Apple’s mobile payments service has officially launched in Russia, marking the tenth country where Apple Pay is now available. According to Reuters this morning, the service is available with support from MasterCard and Moscow-based Sberbank at launch. Users can add their credit or debit card to Apple Pay via the Wallet app on their iPhone or set up Apple Pay directly in the Sberbank Online mobile app.
Apple Pay is accepted at many points of sale with upgraded contactless terminals. According to the report, electronics store Eldorado and Burger King should support contactless payments in the near future. Apple’s service can be also used at vending machines that accept contactless payments.
Some of the launch partners for Apple Pay include local retailers ATAK, Magnit, Media Markt, Auchan, Azbuka Vkusa, bp, M.Video, TsUM and authorized Apple reseller re:Store.
In other Apple Pay news, UK banks The Co-Operative Bank and Metro Bank recently announced support for the service following the recent roll out to Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank.
As per Apple’s official list of participating banks in Europe, Apple Pay is now supported by 22 financial institutions in the Units Kingdom, making it the second region behind the U.S. with the widest Apple Pay support (China is third).
A report last week from DigiTimes said that Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission had begun accepting applications from the country’s leading banks for offering Apple Pay to their customers, including CTBC Bank, Cathay United Commercial Bank, E.SUN Commercial Bank and Taishin International Bank.
Apple Pay is now available in ten major markets around the world: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, France, Singapore and Russia. The service will arrive in New Zealand and other markets later this year.
Source: Reuters