Apple Pay and Google Pay Launch in Uzbekistan as Fintech Reforms Gather Pace

Apple Pay and Google Pay have launched in Uzbekistan, marking a significant step in the country’s effort to open its financial system to international technology providers and modernise its domestic payments infrastructure.

Apple Pay and Google Pay Launch in Uzbekistan

The rollout follows changes to Uzbekistan’s personal data legislation earlier this year, which eased restrictions on processing and storing certain categories of personal information outside the country.

The move also follows discussions between senior Uzbek officials and Google over the conditions required for international payment services to operate in the market.

Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the presidential administration, said the regulatory changes were creating broader opportunities for the use of international payment systems in Uzbekistan.

International Wallets Join an Existing Domestic Payments Market

Mobile and contactless payments are not new to Uzbekistan.

Domestic services including HUMO Pay and UZCARD PAY already provide digital payment functionality, alongside QR-based payment options.

The arrival of Apple Pay and Google Pay nevertheless broadens consumer choice by allowing customers with eligible locally issued cards to use two of the world’s largest mobile wallet platforms.

Apple Pay initially supports Visa and Mastercard cards issued by a range of local banks and financial institutions, including the National Bank of Uzbekistan, Kapitalbank, TBC Bank and Ipak Yuli Bank.

Google Pay has also launched with support from multiple domestic banks.

The Central Bank is now working to extend wallet support to cards issued through Uzbekistan’s domestic Uzcard and HUMO payment networks, although no timetable has yet been confirmed.

Regulatory Reform Opens the Door to Global Platforms

The launch highlights the importance of data regulation in determining whether global wallet providers can enter new markets.

Amendments introduced in March 2026 relaxed restrictions that had previously complicated the use of international technology platforms requiring cross-border data processing.

That change has helped create the conditions for Apple and Google to integrate with Uzbekistan’s banking sector.

For consumers, the immediate impact is greater choice at checkout. For banks, it increases pressure to support international wallet ecosystems while continuing to develop domestic payment capabilities.

Wallet Launch Fits a Broader Fintech Strategy

The development forms part of Uzbekistan’s National Fintech Strategy for 2026–2030, approved in September.

The strategy includes plans to encourage investment, expand cross-border payments, introduce open banking and improve interoperability between financial systems.

That suggests the wallet launches are not isolated developments, but part of a wider programme to connect Uzbekistan more closely with global digital finance.

For Uzbekistan, the arrival of Apple Pay and Google Pay is therefore as much about financial-system integration as consumer convenience, signalling a broader shift towards open banking, international payment connectivity and a more competitive fintech market.