India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay cards are revolutionizing the way people transact globally. With the latest addition of France to the list of countries accepting UPI payments, this system’s international presence continues to grow. Here’s a round-up of all the countries that have embraced UPI and RuPay cards for seamless digital transactions.

France

France has recently joined the league of countries accepting UPI payments. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between France’s payment solution company Lyra Network and the National Payments Corporation of India International (NPCI International). This makes France the fifth country to adopt UPI, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of India’s digital payment system.

Nepal

Nepal was the first foreign country to adopt India’s UPI system. NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) partnered with Gateway Payments Service (GPS) and Manam Infotech to introduce UPI services in Nepal. Known for its ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist culture, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, Nepal remains a favorite travel destination for many Indians. The adoption of UPI has made it even more convenient for Indian tourists to transact in Nepal.

Singapore

In 2021, NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) partnered with Singapore to accept UPI-based payments. Travelers to Singapore can use the BHIM UPI app to make payments at select merchants. Efforts are also underway by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Reserve Bank of India to link Singapore’s PayNow and India’s UPI real-time payment systems, further enhancing cross-border digital transactions.

UAE

The UAE joined the UPI ecosystem in April 2022 through a collaboration between NIPL and NeoPay, a payments service subsidiary of Mashreq Bank. This partnership allows Indians in the UAE to use UPI payments across various payment terminals. However, UPI payments are currently only available at shops, retail establishments, and other merchants that have NEOPAY terminals.

Bhutan

In line with India’s neighborhood-first policy, the BHIM UPI app was launched in Bhutan in July 2021. NIPL partnered with Bhutan’s central bank to introduce a QR code-based payment solution. Bhutan was the first neighboring country to use BHIM, marking a significant step in expanding India’s fintech innovations to other countries.

Malaysia

Malaysia has also embraced UPI, making it easier for Indians residing in or traveling to Malaysia to conduct transactions using their UPI apps. This initiative aims to provide a seamless and convenient payment experience, enhancing the digital payment infrastructure in Malaysia.

UK

The United Kingdom has adopted UPI to facilitate smoother and faster transactions for Indian tourists and residents. This adoption reflects the growing acceptance of India’s digital payment systems in Western markets.

Mauritius

Mauritius, a popular destination for Indian tourists, has integrated UPI payments into its financial system. This integration enhances the convenience for Indian visitors, enabling them to use their UPI apps for transactions without the hassle of currency exchange.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s adoption of UPI is a testament to the system’s growing influence in South Asia. With this integration, Indian tourists can use UPI apps for transactions across Sri Lanka, adding convenience to their travel experience.

India’s UPI and RuPay cards are setting a new standard for digital transactions worldwide. The continued expansion into new countries not only facilitates ease of payment for Indian travelers but also showcases India’s technological advancements in the fintech sector. As more countries adopt UPI and RuPay, the world moves closer to a unified and seamless digital payment ecosystem.