Does Apple Pay work internationally? Countries and other important details

Apple Pay strives to make mobile payments easy and safe. But if you're heading abroad, you're probably asking: Does Apple Pay work internationally? Or maybe you're wondering if you can send money across borders with Apple Pay. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — where Apple Pay works, what fees to expect, and how to make the most of it when traveling.

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11 min read

Does Apple Pay work internationally? Countries and other important details

Does Apple Pay work internationally? 

Yes, Apple Pay works internationally in most countries and regions that support contactless payments. It is widely accepted as a mobile payment method at stores, restaurants, public transport systems, and other locations with contactless payment terminals. As long as your card and bank support international transactions, using Apple Pay abroad is seamless. Just tap your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, and you're good to go.

But is Apple Pay a smart choice for international travel? It absolutely can be. It cuts down the hassle of carrying cash, offers strong security, and works with most global credit and debit cards. Plus, you can use your Apple Card anywhere that accepts Mastercard. These are some of the many perks of using iPhones internationally.

That said, there are a few things to watch out for. Some merchants only take local cards, even if they accept contactless payments. Your bank may also have restrictions on international transactions, so it's best to check if your card is cleared for overseas use before you pack your bags.

The bottom line: Apple Pay can be a reliable, secure payment option for international travel, but make sure your bank and credit card issuer are on board.

Pros of using Apple Pay abroad

Apple Pay is easy to use, secure, and works almost anywhere contactless payments are accepted. Here’s why it’s a great travel companion:

  • Wide acceptance. Apple Pay works in most countries and regions that accept contactless payments.

  • Convenience. There's no need to carry physical credit cards or cash — your iPhone or Apple Watch is enough.

  • Security. Apple Pay uses tokenization and biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), ensuring secure transactions.

  • Speed. Checkout via Apple Pay is quicker than entering PINs or counting cash.

  • Currency conversion. Your card issuer handles conversions, often at competitive rates.

  • Easy setup. Adding your card to Apple Pay before traveling is simple.

Cons of using Apple Pay abroad

Apple Pay is great for travel, but it’s not perfect. There are a few things you should keep in mind while using it overseas.

  • International banking fees. Some banks may charge for Apple Pay purchases abroad.

  • Merchant limitations. Not all stores, especially in less-developed regions, accept Apple Pay as a mobile payment method.

  • Connectivity dependence. While Apple Pay works offline for most transactions, card setup or updates require internet access.

  • Apple Cash restriction. Apple Cash only works within the US.

Which countries and regions does Apple Pay work in? 

Apple Pay works in over 91 countries and territories worldwide. However, coverage isn't universal — support in Africa is minimal, and not all South American countries have rolled it out yet. But for many regions, you're good to go with Apple Pay. 

Here are the major countries and regions that support Apple Pay — just look for the contactless payment symbol in stores, and you’re set to pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Region

Major countries and territories supported

Africa

Egypt, Morocco, South Africa

Asia-Pacific

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

Europe

Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom

Latin America and the Caribbean

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay

Middle East

Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

North America

Canada, United States

Note: Availability may vary depending on banks and retailers in specific countries.

Are there any restrictions or specifics from US banks for using Apple Pay internationally? 

Most US banks support Apple Pay for international use, but double-check the following before you go:

  • Card compatibility. Not all cards work everywhere. Make sure Apple Pay supports your credit or debit card in your destination country.

  • International fees. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Citi may apply foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad.

  • Travel notifications. Some banks still require you to notify them when you're heading overseas. Skipping this step can lead to declined Apple Pay payments.

  • Exchange rates. Your bank sets the exchange rates, which could include markups.

How do you use Apple Pay internationally? 

Using Apple Pay for mobile payments abroad is simple, but a little prep goes a long way to ensure smooth transactions. Here's how to get it right:

  1. Add your card to Apple Pay. Make sure your credit or debit card is compatible with Apple Pay and allows international transactions.

  2. Enable your card for overseas use. Some banks may block foreign transactions by default. Let your bank know you're traveling to avoid declined payments.

  3. Check retailer acceptance. Apple Pay works wherever contactless payments are accepted. Just look for the contactless symbol or the Apple Pay logo at the checkout.

  4. Tap and pay. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the terminal and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

  5. Watch for notifications. Many banks send alerts for international transactions. Keep an eye out for any notifications to ensure your payments are going through without a hitch.

Does Apple Pay charge for using it internationally? 

