UPI: Transforming merchant payments for global visitors

Say goodbye to forex cards as UPI One World makes cashless travel seamless for travellers

- Anil Poste

Imagine landing in India, ready to admire the Taj Mahal, shop in the local markets of Mumbai, or experience the stunning views of Manali's snow-capped mountains or enjoy a peaceful houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Kerala—all without fumbling for cash or worrying if your forex cards will be accepted for payments. Thanks to UPI One World, foreign nationals and non-resident Indians (NRIs) can now make hassle-free payments across India seamlessly.

Whether you're a first-time overseas visitor, an NRI returning to reconnect with home, a health tourist, a student or even if you're catching up with long-distance friends, UPI One World simplifies your payment needs, allowing you to pay for food, transport, accommodation and shopping with just a few taps on your smartphone, without the need to open a local bank account.

How it works

UPI One World is designed specifically for foreign visitors and NRIs. It is powered by Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a facility that enables instant online transfer of funds between bank accounts. Users can load Indian rupees into a prepaid wallet, which can then be used to pay merchants and vendors via widely used UPI QR codes. This feature eliminates the need to carry cash or rely on forex cards.