Eligible cards issued by participating Uzbek banks can now be used with Apple Pay and Google Pay, adding two international wallet services as the Central Bank of Uzbekistan pursues wider payment links.
Official and media accounts gave different markers for the rollout. The Central Bank’s Telegram posts place Apple Pay’s launch ceremony on Oct. 27 and Google Pay’s on Oct. 28. Saida Mirziyoyeva said both services started Oct. 27. Interfax had reported Google Pay was operating by Oct. 22, citing Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee.
Apple’s support page names eight local institutions with eligible Visa cards and Mastercard at several. Google Wallet lists nine banks. Card access varies by issuer: Apple warns some cards may not be supported, while Google says each bank decides which cards can be used.
Law No. O‘RQ-1125 was signed March 26 and took effect March 27. It requires biometric and genetic data, as well as information associated with people who use local telecom operators’ services, to be stored in Uzbekistan. The law permits overseas storage and processing of other personal data when its safeguards are met.
The Central Bank’s fintech strategy for 2026–2030, approved Sept. 24, sets out a multiyear agenda. It calls for expanding cross-border payment links and regional connections, while developing Open Banking and Open Finance and establishing open API standards.
Dunyo published an English translation of remarks by Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration, after her Sept. 23 New York meeting with Google Vice President Karan Bhatia. Mirziyoyeva said the changes “will make international payment systems available in Uzbekistan.”
Euronews reported that Uzbek users already had domestic mobile-payment options, including HUMO Pay and UZCARD PAY. It also reported that the Central Bank told the outlet it was developing support for cards on the Uzcard and HUMO networks, but gave no timetable. The two networks are absent from Apple’s and Google’s current lists for local cards.
