Payment gateways for delivery apps in LATAM and the UAE

The payment step is where a delivery or ride-hailing app wins or loses the order. If customers don't see the method they use every day, many simply close the app. Latin America and the UAE are two of the markets our clients launch in most, and they need very different setups. This guide covers what to offer, how integration works in 6amTech scripts, and what to test before launch. Gateway availability and requirements change, so confirm with each provider for your country.

How payments work in 6amTech scripts

6amMart, 6Valley, Demandium and DriveMond share a similar payment module. In the admin panel you'll find a list of supported gateways. You turn each one on, enter the merchant credentials from the gateway's dashboard, and choose test or live mode. The exact list depends on your script version, so check yours first.

There are three situations:

1. The gateway is built in. Configuration only: credentials, currency, callback URLs, testing.
2. The gateway isn't built in, but has a standard API. It needs a custom integration in the Laravel backend, with the checkout flow wired into the apps.
3. The method is offered through another gateway. For example, PIX is often offered through a gateway that supports Brazil, rather than integrated separately.

Whatever happens, keep cash on delivery working as a fallback, and use it for your first end-to-end tests.

Latin America

Mercado Pago

Mercado Pago is the default digital payment brand for many customers in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. It supports cards, the Mercado Pago wallet and, depending on the country, local methods. Recent 6amTech versions include Mercado Pago in the payment list. Things to watch:

• Create the application in your Mercado Pago developer dashboard in the country where your business is registered. Credentials are country-specific.
• Use test credentials and test users first, then switch to production credentials.
• Make sure your currency in the admin panel matches the Mercado Pago account's country currency.

PIX in Brazil

PIX is Brazil's instant payment system, run by the central bank, and customers use it constantly. Customers pay by scanning a QR code or using a copy-and-paste code in their banking app. To offer PIX, use a gateway that supports it for Brazilian merchants (Mercado Pago does, for example) and make sure the app shows the QR code and handles the payment confirmation that follows. Test the full flow, including what happens if a customer leaves the app while paying.

Cards, cash and local wallets

Cards remain important. Many markets also rely on cash, so cash on delivery in delivery apps, and cash payment to drivers in ride-hailing, should stay available. Installments (cuotas or parcelamento) matter for higher-value eCommerce in some countries. Check whether your gateway supports them.

Practical notes for LATAM

• Translate payment messages properly. Spanish for LATAM and Brazilian Portuguese aren't afterthoughts.
• Plan for tax ID fields where invoicing needs them, such as CPF in Brazil or RFC in Mexico. These may need customisation.
• Expect gateway onboarding to ask for company documents. Start it early.

United Arab Emirates

Cards, Apple Pay and cash on delivery

UAE customers expect card payment and, increasingly, Apple Pay. Cash or card on delivery remains common for grocery and food orders. Offer at least one card gateway plus cash on delivery at launch.

Gateway options

• Stripe is available to UAE-registered businesses and may already be in your script's payment list.
• PayTabs is built into some 6amTech versions, so check your list.
• Telr, Checkout.com and Network International (N-Genius) are widely used regional options. If your version doesn't include them, they need a custom integration.

Merchant approval in the UAE usually requires your trade licence, bank account details and a live website with terms, privacy, refund and delivery policies. Prepare these before you apply.

Practical notes for the UAE

• Show prices in AED, with VAT handled correctly in the admin panel.
• Payment pages and messages need Arabic and English, and they must work in RTL layouts.
• Apple Pay requires extra setup with the gateway and an Apple Merchant ID.

What to test before launch

For every gateway, in both apps and on the website:

1. A successful payment, and the order appearing as paid in the admin panel.
2. A failed or cancelled payment, with no order stuck in a wrong state.
3. The customer closing the app mid-payment and coming back.
4. A full and a partial refund.
5. Wallet top-up and payment, if you use the wallet.
6. Reconciliation: does the gateway dashboard match your admin panel's reports?

Fees and payouts

Every gateway charges per-transaction fees and pays out on its own schedule. Include fees in your commission model, and match payout timing to how often you pay stores, providers or drivers.

How we help

We configure built-in gateways, build custom integrations when your gateway isn't in the list, and test the full payment cycle before launch. See our grocery delivery, food delivery and ride-hailing solutions, or message us with your country and preferred gateway.