Apple Pay Expands to the Philippines with Visa and Mastercard Support

Apple Pay has launched in the Philippines, marking a significant step towards the country's shift to digital payments. The service, available on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac devices, allows users to make secure contactless payments in stores and online.

Visa and Mastercard have enabled eligible cardholders to add their debit and credit cards to Apple Pay, expanding payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and tourists visiting the country. According to Visa data, 97% of travelers across the Asia Pacific region plan to carry credit or debit cards on their trips.

The launch adds another option to the Philippines' growing list of mobile wallets, which includes local players like GCash and Maya. Industry analysts view Apple Pay's arrival as a positive development for the country's goal of becoming a cash-lite economy.