Square, the company that has led the market in the US for accepting payments via smartphone and tablet, is about to launch abroad for the first time according to comments made by chief executive Jack Dorsey.

“We just keep building, and we’re excited because we’re going outside the US soon,” said Dorsey, reported by Bloomberg.  Rivals such as iZettle in Europe have attempted to establish their presence ahead of any launch by Square outside of its domestic market where it has so far concentrated on building up its presence.

The move is not a surprise since Square hired an executive to lead its foreign expansion several months ago.  Alyssa Cutright was hired by the company as 'VP of International' in March this year.

Square’s service enables retailers to attach a card reader to their smartphone or tablet and then process payments from customers. Other providers such as PayPal have followed Square into the US market. However PayPal has already made a move into international markets despite having launched later than its rival in the US.