Apple has rolled out Tap to Pay on iPhone in Costa Rica, enabling businesses across the country to accept in-person contactless payments directly on their mobile devices without needing a separate card reader or payment terminal, according to the company.
How Tap to Pay on iPhone Works for Costa Rican Merchants
Local businesses in Costa Rica can access the service through three participating payment platforms: Geopagos, Symbiotic, and Visa Acceptance Solutions, according to Apple. Merchants sign up through these approved providers rather than directly with Apple. To use the system, businesses need an iPhone XS or later running the latest version of iOS alongside a compatible payment application from one of the supported providers. At checkout, the merchant opens the app, and the customer holds their contactless credit or debit card, iPhone, Apple Watch, or other digital wallet near the seller’s phone to complete the transaction.
Supported Payment Networks and Device Security
The system processes payments over near-field communication (NFC), the short-range wireless technology standard used in contactless cards. According to Apple, the feature accepts debit and credit cards from major networks including American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, alongside Apple Pay and other digital wallets. Regarding security, Apple stated that the feature relies on the built-in privacy and protections of the iPhone, noting that card numbers and transaction details are not stored on the device or on company servers. Apple did not disclose pricing for the service, as transaction fees are established independently by each payment platform rather than by Apple.
Sectors and Business Sizes Reached
Participating platforms can offer the feature to businesses of all sizes, spanning sectors such as retail, food and beverage, transportation, beauty, and professional services, according to Apple. Many small businesses in the region traditionally rely on cash or SINPE Móvil—the Central Bank’s instant mobile transfer system—and previously lacked an affordable way to accept card payments. Apple initially launched the capability in the United States in 2022 before expanding internationally as regional payment providers added infrastructure support.
Pro Tip: Businesses interested in adopting Tap to Pay on iPhone should check directly with Geopagos, Symbiotic, or Visa Acceptance Solutions to review specific sign-up requirements, supported iOS apps, and transaction fee structures.
Regional Expansion Across Latin America
Alongside Costa Rica, Apple’s simultaneous expansion brings the payment feature to seven other Latin American markets. According to the company’s announcement, the service is now live in Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Peru, though specific platform availability varies by country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices are required to use Tap to Pay on iPhone?
Merchants need an iPhone XS or a newer model running the latest version of iOS, along with a compatible payment app from a participating provider, according to Apple.
Does Apple charge transaction fees for the service?
No. Apple’s announcement notes that transaction fees are set by the individual payment platforms rather than by Apple.
Which payment networks are supported by the system?
The system accepts contactless credit and debit cards from major networks including American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay, according to Apple.
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