BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 29. The Apple Pay
international payment service has become available in
Kyrgyzstan.
According to the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, the
launch of Apple Pay is the result of its ongoing efforts to develop
the country's modern payment infrastructure, introduce
international financial technologies, and integrate Kyrgyzstan into
the global digital payments ecosystem.
The service enables holders of bank payment cards to securely,
quickly and conveniently pay for goods and services using Apple
devices, as well as make purchases through mobile applications and
online. Apple Pay can also be used to pay for goods and services
abroad.
The National Bank said the high level of payment security is
ensured through tokenization technology, under which bank card
details are replaced with a unique digital identifier. Transactions
are authenticated using Apple devices' built-in security features,
including Face ID and Touch ID.
According to the regulator, the introduction of Apple Pay
provides consumers with access to more convenient, faster and safer
payment methods, while creating new opportunities for businesses to
expand cashless payments, e-commerce and digital services, broaden
their customer base, and improve customer experience, including for
foreign tourists and shoppers.
The central bank noted that the launch of the service also opens
up new opportunities for the financial sector to offer advanced
digital services and accelerate the adoption of modern
international payment technologies.
In addition, the regulator said the integration of Apple Pay
marks an important step in the development of Kyrgyzstan's digital
economy. It is expected to increase the share of cashless payments,
enhance payment transparency, promote e-commerce, and strengthen
public confidence in modern financial instruments.
The National Bank also expressed its appreciation to the U.S.
Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic for its support in implementing the
project, and to Apple for its constructive cooperation, which made
the successful launch of the service possible.
