UPI One World: A Digital Payment Revolution for International Visitors to India
MAS Team | 10 January 2025
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India has revolutionized the payment experience for international visitors with the introduction of UPI One World, a system that transforms how foreign nationals and non-resident Indians (NRIs) can make payments during their stay in the country.
Gone are the days when tourists needed to worry about carrying cash or finding places that accept forex cards while exploring India's diverse attractions - from the iconic Taj Mahal to Mumbai's bustling markets, Manali's snow-capped peaks, or Kerala's serene backwaters.
This innovative payment solution is built on India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure. It enables foreign visitors to make instant digital payments without the necessity of opening a local bank account. Users can load Indian rupees into a prepaid wallet and make payments to merchants through widely accepted UPI QR codes.
The system addresses a significant challenge faced by international tourists, particularly in smaller cities and towns where forex card acceptance is limited. By providing a digital payment solution, it eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash or depend on traditional payment methods.
The onboarding process is straightforward but requires some initial setup:
1. Users can download any authorized prepaid payment instrument (PPI) wallet app
2. Sign up using their foreign mobile number
3. Complete a physical Know Your Customer (KYC) process at designated locations
4. Provide passport and valid visa for verification
For NRIs, the requirements include an Indian passport and proof of foreign residency or visa. The entire process, including physical KYC, typically takes less than 15 minutes, after which users can immediately begin making payments.
## Key Features and Benefits
- Quick and secure payments widely accepted across India
- No transaction charges for making payments to merchants
- Digital tracking of expenses through transaction history
- Ability to reload the wallet multiple times
- Option to refund unused balance to the original funding source
- Maximum wallet capacity of 2 lakh
While the platform offers numerous advantages, users should be aware of certain restrictions:
- Limited to merchant payments only
- No peer-to-peer transfers allowed
- Cash withdrawals not permitted
- Standard currency conversion charges apply when loading or refunding the wallet
- Payment gateway fees may apply for card-based reloading
Since its launch in July 2024 under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India, the platform has seen significant adoption with thousands of users, primarily foreign nationals. Efforts are underway to enhance the service further, with a particular focus on developing a fully digital onboarding process that would eliminate the need for physical KYC verification.
This digital payment solution represents a significant step forward in making India more accessible and convenient for international visitors, allowing them to focus on experiencing the country rather than worrying about payment logistics.
Dear Investor,
In case of any grievance / complaint :
In case of any grievance / complaint :
- Please contact Compliance Officer Shraddha Mhatre at [email protected] and Phone No. - 91-22-35131664.
- You may also approach CEO Debashis Basu at email- id [email protected] and Phone No. - 91-22-35131664.
