Unified Payments Interface (UPI) One World

Launched in 2016, UPI is a mobile-based, 365x24x7 fast payment system which enables users to send / receive money and make person to person (P2P) as well as person to merchant (P2M) payments instantly through a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), mobile number or by scanning a Quick Response (QR) code. The unique feature of VPA based transaction as envisaged in the transaction security aspect of UPI architecture is that it removes the need for sharing account or bank details to the remitter. It can be used over smart phones (app based), feature phone (USSD based - *99#) and at merchant location (app based). UPI is now one of the most preferred payment solutions in India, with close to ten billion transactions every month.

To enable foreign nationals from G20 countries to have the experience of breezing payments through UPI, UPI One World was launched in February 2023. It facilitates the foreign visitors to take care of their hassle – free and secure payment needs during their stay in India by using UPI. Eligible travellers are issued Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) wallets linked to UPI for making payments at merchant outlets.

Delegates from G20 countries can also avail this facility at various meeting venues. To begin with, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank and two non-bank PPI issuers, Pine Labs Private Limited and Transcorp International Limited have been authorised to issue UPI linked wallets.

Once onboarded, one can transact seamlessly with ~50 million merchant outlets across India that accept UPI payments along with various added benefits that include going cashless and ease of expense tracking in UPI One World Mobile Application.
The Prepaid payment instrument linked to UPI provided to foreign nationals / NRIs coming from G20 countries can be topped up once the balance is depleted with usage across merchants.

When the foreign nationals are leaving India they can either convert the balance in INR in the prepaid wallet back as foreign currency or decide to hold the balance in the wallet for use in the next trip if they frequently visit India. UPI One World is a slice of the UPI experience crafted for inbound travellers and will help them cherish the user experience that they have while making instant payments across merchants during their trip.