Imagine landing in a new country, grabbing a coffee, shopping for souvenirs, or paying for your cab – all with the same UPI app you use back home.
Sounds convenient? It just got even better.
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has expanded its global footprint, with Greece becoming the latest country to enable UPI-based payments for Indian travellers. The move is another step towards making international travel more seamless, reducing the need to carry large amounts of cash or rely solely on forex cards.
Travel on your mind?
So, if you’re planning an overseas vacation, here’s everything you need to know.
Countries Where Indians Can Use UPI
With Greece joining the network, UPI is now available in 10 countries in different forms, including merchant payments and cross-border payment partnerships.
Here’s the current list:
1. Greece: Merchant payments at supported outlets
2. Singapore: Retail stores, restaurants & merchants
3. United Arab Emirates (UAE): Shopping, dining & travel
4. France: Select tourist attractions and merchants
5. Mauritius: Merchant payments
6. Nepal: Retail payments
7. Bhutan: Merchant payments
8. Qatar: Partner merchant payments
9. Sri Lanka: Tourist and retail payments
10. Cambodia: Supported merchant locations
Note: UPI availability may vary depending on the merchant, local banking partnerships, and the UPI app you’re using. Not every store in these countries will necessarily accept UPI.
Greece Joins the List
Greece is the latest addition to UPI’s growing international network through a partnership between Eurobank and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
For Indian travellers exploring destinations like Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos, this means paying at participating merchants can become much simpler—just scan, authenticate, and pay using your preferred UPI-enabled app.
Why This Matters for Travellers
International payments often involve:
- Carrying foreign currency
- Exchanging cash at airports
- Using forex cards
- Paying international card transaction fees
With UPI expanding overseas, eligible travellers can enjoy a more familiar payment experience at supported merchants.
Some benefits include:
- Faster QR-based payments
- Less dependence on cash
- A familiar payment interface
- Convenient payments for shopping, dining, and local purchases
Keep in mind that your bank may still apply currency conversion or forex-related charges, depending on how international UPI transactions are processed.
How to Use UPI Abroad
Before your trip:
- Check whether your UPI app supports international payments.
- Ensure your linked bank account is eligible.
- Enable international payments if your app requires activation.
- Look for supported UPI or partner QR codes at merchant locations.
Different UPI apps and banks may have varying levels of international support, so it’s worth checking before you fly.
Should You Still Carry Cash?
Yes. Even though UPI is becoming more widely accepted internationally, it isn’t universal. Smaller shops, local transport providers, and independent businesses may still accept only cash or local card networks.
A good travel strategy is to carry:
- A small amount of local currency
- An international debit or credit card
- A forex card (if preferred)
- UPI as an additional payment option where available
That way, you’re covered no matter where your itinerary takes you.
Plan Your Next International Trip
From shopping in Dubai to exploring the streets of Paris, island hopping in Mauritius, or discovering the ancient wonders of Greece, paying abroad is becoming easier for Indian travellers.
As UPI continues its global expansion, travelling internationally feels a little more like travelling at home.
Now all that’s left to do is decide where you’re flying next.
