STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Global tech giant Google officially launched Google Wallet—commonly known as Google Pay—in Bangladesh yesterday, enabling customers to make contactless payments using just their smartphones, doing away with the need for plastic cards.

From air travel to everyday shopping, Google Pay is expected to transform how payments are made.

City Bank customers can now link their Mastercard or Visa cards to Google Wallet and use Google Pay for fast, secure, and contactless transactions.

Payments can be made simply by tapping an Android phone at any NFC-enabled POS terminal, both domestically and internationally.

Backed by advanced encryption technology, Google Pay ensures robust data security. For small purchases, PIN-free functionality enhances the checkout experience.

This initiative was made possible through a collaboration among City Bank, Google, Mastercard, and Visa.

Ahsan H Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, inaugurated the service at a ceremony organised at The Westin Hotel in Dhaka.

Speaking as the chief guest, Mansur said, “We welcome Google Pay to Bangladesh. I believe our country will prove to be a reliable destination for both local and foreign investors.”

“It’s a misconception that foreign entrants will simply take money out of the country; I don’t agree with that view,” he added.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to building a future-ready digital payments ecosystem in Bangladesh,” said Mashrur Arefin,