With the exception of Apple Pay, the UK has not seen an influx of popular mobile payment systems, but that is set to change as Google’s Android Pay is expected to make its debut in the country in the coming weeks.

According to The Telegraph, Android Pay will reach the UK by the end of March 2016, following the web giant's Android Pay launch in the US last September. This release will also mark the start of the service's international roll out, as Google sets its sights on global markets and economies that have already seen the introduction of Apple and Samsung's digital wallets.

Google said its mobile payment system will hit the shores of Australia by the first half of 2016. The search giant is closely working with major financial institutions of Australia including ANZ, Westpac, Bank of Melbourne, Bank of South Australia, Bendigo Bank, Cuscal, ING DIRECT, Macquarie Bank and St. George .

If Android Pay arrives Australia, it will be compatible with MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards, said Google.

Like Apple Pay, the Android Pay app works with smartphones equipped with Near-Field Communication (NFC) chips. It basically allows users with eligible Android powered smartphones to leave their wallets at home and make payments via contactless mobile payment systems.

However, your Android powered smartphone must run on Android version 4.4 or higher to utilise Google’s mobile payment service.

Android Pay will not be the only mobile payment system to try and make waves in the UK. Samsung Pay is also slated to go live before the end of the first quarter. Unlike Apple Pay, Samsung’s mobile payment system works with both NFC and Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) terminals.

Related: Samsung Pay to expand globally

Meanwhile, Samsung Pay posted a net loss of $16.8 million in its maiden year of operation, as reported by ET News. Currently, Samsung Pay is supported by the new Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 5 and several Galaxy A series of smartphones of 2016.

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