to using Apple Pay.
The launch in Tajikistan comes as the country's Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies held talks with an Apple representative on expanding cooperation in digital technologies.
The discussions covered artificial intelligence, innovation, specialist training, knowledge sharing and the implementation of joint digitalisation projects. Both sides expressed their readiness to continue cooperation in these areas.
Apple Pay and Google Pay have yet to launch in Uzbekistan, although the country's Central Bank has confirmed that technical work is underway to introduce both services.
Legal amendments adopted earlier this year removed data localisation requirements for most categories of personal data, creating the legal framework for international payment platforms to enter the market.
However, officials said additional regulations must still be adopted before the services can launch, with the final decision resting with Apple and Google.
Although no launch date has been announced, Uzbekistan's near-field communication (NFC) payment infrastructure is already in place, paving the way for future contactless mobile payment services.
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