Google announced the launch of Google Pay in the UAE which allows you to pay using Android phones. It simplifies shopping by helping you pay safely in apps and on websites, in stores that support contactless payment, and across all Google platforms, making it easy to buy movies, books and apps in just a few seconds.
How does it work?
In retail, the smartphone becomes a digital wallet. If you have a Mastercard or Visa issued by any of the partner banks which includes Emirates Islamic, Emirates NBD, Mashreq and Standard Chartered (RAKBANK coming soon to their Google Pay app) simply add the card details to the Google Pay app. Then, you only need to wake the phone screen up and tap it on the contactless terminal to pay. The transaction is processed using Near Field Communication (NFC). For transactions above AED 300, you have to enter the card pincode, as an additional safety measure.
Is Google Pay Safe?
Security is a key element in the design of Google Pay. The credit card number is neither stored on the mobile device nor in the system of the seller. When you pay in stores, transactions are made using a virtual card number called a token, which is device-specific. The token is associated with a dynamic security code that changes with each transaction. Also, if a phone is ever lost or stolen, you can simply use the “Find my device” function to instantly lock the device from anywhere, secure it with a new password, or even wipe it clean of personal information. There is no need to deactivate the card itself, as it isn’t stored on the device.
Google Pay is now available on all Android devices, running Lollipop 5.0 or higher. For more information about supported cards and banks in the UAE, please visit https://support.google.com/pay/answer/7644717?hl=en