BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The launch of
Apple Pay and Google Pay in Uzbekistan represents a further step in
the country's transition toward a digital economy, broadening
contactless payment options and aligning its financial services
more closely with international standards.
The introduction of the two global payment platforms on October
27, following the Ministry of Digital Technologies' announcement of
Google Pay's launch on October 19, comes amid Uzbekistan's efforts
to modernize its banking sector, expand digital financial services,
and deepen its integration into the global technology
ecosystem.
This development is underpinned by the rapid expansion of the
country's banking and payment infrastructure. According to the
Central Bank of Uzbekistan, the number of bank cards in circulation
exceeded 68.2 million as of January 1, 2026, compared with
approximately 62 million at the beginning of 2025.
The growing use of electronic payments is also evident in
transaction volumes. According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan,
payments made through POS terminals totaled 460 trillion soums
(approximately $38.3 billion) in 2025, representing an increase of
around 41% year-on-year. These figures highlight the expanding role
of cashless payments in the country's retail and commercial
activities.
Aloqabank recorded the highest POS transaction volume, at 54
trillion soums (approximately $4.5 billion), followed by TBC Bank
with 33 trillion soums ($2.74 billion) and the National Bank of
Uzbekistan with 30 trillion soums (approximately $2.5 billion).
Meanwhile, the number of POS terminals operating across the country
reached 430,762 as of January 1, 2026, reflecting the continued
expansion of Uzbekistan's electronic payment infrastructure.
A new stage in Uzbekistan's digital payments
market
The introduction of these technologies could contribute to
greater consumer confidence in digital transactions, particularly
among users who are increasingly relying on mobile banking and
online services.
At the same time, the launch creates opportunities for domestic
banks and payment companies to improve their technological
capabilities and expand their digital services. Local market
participants have already begun integrating the new payment
options. TBC Bank Uzbekistan and fintech company Click have
introduced Apple Pay for their respective customers and payment
platforms, reflecting growing interest among domestic financial
institutions in adopting international payment technologies.
The developments demonstrate how the arrival of international
payment platforms is creating new opportunities for domestic
financial institutions and fintech companies to broaden their
digital services and strengthen their technological
capabilities.
Implications for economic modernization and financial
inclusion
One of the most important potential effects of Apple Pay and
Google Pay is their contribution to Uzbekistan's broader transition
toward a cashless economy.
The development of digital payments can help reduce reliance on
cash, simplify transactions and improve the efficiency of
commercial activities. For businesses, contactless payments can
make checkout processes faster, reduce cash-handling costs and
support the expansion of online sales.
The benefits could be particularly significant for small and
medium-sized enterprises, which represent an important part of
Uzbekistan's economic development agenda. As digital payment
options become more accessible, smaller businesses could find it
easier to serve customers who prefer electronic transactions,
including through e-commerce platforms and digital services.
The transition could also support greater transparency in
economic activity. Electronic transactions generate digital records
that can improve accounting, facilitate financial reporting and
help reduce the share of undocumented cash transactions. While
introducing digital wallets alone will not eliminate the informal
economy, broader adoption of electronic payments could contribute
to the formalization of commercial activities.
Financial inclusion is another important consideration. The
expansion of mobile payment technologies could make everyday
financial services more accessible, particularly to younger
consumers and people who increasingly manage their finances through
smartphones.
The broader impact will depend on the continued expansion of
banking services, compatible payment infrastructure and access to
digital technologies across the country. Further development in
these areas could help extend the benefits of contactless payments
to a wider segment of Uzbekistan's population.
Uzbekistan has already been moving in this direction. According
to the Central Bank's 2025 annual report, transactions using
near-field communication (NFC) technology reached 41.4 trillion
soums (around $3.4 billion) in 2024, increasing 1.1-fold compared
with 2023. The figure demonstrates that contactless payment
technology was already gaining traction before the arrival of Apple
Pay and Google Pay. The integration of international payment
platforms could provide additional momentum to this trend.
Strengthening international integration and the business
environment
The arrival of Apple Pay and Google Pay also carries
significance for Uzbekistan's international economic positioning.
