Apple Pay Arrives in Taiwan, Now Available in 15 Markets

“The news follows soon after the state’s Financial Supervisory Commission granted approval to seven of Taiwan’s major banks to support the platform.”

Apple Pay has launched in Taiwan, making it the 15th market in which Apple’s biometrically secured mobile wallet is now in service.

The news follows soon after the state’s Financial Supervisory Commission granted approval to seven of Taiwan’s major banks to support the platform. Now, Apple Pay has launched with the official backing of those six of those seven banks – Cathay United Bank, CTBC Bank, E. Sun Commercial Bank, Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank, Taishin International Bank, and Union Bank of Taiwan. The seventh, First Commercial Bank, is mysteriously absent from official Apple Pay support, but Standard Chartered Bank has taken its place. The banks’ support extends through both Mastercard and Visa cards.

On the merchant side, the platform arrives with the support of 46 outlets including Carrefour, Far Eastern Department Stores, and Starbucks. The Family Mart convenience store chain is initially supporting the platform via Taishin International Bank exclusively, but will add support for other bank cards this summer.

Apple Pay is expected to reach Italy next, after hints of support appeared on the Italian version of Apple’s website earlier this month.

Sources: AppleInsider, MacRumors, 9to5Mac