Your Guide to Using UPI for Digital Payments In 9 Countries

Good news for travellers! Paying abroad just got easier and more convenient with the expansion of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services to several new destinations. This innovative Indian digital payment system allows you to make instant, cashless transactions using your smartphone, similar to how you do in India.

Seamless Transactions Across Borders

In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced the availability of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated these services virtually, marking a significant milestone in global payment integration.

Additionally, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra have introduced UPI adoption in France, adding to the growing list of countries embracing this innovative payment solution.

What is UPI?

UPI is a real-time payment system that lets you transfer money directly between your bank accounts and those of merchants, all through your mobile phone. No need to carry cash or reveal sensitive bank details.

Over the past two years, numerous countries have embraced UPI, revolutionizing the way individuals transact internationally.

9 Countries Where UPI Lets You Go Cashless

1. Bhutan

July 13, 2021, marked a significant partnership between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) of Bhutan, enabling BHIM UPI QR-based payments in Bhutan. This collaboration fosters financial integration between the two economies, enhancing convenience for travellers and locals alike.

2. Singapore

NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) has collaborated with Singapore to accept UPI-based payments in 2021. If you are visiting Singapore, you may use your phone to download the BHIM UPI app and utilize it to make payments at specified retailers.

3. Malaysia

In August 2021, Merchantrade Asia, a money transfer, digital payments, and mobile communications provider, teamed up with NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), to provide real-time remittances to India.

4. Oman

An impactful Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NPCI, NIPL, and the Central Bank of Oman on October 4, 2022, has paved the way for the acceptance of Indian RuPay cards in Oman and vice versa. This agreement facilitates cross-border remittances and enhances payment options for travellers.

5. Mauritius

Travellers visiting Mauritius can now leverage UPI for seamless transactions with local businesses, fostering a convenient payment ecosystem for tourists. Similarly, Mauritian tourists in India can utilize the Instant Payment System (IPS) app for effortless payments.

6. Sri Lanka

Digital payment connectivity with Sri Lanka enables Indian travellers to make QR code-based payments at merchant locations using their UPI apps, enhancing the ease of transactions abroad.

7. Nepal

A recent collaboration between the Reserve Bank of India and Nepal Rastra Bank aims to integrate fast payment systems, including UPI and National Payments Interface (NPI), facilitating instant, low-cost fund transfers between India and Nepal.

8. Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched UPI services in Abu Dhabi, further expanding the global reach of this innovative payment solution.

9. France

The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris now accepts India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) service, thanks to a collaboration between NIPL and Lyra, offering convenience to Indian visitors exploring France.

Additional Services

• RuPay: Indian RuPay cards are now accepted in Oman, allowing you to withdraw cash or make payments at ATMs and POS terminals.
• Singapore: The first country to enable cross-border P2P payments with UPI, allowing easy money transfers between India and Singapore.

How UPI Works Overseas

Travellers must register their bank accounts with a UPI-enabled mobile application to initiate UPI payments in countries like Sri Lanka and Mauritius. By scanning QR codes or entering recipient details, users can seamlessly transfer funds internationally.

• Activate UPI International: Before travelling, activate the international feature on your UPI app. Check your app’s instructions for specific steps.
• Making payments: Look for merchants displaying the UPI QR code or accepting UPI payments. Scan the code using your app, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction with your UPI PIN.

Activation and Usage Guide

Ready to explore the world without worrying about cash or foreign exchange? With UPI going international, you can now make convenient and secure payments in several countries using your smartphone. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Activating UPI International

1. Open your UPI app (like PhonePe or Google Pay) and head to the home screen.
2. Tap on your profile picture to access your settings.
3. Look for the “Payment Settings” section and select “UPI International”.
4. Choose the bank account you want to use for international payments and tap “Activate”.
5. Enter your UPI PIN to confirm activation.

Making International Payments with UPI

1. Open your UPI app and tap on the “Scan QR code” feature.
2. Scan the QR code displayed by the merchant at your destination.
3. Enter the amount you want to pay in the local currency.
4. Select the activated bank account you wish to use for the transaction.
5. Review the details and confirm the payment with your UPI PIN.

Important Notes

• Bank fees and foreign exchange conversion rates apply to international transactions. Be sure to check with your bank for details.
• Ensure your chosen merchant accepts UPI payments before initiating the transaction.

With these simple steps, you can experience the ease and security of UPI payments even while travelling abroad!

Conclusion

As the world increasingly embraces digital payment solutions, UPI and Rupay emerge as frontrunners in revolutionizing cross-border transactions. From Bhutan to France, these initiatives signify a paradigm shift in global payment ecosystems, offering travellers unparalleled convenience and accessibility.