As the country seeks to attract foreign investment, expand tourism
and strengthen trade relations, access to internationally
recognized payment technologies can improve the experience of
foreign visitors, international business representatives and
companies operating in the local market.
For international visitors whose bank cards are eligible for use
with Apple Pay or Google Pay, the availability of contactless
payments can make everyday transactions more convenient at
participating merchants. However, acceptance will depend on the
relevant card issuer, payment network and merchant
infrastructure.
For businesses, the integration of globally recognized payment
services could also help align local commercial infrastructure with
the expectations of international customers and partners. This is
particularly relevant to Uzbekistan's tourism industry, which has
been expanding as the country promotes its historical cities,
cultural heritage and investment opportunities.
Furthermore, the launch reflects growing cooperation between
Uzbekistan and major international technology companies. Google
Pay's introduction was announced on October 19 during a digital
technology event in Samarkand held within the C5+1 framework, which
brings together Central Asian countries and the United States. The
announcement came during a business program involving
representatives of government institutions and leading technology
companies from the region and the United States. In this context,
the availability of Google Pay and Apple Pay can be viewed as part
of a broader process of integrating Uzbekistan into international
technological and financial ecosystems.
An important role in facilitating the introduction of
international payment platforms was also played by Saida
Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan.
On September 23, 2026, she met with Google Vice President Karan
Bhatia in New York, where the parties discussed technological
cooperation and the impact of recent legislative changes on the
availability of international payment systems in Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoyeva linked the country's regulatory reforms directly to the
expansion of international payment services, stating: "As a result,
broader opportunities are opening up for the unrestricted use of
international payment systems in Uzbekistan."
Following the meeting, Mirziyoyeva announced the availability of
Apple Pay and Google Pay in Uzbekistan on October 27 through her
Telegram channel, marking the public confirmation of the services'
arrival. Her engagement with Google, together with the regulatory
changes introduced under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, highlights
the role of government-level coordination in creating conditions
for international technology companies to enter the Uzbek
market.
The presence of these platforms could also encourage further
cooperation between international technology providers, domestic
banks and fintech companies in areas such as payment security,
financial technology infrastructure and digital services.
The launch also reflects President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's broader
agenda to accelerate Uzbekistan's digital transformation and
strengthen its integration into the global technology ecosystem.
His government has prioritized digitalization across economic
sectors, the modernization of public services and international
technological cooperation.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in
2026, Mirziyoyev emphasized the growing economic importance of
digital infrastructure, stating: "Digitalization is undoubtedly a
promising area of cooperation, as it is becoming the new language
of the economy." He also highlighted the expanding role of digital
platforms in employment, logistics, payment services and export
opportunities.
Against this background, the introduction of Apple Pay and
Google Pay represents a practical development within Uzbekistan's
digitalization agenda, strengthening links between domestic
financial institutions and international technology providers.
Expanding opportunities for digital
payments
The launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay also opens the door to
further modernization of Uzbekistan's payment infrastructure. As
more commercial banks integrate the services and expand support for
different card types, a growing number of consumers are expected to
gain access to international digital payment platforms.
In addition, the development creates incentives for businesses
to upgrade their POS terminals and payment systems, while
encouraging financial institutions to invest in cybersecurity and
digital infrastructure. Continued expansion of contactless payment
acceptance, alongside improvements in digital literacy and
financial accessibility, could further strengthen the country's
cashless payment ecosystem.
These developments will be important in ensuring that the
benefits of digital transformation extend beyond major cities and
reach businesses and consumers across Uzbekistan.
Outlook: A step toward a more integrated digital
economy
The introduction of Apple Pay and Google Pay marks an important
development in Uzbekistan's digital payments market, reflecting the
country's efforts to modernize financial infrastructure and expand
access to international technologies.
Beyond the immediate convenience for consumers, the launch could
support the growth of electronic commerce, encourage further
investment in payment infrastructure and strengthen the
competitiveness of domestic financial institutions.
As adoption expands, these services could become part of a
broader transformation of Uzbekistan's financial ecosystem,
supporting the country's ambitions to develop a more transparent,
accessible and internationally integrated digital economy.
