Starting October 27, local bank cards began to be connected to Apple Pay and Google Pay in Uzbekistan. On iPhone, the Apple Wallet app is used for contactless payments, while on Android smartphones, Google Wallet is used.

Which banks are connected

As of October 27, eight banks are connected to the Apple payment service: Uzum, Orient Finans Bank, National Bank of Uzbekistan, Kapitalbank, Hamkorbank, Ipak Yuli Bank, TBC Bank, and Octobank.

As of October 28, nine financial organizations of Uzbekistan are connected to Google's platform. Google only allows adding cards from banks and payment systems that are connected to Wallet. Their list is not provided in the article.

How to add a card to Apple Pay

  1. Open Wallet on iPhone and tap the «+» button at the top of the screen. If the system prompts you to sign in to your Apple account, authorize yourself.
  2. Select a debit or credit card.
  3. Scan your card or enter the details manually. Wallet will send a request to the issuing bank; some cards may require additional data verification.
  4. Pass verification. The method is determined by the bank: this could be an SMS code, confirmation in the bank's app, or another option.
  5. If necessary, set the card as primary: hold its icon in Wallet and move it to the beginning of the list.

To pay on an iPhone with Face ID, press the side button twice, confirm the transaction with your face or password, and hold the top of your phone to the contactless terminal.

How to add a card to Google Pay

  1. Install Google Wallet or update it to the latest version and sign in to your Google account.
  2. On the main screen, select «Add to wallet», then «Payment card» and «New credit or debit card».
  3. Scan the details with the camera or enter them manually, verify the information, and accept the bank's terms.
  4. Pass bank verification. The app may request additional card confirmation, including your address. If adding is declined, Google recommends contacting the issuing bank: it is the one that allows or prohibits card connection to contactless payments.
  5. Enable NFC. The settings section depends on the device manufacturer: «Connections», «Wireless networks», or quick settings panel.
  6. Verify that Google Pay is selected as the default app for contactless payments. You can change the service in NFC settings.

To pay, simply unlock your phone and hold it to the terminal. If Google Pay is selected as the default service, there's no need to launch Google Wallet manually before each purchase.