Google Wallet’s Partial Rollout in Pakistan: What’s Still Missing?

Google’s Developer Notes recently revealed plans for the rollout of Google Wallet in multiple countries, including Pakistan. Renowned for its comprehensive capabilities, including the storage of payment cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, and tickets, as well as enabling NFC transactions, the announcement was met with high anticipation from Pakistani users eager for a sophisticated digital wallet solution.

“The latest Google Developer Notes reveal that Pakistan, alongside Egypt and Venezuela, will instead receive a ‘Passes-Only’ version of Google Wallet. Unlike the full version, this stripped-down iteration does not include the capability for contactless payments, integration with credit/debit cards, or mobile NFC transactions,” Sources informed Techjuice.

Passes-Only Version of Google Wallet

The ‘Passes-Only’ version of Google Wallet restricts the platform’s capabilities to the storage and management of digital passes, including boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, and membership cards.

The recent move by Google to introduce a restricted edition of its Wallet service in Pakistan may be influenced by various considerations. Initially, the launch of payment platforms frequently faces regulatory hurdles, necessitating authorization from regional financial regulators and compliance with data protection legislation. The ongoing rollout that focusses solely on passes could be seen as a strategic move by Google to establish a base while tackling these challenges.

Additionally, Google may want to evaluate the uptake of digital wallets in emerging markets like Pakistan before committing to a broader release. Infrastructure constraints, including the demand for extensive NFC payment support and merchant acceptance, may be impacting the decision, as the essential systems continue to develop in Pakistan.

Effects on Local Digital Wallet Providers

Initially, the news of Google Wallet’s upcoming launch was regarded as a possible game-changer for regional digital wallet competitors like Easypaisa, JazzCash, Sadapay, and Nayapay. However, the restricted capabilities of the passes-only edition have dampened a significant portion of this enthusiasm. Pakistani users, eager for the convenience of contactless payments, express disappointment with the diluted offering. Online discussions and forums are abuzz with expressions of dissatisfaction from potential users, highlighting a sense of disappointment that is palpable.

One user stated: “Also might I add, like 90% of phones don’t have NFC in Pakistan so it wouldn’t have made a difference to the majority of people anyway. And UBL pay at least has a wearOS app too so you’re not really losing anything in terms of contactless payments when compared with Google Wallet.”

Limitations

The launch of Google Wallet in Pakistan has generated considerable enthusiasm; however, its restricted features prompt concerns regarding its usability. A significant limitation is the lack of contactless payment options, which are essential for a contemporary, global wallet service. The absence of this feature greatly reduces the attractiveness and functionality of Google Wallet. Furthermore, the absence of financial integration represents another significant shortcoming.

In Pakistan, many users depend on local wallet services for essential activities such as bill payments, money transfers, and online shopping, which are notably absent in the passes-only version of Google Wallet. The absence of crucial features diminishes its ability to compete in a marketplace that is already saturated with adaptable local options.