Does Apple Pay work internationally? A Complete Guide

Yes, Apple Pay works internationally to make your mobile payments safe and simple. It is a convenient method for travelers to send money to their families. But the availability of Apple Pay depends on the bank, card type, and payment systems. 

In this article, I will discuss what Apple Pay is and how it works. Moreover, how can you use it internationally for payments? 

What Is Apple Pay and How Does It Work?

Apple Pay is the digital wallet service that lets you pay on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. You can conveniently add payment methods like credit and debit cards, according to your preference. You can send money to Apple users via Apple Pay. 

It's super convenient for the travelers, as they can pay from their phone or watch without a credit card. Apple Pay works similar to other cards.

With the credit or debit card in your wallet, hold the device near the payment terminal, and NFC (Near Field Communication) connects both. The terminal detects your device and processes the payment. Face ID or Touch ID verifies the payment through Apple Pay.

Does Apple Pay Work Internationally?

Apple Pay works in most countries and regions for contactless payments. It is an accepted method at stores, public transport systems, and restaurants. Apple Pay is simple to use if your card and bank allow seamless transitions. 

It is the smart choice for international visitors to avoid the hassle of carrying cash with them. Before using it, you should consider the bank restrictions for international use. 

Countries Where Apple Pay Is Accepted

Apple Pay is accepted in 91 countries. But the availability varies depending on the banks and cards in specific countries. The major card networks work seamlessly, like Visa, but the local banks may not. The South American countries and Africa have minimal support. 

In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, Apple Pay is used in shops and hotels at airports. However, the merchants in rural areas and small towns prefer cash payment.  

The following are the countries and regions that support Apple Pay.

Asia-Pacific 

• Australia, China, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam.
• Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia,  and New Zealand.

Africa

• Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

Europe

• Austria, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
• Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile.
• Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

North America

• Canada and the United States.

Middle East

• Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Israel, Jordan, and Oman.

How to Use Apple Pay Internationally?

Here are the steps you can follow to use Apple Pay abroad. 

Apple Pay bank support

• Ensure that your bank and the card support overseas use. Verify charges for the foreign transaction. 

Set up your card in Apple Wallet

• Ensure that your phone is connected to a stable internet connection. 
• Add your card to the Apple Wallet. Open the wallet app, click on the + sign. Follow the further onscreen instructions and add the card. 

Verify contactless payment availability

• Verify the contactless logo on the terminals, which indicates Apple Pay acceptance. 

Complete the transaction 

• Hold your iPhone or watch near the terminal. Your payment process will be complete. 

Note: You will require a cellular data connection to stay connected and set up Apple Pay. eSIM is an effective connectivity tool to get stable network access abroad. Phonico offers the best eSIM data plans for USA travel. You can get affordable data plans with unlimited additional services.  

Pros and Cons of Using Apple Pay Internationally

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of Apple Pay international. Understanding these will help you get a clear idea about this. 

Pros of Apple Pay

• Worldwide, Apple Pay is acceptable in multiple countries and regions for contactless payments. 
• It eliminates the need for having credit cards everywhere. Your iPhone or watch takes a little time for the payment. 
• You can get the conversions at competitive prices. 
• It's pretty simple to set up and use during foreign travel. 
• Using Apple Pay for secure payment, it uses tokenization and biometric verification. 

Cons of Apple Pay

• Banks charge an extra fee for using Apple Pay internationally. 
• You will require a smooth internet connection for the card setup. 
• The underdeveloping regions don’t support using Apple Pay. 

Does Apple Pay Charge for International Use?

No, Apple doesn’t charge for using Apple Pay internationally. But you should consider your bank fee. Some banks and credit card issuers charge an overseas transaction fee, which is around 1 to 3% of the amount. The money is charged depending on the terms and conditions of the card. 

Is Apple Pay Secure to Use Internationally?

Apple Pay is secure to use for payments during travel. It does not expose the transaction codes or the device-specific numbers. Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode is used for secure transactions. 

In case your phone is not available, you can use the Find My app to block Apple Pay. Ensure not to log in to your accounts when connected to public WiFi to avoid hackers' access.