Apple Pay launched in Uzbekistan; integration of Uzcard and Humo expected

According to the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, the Google Pay service has started operating in Uzbekistan, allowing foreign tourists to make contactless payments using their smartphones. Furthermore, the imminent launch of Apple Pay is anticipated, with the Central Bank, commercial banks, and payment systems HUMO and Uzcard working on the technical preparations.

The Committee noted that these launches are part of efforts to improve conditions for international guests, including the integration of leading global payment systems into Uzbekistan's national infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that tourists can use familiar and reliable payment methods while traveling in the country.

Special attention is being paid to the Chinese and Indian markets, from which a significant increase in arriving tourists is forecasted. Work is currently underway to integrate the Alipay+ and NPCI International payment systems.

In August, the Alipay+ payment system was launched on the HUMO infrastructure. Now, users of Alipay and related digital wallets, especially Chinese tourists, can make payments in Uzbekistan via the UZQR system.

At a recent event, Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, representatives from HUMO and NPCI International from India discussed the practical application of the cross-border QR payment agreement. This project will link UZQR with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enabling visitors from India to pay for goods and services in Uzbekistan by scanning QR codes through applications they are familiar with.

The Tourism Committee emphasized that implementing these measures will help reduce the dependence of foreign visitors on cash and international bank cards, making Uzbekistan a more convenient and accessible travel destination, and also helping to unlock the country's tourism potential.

The Google Pay contactless payment service has been launched in Uzbekistan. This was announced during an event held in Samarkand as part of the 'C5+1' meetings between representatives of Central Asian countries and the United States of America.

The announcement was made by Marcin Krasuski, who holds the position of Head of State Policy and Government Relations for Google Cloud. The presentation took place at a panel session dedicated to digital technologies, which included delegations from government agencies of Central Asia and the USA, as well as leaders of leading companies.

Google Pay allows users to link a bank card to a digital wallet, enabling transactions using a smartphone on terminals that support contactless payment. Furthermore, depending on functionality and device compatibility, the service can be used for online purchases and through mobile applications. To pay in a store, one simply needs to hold an unlocked smartphone near the appropriate terminal, although the availability of certain bank cards is determined by the service's operating conditions in this country.

Discussions regarding the implementation of international payment systems in Uzbekistan began even before the official announcement. One important step in this direction was the amendment of legislation concerning personal data. In March 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved Law No. ZRU-1125, which adjusted the norms for storing and processing user information.

The head of state emphasized that updating the legal framework, conducted jointly with American partners, is a necessary condition for launching systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay in Uzbekistan, as well as for developing digital academies and startup hubs.

According to the provisions of the new law, biometric and genetic data of citizens, as well as data from telecommunications operator clients, must be stored on servers located directly within Uzbekistan. The processing and storage of other types of personal data is permitted outside the country provided that established information protection standards are met.

The document was approved by the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis in January and February 2026, respectively.