Apple doesn't charge for Apple Pay use abroad — but that doesn't mean you're off the hook for extra costs. Your bank or credit card card issuer may apply foreign transaction fees, typically between 1-3% of the purchase amount. These fees depend on your card's terms and conditions, not Apple Pay.

Keep in mind dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. Some merchants offer to convert the price into your home currency. Don't fall for it — these rates are almost always worse than what your bank would apply. Pay in the local currency to avoid this unnecessary markup.

Does Apple Pay work without an internet connection? 

Yes, Apple Pay works without an internet connection. Just like using a physical credit or debit card, you can tap and pay even if your phone isn't online.

Mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay use near-field communication (NFC) to complete transactions. Your device securely communicates with the payment terminal via NFC, creating a direct, encrypted link in between. This process doesn't require Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Here's why Apple Pay works offline:

  • Tokenization. When you add your card to Apple Pay, your bank assigns a unique token (called a device account number) to your device. This token, not your actual card details, is stored securely and used for transactions.

  • Preloaded tokens. Apple Pay preloads a set of these tokens for offline use. When you tap to pay, your device uses a token to complete the payment — no internet needed.

Keep in mind that Apple Pay needs an internet connection to add new cards and update your token pool (after you've used your preloaded tokens). For regular day-to-day payments, though, you're covered. 

Are there any limits to using Apple Pay overseas?

Apple Pay itself doesn't impose limits when you're abroad, but local contactless payment rules and your bank's policies might. These limits vary depending on the country and merchant.

Contactless limits in popular destinations may be contingent upon verification, inputting your PIN, or simply the amount of the purchase. For example:

  • The UK. You'll need to enter a PIN for purchases over £100, which means you won't be able to complete larger transactions with Apple Pay alone.

  • Mexico. The typical limit is 1,000 MXN before additional verification is required.

  • Canada. Contactless payments are usually capped at 200 CAD per transaction.

Note that these limits aren't specific to Apple Pay — they apply to all contactless payments, regardless of whether you're using a card or mobile device.

Beyond transaction limits, keep in mind a couple of other potential restrictions:

  • Bank-imposed caps. Some banks may have daily spending or transaction limits when you're overseas. 

  • Merchant acceptance. Not all businesses abroad accept Apple Pay as a payment method. While it's widely supported in many countries, you might still come across smaller merchants that only take local cards or cash.

Yes, you can link an international credit or debit card to Apple Pay — but only if your bank supports Apple Pay in that country. Not all cards from every bank are eligible, so confirm this with your bank before trying to add your card.

In some cases, banks may also require extra verification steps when you link an international card, such as confirming your identity or authorizing the card through their app or website.

Are there any security concerns when using Apple Pay overseas?

Apple Pay is built with strong security measures to protect your payments, even when you're traveling. Transaction is backed by device-specific numbers and unique transaction codes, meaning your actual card details are never exposed, reducing the risk of fraud.

When you pay online or in apps, only the information you've authorized — like your name, email, and shipping address — is shared with the merchant. And every payment requires a Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode, keeping control in your hands.

That said, consider measures to protect your sensitive information:

  • Use the Find My app. If your phone or Apple Watch goes missing, use the Find My app to suspend Apple Pay. This way, no one can use your cards, even if they have your device.

  • Be smart with public Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or adjusting payment settings while connected to public Wi-Fi. Hackers target unsecured networks, and it's best to handle financial data on secure connections.

Overall, Apple Pay is considered to be one of the safest overseas payment methods. Its encryption and tokenization systems add an extra layer of security that traditional cards don’t have. 

Additional ways to stay connected when traveling internationally

Staying connected while traveling goes beyond using Apple Pay. Here are some practical tips to make your trip smoother:

  • Get an eSIM for internet access. Skip traditional SIM cards by using an eSIM for hassle-free internet connectivity. Services like Saily offer affordable and flexible plans for travelers. If you install an eSIM on an iPhone, you won't need to hunt for Wi-Fi or worry about expensive roaming charges.

  • Use navigation apps. Download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me for reliable navigation without using data.

  • Download communication tools. Use apps like WhatsApp or Skype to stay in touch with friends and family.

  • Have a converter app handy. Apps like XE Currency help with on-the-spot conversions.

  • Take advantage of local travel apps. Research and download region-specific travel apps for transport and sightseeing.

FAQ

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    saily blog author ugne zieniute
    Ugnė Zieniūtė

    Ugnė thrives on exploring new places and capturing moments on the go, so it’s no surprise her social media comes back to life whenever she’s abroad. An avid traveler, she believes staying connected with an eSIM is as essential as packing a passport, ensuring seamless adventures wherever she roams.