NPCI Launches UPI One World to Simplify Digital Payments for NRIs and Tourists

Highlights

• UPI One World enables digital payments for NRIs and international visitors
• Users can create a digital wallet and load INR via currency exchange
• Payments can be made using QR codes and UPI ID for online transactions
• Launched in collaboration with IDFC First Bank and Transcorp International

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a new service called UPI One World, aimed at making digital payments easier for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and international visitors to India.

This service allows people without Indian bank accounts to use the popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system for transactions in the country.

Key Features of UPI One World

1. Digital Wallet: Users can download a special app to create a digital wallet for payments.
2. QR Code Payments: Travelers can scan merchant QR codes with their smartphones to make payments.
3. Online Transactions: The service allows for online payments using a UPI ID.
4. Wide Acceptance: Can be used at stores, hotels, restaurants, and for online shopping and bookings.
5. Currency Exchange: Users can load Indian Rupees (INR) into the wallet by exchanging foreign currency.

How It Works

1. Download the App: Users need to get the Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI)-UPI app from authorized issuers in India.
2. KYC Process: Complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification using passport and visa at an issuer counter.
3. Load Money: Exchange foreign currency or use a credit/debit card to add INR to the wallet.
4. Make Payments: Use the app to pay at various locations across India.

Benefits

• Eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash
• Reduces the hassle of multiple foreign exchange transactions
• Provides a seamless payment experience similar to local residents

Partners and Guidance

• Launched by NPCI in collaboration with IDFC First Bank and Transcorp International Limited
• Developed under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

The RBI is working to expand UPI to 20 countries by 2028-29, showing India’s commitment to globalizing its digital payment system.

International Expansion

By collaborating with QNB, NPCI International has expanded the international reach of Indian digital payment systems by enabling UPI payments in Qatar.

By streamlining payment procedures, UPI One World is a major step in increasing India’s accessibility to visitors from other countries.

It is consistent with India’s overarching objectives of fostering digital trade and improving traveler and non-resident Indian experiences.

With the launch of this service, foreign tourists should find travel and financial transactions in India more convenient, which might increase tourism and cross-border commercial activity.

FAQs

What is UPI One World?

UPI One World is a new service by NPCI that allows non-resident Indians and international visitors to use the UPI system for digital payments in India without needing an Indian bank account.

How can international visitors use UPI One World?

Visitors can download the PPI-UPI app, complete KYC verification using their passport and visa, load money into the wallet by exchanging foreign currency or using a credit/debit card, and then use the app to make payments.

What are the key features of UPI One World?

Key features include the ability to create a digital wallet, make payments using QR codes, perform online transactions with a UPI ID, and load Indian Rupees into the wallet via currency exchange.

Which partners are involved in the UPI One World service?

The service was launched by NPCI in collaboration with IDFC First Bank and Transcorp International Limited, under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India.

How does UPI One World benefit international visitors?

UPI One World eliminates the need for carrying large amounts of cash, reduces the hassle of multiple foreign exchange transactions, and provides a seamless payment experience similar to that of local residents.

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