Top News

India’s homegrown digital payments system, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), is preparing for its next big global leap — Japan. In a move that highlights India’s growing influence in global fintech, UPI will soon allow Indian travellers to make payments in Japan using the same apps they rely on back home, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.

For millions of Indians travelling abroad, this marks a major shift. No more scrambling for cash, worrying about forex cards, or paying high exchange fees. With UPI, payments will be fast, familiar, and directly linked to Indian bank accounts.

Credits: StartupTalky

A Pilot Launch Through India–Japan Collaboration

The Japan rollout will begin as a pilot project, led by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) — the global arm of the National Payments Corporation of India — in partnership with Japanese IT giant NTT DATA.

The initial phase will enable UPI acceptance at select merchant locations across Japan that are part of NTT DATA’s network. Over time, the network is expected to expand, laying the foundation for wider adoption across the country.

Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and CEO of NIPL, called the partnership a key step toward simplifying cross-border payments, noting that it strengthens the vision of making UPI a truly global payment platform.

What This Means for Indian Travellers

For Indian tourists, UPI in Japan will feel just like paying at home. Users will be able to:

• Scan QR codes at participating stores
• Pay directly from their Indian bank accounts
• Avoid converting rupees into yen
• Skip carrying large amounts of cash

From restaurants and shopping to transport and tourist attractions, UPI is expected to make everyday spending easier, faster, and safer.

Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payments at NTT DATA Japan, said the partnership expands payment choices for inbound travellers from India and supports Japan’s growing focus on digital payments for international visitors.

Why Japan Matters in UPI’s Global Expansion

Japan will be UPI’s first entry into East Asia, marking a significant milestone in its international journey. While the country is known for its strong cash culture, digital payments are growing rapidly — especially in tourist-heavy areas.

UPI’s entry aligns perfectly with Japan’s efforts to modernise its payment infrastructure ahead of a growing influx of international travellers, including Indians, who now form one of the fastest-growing tourist groups in the country.

UPI’s Expanding Global Footprint

Before Japan, UPI has already made successful inroads into multiple international markets:

• UAE: QR payments at malls and tourist hotspots
• Singapore: Integrated with PayNow for seamless merchant payments
• France: Accepted at major tourist attractions and outlets
• Bhutan & Nepal: Widely integrated with national systems
• Mauritius & Sri Lanka: Accepted at retail stores and airports
• Qatar: Available at duty-free and retail points

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Oman are next in line, as NPCI works toward its ambitious goal of expanding UPI to at least 20 countries by 2029.

Rising Indian Tourism Fuels Demand

The timing couldn’t be better. Japan has seen a sharp rise in Indian visitors. Between January and August 2025, over 208,000 Indians travelled to Japan, marking a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

With more Indians exploring Japan for leisure, business, and education, the demand for familiar, hassle-free payment options has grown rapidly. UPI’s launch directly addresses this need.

Credits: Business Standard

A Smoother Travel Experience Ahead

For Indian tourists, UPI in Japan promises a seamless, secure, and stress-free payment experience, eliminating the need to juggle currencies or depend on international cards. For India, it represents yet another step in exporting a successful digital public infrastructure model to the world.

As UPI continues to cross borders, it’s no longer just a payment system — it’s becoming a symbol of India’s digital innovation going global.