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India's digital payment system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), is now operational not only within the country but also in several countries worldwide. Indian travelers and users can now make payments at shops and restaurants abroad by scanning QR codes. This facility provides a convenient and fast transaction experience, especially for tourists, NRIs, and foreign business travelers. Here's a look at the countries where UPI is currently available besides India.

UPI is now available in these countries:
Besides India, UPI payments can now be made directly in eight other countries. These include Bhutan, UAE, Singapore, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, France, and Qatar, where payments are possible using Indian UPI apps by scanning local QR codes. UPI's interoperability, facilitated by institutions and partners, has made cashless payments easier for Indian travelers abroad.

How does UPI work abroad?
To use UPI abroad, Indian users can use their UPI-supported apps such as PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm. Upon scanning the QR code, the amount is instantly debited from their Indian bank account and received by the merchants in their local system. This eliminates the hassles of currency exchange, finding cash, or dealing with card charges.

UPI is becoming a global payment infrastructure
India has signed agreements with several countries to expand UPI as a global digital payment infrastructure. Through trade partnerships, digital identity, and payment platform sharing, UPI is now operational in distant countries. The government and NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) are in talks to increase UPI acceptance in several other Asian and European countries, which will allow its use in even more countries in the future.

These countries currently support UPI payments:
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
France
Mauritius
Nepal
Bhutan
Sri Lanka
Qatar

UPI may soon be available in these countries:
Armenia
Sierra Leone
Suriname
Antigua and Barbuda
Papua New Guinea
Trinidad and Tobago
Tanzania
Kenya
Cuba
Colombia
Laos (Lao PDR)
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Ethiopia
Jamaica
Gambia
Fiji
Guyana
Venezuela
Brazil
Lesotho
Maldives
Mongolia

What are the benefits for Indians?
Now, when traveling outside India, payments can be made in seconds by scanning a UPI QR code on your phone, just like in India. This feature is especially beneficial for tourists, business travelers, and Indians living abroad, as they don't have to worry about different payment options or foreign card charges. Additionally, some banks and apps are offering UPI payment services using international phone numbers for citizens residing abroad, allowing NRIs to also make direct digital transactions.

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