How tourists and NRIs can use UPI without an Indian bank account to make payments
Live MintImagine landing in India, ready to admire the Taj Mahal, shop in the local markets of Mumbai, take in 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 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. “UPI One World bridges this gap, allowing visitors to transact digitally without relying on cash or forex cards." User adoption UPI One World was developed jointly by the NPCI, IDFC First Bank, and Transcorp, under the guidance of the RBI and rolled out in July 2024.