Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become a household name in India, transforming the way people transact digitally. With its success domestically, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is now ready to take UPI to the next level by introducing UPI One World—a feature specifically designed for international travelers and NRIs, enabling seamless payments in India.

UPI One World is an initiative by NPCI to facilitate digital payments for international travelers visiting India. The feature allows travelers to create a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) wallet linked to UPI, enabling them to make payments via UPI QR codes without the need for an Indian bank account.

1. Onboarding:International travelers can sign up for UPI One World at authorized kiosks located at major airports, hotels, and money exchange counters.
2. Verification:Users must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process using their passport and visa.
3. Wallet Setup:Upon successful verification, a PPI wallet is created and linked to a UPI ID.
4. Adding Funds:Users can load money into the wallet using their international credit or debit cards.
5. Payments:The linked UPI ID allows users to make payments by scanning UPI QR codes at merchants across India.

• Prepaid Wallet Integration:Foreign travelers can easily load funds into their wallets and use them for UPI transactions.
• Instant Transactions:UPI One World ensures that payments are processed instantly, making it convenient for travelers.
• Multi-Currency Support:The platform supports multiple currencies and handles currency conversion automatically, simplifying cross-border payments.
• Low Transaction Costs:Compared to traditional international cards, UPI One World offers significantly lower transaction fees.
• Enhanced Security:With robust encryption and multi-factor authentication, UPI One World ensures secure transactions.

Travelers can register for UPI One World at kiosks operated by the following authorized PPI issuers:

• IDFC FIRST Bank Limited
• Pine Labs Private Limited
• Smart Payment Solutions Private Limited
• Transcorp International Limited
• Tri O Tech Solutions Private Ltd

These kiosks are strategically located at key entry points such as international airports, major hotels, and money exchange offices.

1. Convenience in Payments:Travelers can use UPI to pay for goods and services without worrying about carrying cash.
2. Lower Fees:Unlike international card transactions, UPI One World provides a cost-effective solution with minimal transaction charges.
3. Ease of Use:The familiarity of scanning UPI QR codes makes it easy for travelers to adapt quickly.
4. Widespread Acceptance:UPI is accepted by millions of merchants across India, ensuring that travelers can use it almost anywhere.

In addition to UPI One World, NPCI is working on several new features set to launch in 2025:

• Payment Delegation:This feature will allow users to authorize someone else to make payments on their behalf.
• Linking with International Platforms:NPCI plans to enable linking UPI with international platforms like WhatsApp, facilitating easier cross-border transactions.
• Travel Mode Enhancements:Future updates will include enhanced travel-specific features, such as dynamic currency conversion and better wallet management.

UPI One World marks a significant step forward in making digital payments borderless and more inclusive. By enabling international travelers to use UPI seamlessly in India, NPCI is not only simplifying transactions but also enhancing the overall travel experience. With more features and global partnerships on the horizon, UPI One World is poised to become a game-changer in cross-border payments.

Whether you’re a foreign tourist exploring India or an NRI visiting family, UPI One World promises a hassle-free, cost-effective, and secure way to manage your payments. The future of global payments is here, and India is leading the way.