Uzbekistan set to integrate Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal in effort to boost tourism

In a significant move to boost tourism, the Government of Uzbekistan has decided to integrate international online payment systems such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal into its financial infrastructure. This initiative comes as part of a broader government resolution aimed at enhancing the country's tourism sector.

On September 26, the government adopted a resolution that mandates the Central Bank to negotiate with global payment companies like PayPal, Alipay, and UniPay by the end of this year. The objective is to facilitate their integration with Uzbekistan's payment systems and banking services. This development is expected to streamline financial transactions for both tourists and local businesses.

The resolution outlines several key actions to be taken by the relevant authorities before the end of 2024. Among these actions, the Ministry of Transport and the Tourism Committee will create favorable conditions for local and foreign car rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, to operate within the vicinity of airports and railway stations.

Additionally, the resolution includes plans to compile a list of tourist routes and attractions across various regions, which will be submitted to international mapping services provided by Apple and Google. This list will be regularly updated to reflect new destinations and services.

The government also emphasized the need for ongoing negotiations with international online payment providers to ensure their systems are fully integrated into Uzbekistan’s financial landscape. If necessary, recommendations will be developed to review national legislation to accommodate these payment systems.

This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing Uzbekistan's financial services and enhancing the overall experience for both tourists and residents by facilitating seamless online transactions.

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