The use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is no longer limited to India. Many countries have already adopted UPI for digital payments.
The latest country to join this list is Qatar. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB), has introduced this facility in Qatar.
This means Indians can now make payments in Qatar directly through UPI.
UPI Facility in 8 Countries
This move will greatly benefit Indians traveling to Qatar, as they will not need to convert rupees into local currency.
So far, UPI payments have been implemented in eight countries worldwide.
In some places, it is connected through banks, while in others it is linked to local payment networks.
Bhutan Was the First Country
The first country to launch UPI outside India was Bhutan, where it is widely used to pay for goods and services.
UPI can also be used for retail purchases in France, and its usage there is expanding through partnerships with fintech companies.
In Mauritius, the service is a big relief for the large number of Indians who visit the island nation.
UPI payments are also available in Nepal, where many Indians travel to places like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Similarly, Singapore has rolled out UPI payments, and Sri Lanka too has introduced this service. Indians in the UAE can also use UPI.
Now, Qatar has become the newest country to offer this facility, starting with Qatar Duty Free outlets at airports.
Countries Keen on Attracting Indian Tourists
Experts believe UPI is gaining global popularity because Indians live in large numbers abroad, and their families often visit them.
With UPI, travelers do not need to stand in queues for currency exchange or carry extra cash.
Many other countries are also showing interest in adopting UPI to make travel easier for Indians and to attract more Indian tourists.
