UPI for Tourists: India’s digital payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Now it is no longer limited to just the borders of the country. This is no less than a big relief for Indians traveling abroad. Now tourists, NRIs and business travelers can make payments directly through UPI by scanning QR codes at shops, restaurants and hotels abroad. That means no tension of exchanging cash, no hassle of card charges.

Payment is being made directly through UPI in these countries

Currently, UPI facility is live in 8 countries outside India. Here payment can be made by scanning local QR code from Indian UPI apps. These countries include:

• Bhutan, Nepal, Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mauritius, Sri Lanka, France and Qatar.


• Cashless payment has become easier than ever for Indian travelers in these countries.

How does UPI work abroad?

The method of using UPI abroad is exactly the same as in India. The user scans the QR code from the UPI app like PhonePe, Google Pay or Paytm present in his mobile. The payment amount is directly debited from the Indian bank account and the merchant there receives it in local currency. This eliminates problems like forex charges, carrying cash or international card fees.

UPI is becoming a global digital payment system

The Government of India and NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) are working rapidly towards making UPI a global payment infrastructure. Digital payment and trade partnership agreements have been signed with many countries. This is the reason why UPI is going to be introduced in many countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America in the coming time.

UPI may start soon in these countries

The countries where preparations are underway to bring UPI include: Maldives, Brazil, Kenya, Tanzania, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Colombia, Cuba, Mongolia, Fiji, Laos and Papua New Guinea and many other countries.

What will be the direct benefit to Indians?

Indians will no longer need to carry separate payment apps, cash or cards while traveling abroad. The UPI present in the phone will provide payment in seconds, better control and more transparency. The special thing is that some banks are also providing UPI service through international mobile numbers, due to which NRIs are also able to do digital transactions easily.