Apple has expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to eight more Latin American countries. The move gives businesses a simpler way to accept contactless payments without purchasing dedicated payment terminals.
The latest expansion covers Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Peru.
Moreover, businesses can now accept supported credit cards, debit cards and digital wallets using a compatible iPhone and payment app.
How Tap to Pay on iPhone Works
Apple’s payment technology transforms a compatible iPhone into a contactless payment terminal. As a result, merchants can process transactions without carrying separate card-reading equipment.
The feature supports the iPhone XS and newer models running the latest version of iOS.
Customers simply hold their contactless card, iPhone, Apple Watch or supported digital wallet near the merchant’s device. The transaction then uses near-field communication (NFC) to process the payment.
Additionally, the service supports major payment networks, including American Express, Mastercard and Visa.
Apple Partners With Regional Payment Providers
Apple is introducing the service through established payment platforms across the eight countries. However, the available providers differ by market.
In Argentina, businesses can access the feature through Mercado Pago. Meanwhile, Colombian merchants can use SumUp or Symbiotic.
Costa Rica offers support through Geopagos, Symbiotic and Visa Acceptance Solutions. Similarly, the Dominican Republic supports Azul and Visa Acceptance Solutions.
Businesses in Guatemala, Honduras and Panama can use Geopagos or Symbiotic. In Peru, SumUp provides the initial payment integration.
Expansion Creates New Opportunities for Businesses
The rollout could make contactless payments more accessible to small businesses, independent retailers and mobile service providers.
For example, merchants who operate at markets or temporary locations may benefit from accepting payments directly on their phones.
Furthermore, businesses that already own compatible iPhones could avoid purchasing additional payment terminals. However, they still need a supported payment application.
Apple originally introduced Tap to Pay on iPhone in 2022. Since then, the company has continued expanding its availability internationally.
The latest rollout extends Apple’s payment technology across more of Latin America. Consequently, businesses in these eight countries gain another option for accepting modern contactless payments.
