Singapore, UAE, France and More: Countries Where UPI Payments Are Accepted

Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, has revolutionised digital transactions in India.

Its success has extended beyond borders, allowing Indian travellers to make seamless, cashless payments in multiple countries.

Here’s a list of nations where UPI payments are accepted, making international travel more convenient for tourists.

Countries That Accept UPI Payments

1. Singapore

Singapore was the first country to introduce cross-border UPI payments, linking it with PayNow, the city-state’s instant payment system. Indian travellers can use apps like Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, and BHIM to pay at over 30,000 merchants using QR codes.

This has significantly enhanced the ease of transactions for Indian visitors exploring the vibrant island nation.

2. UAE

The United Arab Emirates embraced UPI in August 2021 when Mashreq Bank partnered with NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL).

Today, over 60,000 retail outlets across the UAE accept UPI payments, ensuring Indian tourists can shop and dine without the hassle of currency exchange.

3. Mauritius

Mauritius became one of the most recent additions to the UPI ecosystem, launching the service on February 12, 2024.

Alongside UPI, RuPay card services were also introduced, offering Indian visitors more digital payment options while enjoying the island’s stunning beaches and cultural heritage.

4. Nepal

Nepal has integrated UPI into its payment infrastructure, allowing Indian travellers to make hassle-free digital payments.

This became possible through a collaboration between NIPL and Fonepay, Nepal’s leading digital payment network. Tourists can now scan QR codes for seamless transactions, making travel across Nepal much more convenient.

5. France

UPI payments were introduced in France in 2024, with the Eiffel Tower becoming the first iconic landmark to accept them.

Following this, many retailers and tourism-related businesses across France and Europe adopted the payment system, making it easier for Indian travellers to go cashless while exploring famous attractions.

6. Bhutan

Bhutan was among the earliest adopters of UPI payments. Since July 2021, the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) of Bhutan, in partnership with NIPL, has facilitated QR-based UPI transactions.

This has simplified payments for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan’s breathtaking monasteries and scenic landscapes.

7. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has also joined the UPI network, allowing digital transactions at various locations, including Bandaranaike International Airport and the Dialog Iconic Experience Centre in Colombo.

Indian visitors can make payments by scanning LankaQR codes, making UPI a widely accepted option for digital transactions in Sri Lanka.

How to Use UPI Internationally?

To use UPI payments abroad, travellers must link their bank account with a UPI-enabled app. Once registered, payments can be made easily by scanning QR codes at participating merchants. Unlike traditional transactions, UPI payments do not require sharing bank account details, ensuring secure and quick transactions.

The expansion of UPI to multiple countries is a game-changer for Indian travellers, offering a hassle-free, cashless experience worldwide. With more nations expected to adopt UPI in the future, the ease of international transactions for Indians is set to grow further.

Conclusion

The expansion of UPI payments to multiple countries marks a significant milestone in India’s digital payment revolution.

For Indian travellers, this means seamless, secure, and cashless transactions across various destinations, eliminating the hassle of currency exchange. From shopping in Singapore and UAE to exploring France and Sri Lanka, UPI is making global travel more convenient.

As more countries integrate UPI into their payment systems, the future of international travel looks even more effortless and digital for Indians.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.