G 24-hour Digital Bureau : Transactions are now faster, safer and easier. 'Digital payments' have radically changed India's financial system. The main driving force of this change is UPI. Now Nepal and Nepal are under that UPI! As a result, digital lanes have become easier and more convenient for traveling abroad.

Besides Nepal, Bhutan is also no less popular as a tourist destination. Last year, the most tourists from India visited Nepal. How many? 2 lakh 93 thousand. This is a common occurrence in terms of economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Not just pilgrimage or tourism, many people also exchange goods in the markets along the border. In this situation, the acceptance of UPI across the border will open new horizons for travel and trade.

How? The risk of carrying cash abroad will be reduced, as well as the transactions will be secure. Indians will be able to make financial transactions through Nepal's mobile payment network FonePay using UPI apps like BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm. In the case of Bhutan, the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) will have to be associated.

Financial transactions via UPI abroad
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Open your UPI app
Go to the profile section
Select your bank account and look for the option "UPI International" or "UPI Global" (if supported by your bank)
Activate the feature
Set the validity period if required and enter your UPI PIN.
Use UPI in popular destinations in Nepal and Bhutan

Nepal has become the first country to adopt India's UPI. Indian customers can make UPI payments to selected FonePay-using merchants there. Where will this facility be available? Lumbini Math area, Chitwan, Jhapa, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhatbhateni retail chain, etc. 

Bhutan is no exception. UPI payment facilities will be available through Royal Monetary Authority (RMA)-using merchants there. Indian tourists will be able to make cashless and secure transactions using UPI apps, whether shopping in Thimphu markets or even in hotels.

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, has so far enabled UPI acceptance in seven countries. Sri Lanka, Mauritius, France (select merchants), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore. As more people and businesses adopt UPI, the benefits of a less cash system—efficiency, security and inclusion—will become more apparent, leading us towards a fully operational global payments network.