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Does Apple Pay work internationally?
Apple Pay works in many countries and is a safe, convenient way to pay abroad. Learn how it works internationally, possible fees, and what to check with your bank before you travel.
Yes, Apple Pay works internationally wherever contactless payments are accepted, making it a convenient option for travelers. However, its availability depends on your bank, card type, and local payment systems. Always confirm with your bank about fees, currency conversion, and whether your card is enabled for overseas use.
In this guide, you’ll learn how Apple Pay works abroad, what to check before traveling, possible fees, safety considerations, and answers to the most common questions from international travelers.
How Apple Pay works abroad
Apple Pay functions overseas the same way it does at home: by using your iPhone or Apple Watch to make contactless payments at supported terminals. What changes is how widely it’s accepted, the fees your bank may charge, and local limitations you might encounter while traveling.
Wide acceptance across countries
From supermarkets in Europe to taxis in Asia, millions of retailers worldwide now accept Apple Pay. Its reach is continually expanding, but acceptance can still vary depending on the country and the merchant’s payment system. You should always check for the contactless payment symbol before relying on it abroad.
Security features (Tokenization and Biometrics)
When you pay with Apple Pay, your actual card number is never shared. Instead, Apple uses tokenization, creating a unique code for each transaction. Combined with biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID, this makes payments abroad safer than handing over a physical card or swiping in unfamiliar places.
Convenience for travelers
Apple Pay lets you leave your physical cards at home and pay with just your device. This reduces the risk of losing your wallet while traveling. It’s also a time-saver: no fumbling for cash in a foreign currency, and no need to visit an ATM immediately after arriving in a new country
International considerations
Using Apple Pay abroad is usually seamless, but there are a few important details travelers should know before relying on it as their primary payment method.
Check with Your Bank Before Traveling
Even though Apple Pay works worldwide, your bank ultimately decides whether your card is eligible for international use. Some banks may require you to enable international transactions, while others may flag unusual overseas activity as potential fraud. To avoid declined payments, let your bank know about your travel plans and confirm whether fees apply.
Currency Conversion & Fees
Apple Pay itself doesn’t charge international transaction fees or perform currency conversion. Instead, your card issuer handles the conversion and may apply additional charges. For example, some banks add a 1-3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made abroad. Always check your card’s terms to understand how much you’ll actually pay when using Apple Pay overseas.
Limited Support in Some Countries/Regions
While Apple Pay is accepted in most developed markets, its coverage is not universal. Certain regions may not yet support it due to local regulations or limited adoption of contactless payments. If you travel to smaller towns, rural areas, or countries with less developed payment infrastructure, you should carry a backup payment option like a physical card or some cash.
Does Apple Pay work without internet?
Yes, Apple Pay works without an internet connection. Once your card is added to Apple Wallet, payments are processed through NFC and don’t require Wi-Fi or mobile data. However, you do need internet to add a new card or update your wallet.
That’s why reliable connectivity while abroad is still essential. With a Holafly eSIM, you can stay online from the moment you land, making it easier to manage your bank app, receive payment notifications, or add new cards if needed.
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How to use Apple Pay internationally
Using Apple Pay abroad is straightforward, but it helps to follow a few steps to avoid issues while traveling:
- Ensure your bank supports Apple Pay internationally
Confirm with your bank or card issuer that your card works overseas and ask about any potential foreign transaction fees. - Add your card to Apple Wallet
If you haven’t already, open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and follow the instructions to add your card. Make sure to do this while you still have internet access. - Look for the contactless payment symbol
At checkout, check for the contactless logo on the payment terminal. This indicates that Apple Pay is accepted. - Use your device to complete the transaction
Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the terminal. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, and your payment will go through instantly.
Is using Apple Pay safer abroad than your actual card?
Yes. Apple Pay uses tokenization and biometric authentication, so your card number is never shared with merchants. This lowers fraud risks compared to physical cards.
Apple Pay vs. physical card security
| Feature | Physical card abroad | Apple Pay abroad |
| Data shared with merchant | Card number is visible and transmitted during payment. | Actual card number is never shared; payments use a unique token. |
| Fraud risk | Cards can be skimmed, copied, or cloned at unsafe terminals. | Tokenization greatly reduces fraud risk, making payments more secure. |
| Loss or theft | If lost or stolen, anyone could attempt to use it until blocked by the bank. | Payments require Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode, preventing unauthorized use. |
| Convenience while traveling | Carrying multiple cards increases the chance of loss or theft. | Everything is stored digitally, reducing the need to carry physical cards while abroad. |
FAQs about using Apple Pay internationally
Yes. Apple Pay works in most countries that accept contactless payments. Just make sure your card issuer supports international transactions.
Not directly. Apple Pay is designed for in-person or online purchases, not for international peer-to-peer transfers. For sending money abroad, you’ll need other services.
No. Currency conversion is handled by your card issuer, not Apple Pay. The bank sets the exchange rate and may add foreign transaction fees.
Apple Pay doesn’t charge extra, but your bank may apply international transaction fees (often 1–3%) when paying in another currency.
You can change your Apple ID region in settings, but this only works if you also have a valid payment method and billing address in that country.
Yes, as long as your card is already in Apple Wallet. Apple Pay works offline for payments via NFC, though you’ll need internet to add new cards or manage your wallet.
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Hi, I'm Brenda Beltrán. I'm passionate about travel, technology, and video games. In 2019, I started my career as a journalist in entertainment and technology. Then, I discovered that content creation was my true calling. Now, at Holafly, I'm dedicated to sharing travel tips and experiences that will make your adventures unforgettable. ✈️ Hola, soy Brenda Beltrán, apasionada por los viajes, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde mis inicios en 2019 como periodista en entretenimiento y tecnología, descubrí que la creación de contenido era mi verdadera vocación. Hoy, en Holafly, me dedico a compartir consejos y experiencias de viaje para que cada una de tus aventuras sean memorables.✈️
