You are likely familiar with and use UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, for your day-to-day purchases and bill payments. This interface comprises apps like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe. In short, UPI is a mobile-based payment system that has revolutionised digital transactions in India. But what about the status of UPI in foreign countries? You may be wondering how to navigate online payments if travelling abroad or living outside India. Read on to understand how to use UPI outside India.
List of Countries Accepting Payments via UPI
UPI is now accepted in several countries, making it convenient for Indian travellers and businesses. Here is a quick list of UPI using countries:
- Mauritius: Indian visitors to this coastal country can easily make transactions with UPI.
- France: Many cities in France, including Paris, have started accepting UPI payments for e-commerce transactions.
- Sri Lanka: UPI was launched in Sri Lanka only recently, making it easy for transactions between Indian tourists and businesses to flow seamlessly.
- UAE: Thanks to a partnership with Mashreq, a leading financial institution, the UAE is now a UPI accepted country. This is a blessing for the many Indian expatriates and travellers in the city.
- Singapore: The UPI-linked transfer service in Singapore, called PayNow, enables instant money transfers for the significant Indian community in the country.
- Bhutan: This carbon-neutral country was among the early adopters of UPI, enabling online transactions for both tourists and locals.
- Nepal: The country has integrated India's Unified Payments Interface to expedite cross-border payments.
Conclusion
Originally an Indian system, UPI’s convenience and efficiency have made it easy to integrate in multiple countries. Whether you visit Sri Lanka, France, or the UAE, you can use UPI in other countries to make all your payments. Remember to remain vigilant when making online transactions in a foreign country. To protect against any financial risks, it may also be beneficial to begin your travels with a travel insurance policy. Remaining vigilant and prepared while vacationing will help you avoid emergencies or unfortunate situations.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.