The Challenge for International Travellers
For years, accessing India’s revolutionary UPI system was a major hurdle for international visitors. The reason was simple: to use UPI, you needed an Indian mobile number and an Indian bank account. This left tourists navigating the complexities of cash,
dealing with ATM fees, or relying on credit cards which are not as widely accepted, especially at smaller establishments. In a country where scanning a QR code for everything from a cup of chai to a five-star meal is the norm, visitors were left on the digital sidelines. This created a clear divide between the seamless payment experience of residents and the often-clunky reality for tourists.
What's New for Tourists in India?
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have introduced a game-changing solution: UPI access for inbound travellers. The new system, often marketed as 'UPI One World', allows foreign nationals to get a prepaid payment instrument (PPI) or a wallet linked to UPI without needing an Indian bank account or local phone number. Initially rolled out for visitors from G20 countries, the service is expanding. Travellers can get these wallets activated at kiosks in major international airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru by presenting their passport and visa. They can then load funds into the wallet using their international credit/debit cards or by exchanging cash at the counter.
How to Get Started as a Tourist
The process to get UPI-enabled as a tourist is becoming more streamlined. Upon arrival at a participating airport, you can approach designated counters run by partners like Thomas Cook or EbixCash. These counters will help you sign up for a UPI-linked wallet through apps like CheqUPI, Fave Money, or Mony. The steps generally involve: downloading the specified app, completing a quick KYC process by showing your passport and visa, and loading the wallet with funds. Once activated, you receive a UPI ID and can start scanning any merchant QR code across the country to make payments. Any unspent balance can often be refunded when you depart.
What About Indians Travelling Abroad?
The convenience is a two-way street. NPCI has been aggressively forming partnerships across the globe, allowing Indian travellers to use their familiar UPI apps abroad. As of July 2026, UPI is accepted in some form in 10 countries: Singapore, UAE, France, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Cambodia, and most recently, Greece. This means you can pay at participating merchants in these countries by scanning a QR code, with the amount being debited from your Indian bank account in rupees. Recent partnerships with entities like HSBC and J.P. Morgan Payments are further refining this by enabling real-time foreign exchange conversions, making the pricing more transparent for users.
The Fine Print and Limitations
While these developments are significant, travellers should be aware of some limitations. For tourists in India, the prepaid wallets have transaction and loading limits, typically around ₹2,00,000 per month, which is sufficient for most travel expenses. Importantly, these wallets are usually restricted to merchant payments (P2M) only, meaning you can't use them to send money to an individual's private UPI ID. For Indians using UPI abroad, acceptance is not universal. It's limited to merchants who are part of the partner network, so it's wise to look for the UPI logo or ask before paying. Success rates can also vary between different UPI apps, with some users reporting more consistent results with certain apps in specific countries. It's always a good idea to carry a backup payment method.
