Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Google Pay has launched in Uzbekistan, allowing foreign tourists to make contactless payments using their smartphones. Apple Pay is also expected to launch in the coming days, with the Central Bank, commercial banks and payment systems HUMO and Uzcard working on the technical preparations, the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan reported.
The committee said the launches are part of efforts to improve conditions for international visitors, including the integration of major global payment systems into Uzbekistan’s national infrastructure. The aim is to enable tourists to use familiar and reliable payment methods while travelling in the country.
Particular attention is being paid to the Chinese and Indian markets, from which a significant increase in tourist arrivals is expected. Work is under way to integrate Alipay+ and NPCI International payment systems.
In August, an Alipay+ payment gateway was launched on HUMO’s infrastructure. Users of Alipay and connected digital wallets, particularly Chinese tourists, can now make payments in Uzbekistan through the UZQR system.
At the recent Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, HUMO and India’s NPCI International discussed the practical implementation of an agreement on cross-border QR payments. The project will connect UZQR with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), allowing visitors from India to pay for goods and services in Uzbekistan by scanning QR codes using apps they are familiar with.
According to the Tourism Committee, these measures will reduce foreign visitors’ reliance on cash and international bank cards, make Uzbekistan a more accessible and convenient travel destination, and help unlock the country’s tourism potential.
Askar Yakubov
Askar Yakubov is a professional photojournalist with extensive experience in news and reportage photography. He specializes in fast-paced coverage of social, political, cultural, international, business, and community events, with a sharp eye for capturing expressive shots and conveying the atmosphere of an event under tight time constraints. His skill set spans reportage, portrait, and documentary photography, along with image editing and color correction, and preparing photo materials for media and digital platforms. He is known for his professionalism, adherence to editorial standards, and ability to work both independently and as part of a shooting team.
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