India recently launched its UPI services in Sri Lanka, along with introducing RuPay card services as part of a well-planned initiative. With this, UPI is now present in 7 countries across the globe: France, UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal. This enables smooth cross-border transactions, making it convenient for users. Here’s how you can use UPI in Sri Lanka:
How does UPI work abroad?
UPI is now present in 7 countries across the globe. It all started with Bhutan who first adopted the UPI scheme in 2021. Then came UAE and France added it last year. And now Sri Lanka and Mauritius have rolled out India’s UPI services.
Indian tourists and travelers going to any of these countries where UPI is launched can use it to make payments there. All you need to do is simply activate international UPI payment, and enter your UPI PIN to authenticate. Once enabled, the international UPI payment method will be active for six months, and then you can make international payments easily.
Also read: How to Use UPI in UAE?
How does UPI work in Sri Lanka?
India’s Unified Payment Interface services were launched in Sri Lanka in February 2024 alongside Mauritius. India has partnered with merchants in each of their countries where UPI is active to offer streamlined and smooth UPI payment options.
India’s UPI services in Sri Lanka will be given by Sri Lanka’s LankaPay. The step-by-step guide to how to use UPI in Sri Lanka is:
- If you are visiting Sri Lanka, you are required to activate UPI international on your used or preferred UPI app for making QR code-based merchant payments in Sri Lanka.
- Scan the LankaPay QR code anywhere you wish to make a payment.
- Enter the needed or payable amount
- Enter your UPI PIN
- Finally, your payment is done successfully
Also read: How to Use UPI in Mauritius?
Benefits of UPI Services in Sri Lanka
UPI service launched through the National Payment Corporation of India, Provides an instant real-time payment system made to ease inter-bank transactions by mobile phones. It has many benefits like :
- It will make transactions easy for those traveling to Sri Lanka.
- As it is a mobile-based payment system it permits a 24/7 payment facility via payment address.
- It helps you keep multiple bank accounts in a single phone.
- Merges various bank features in one device.
- Easy fund exchange and merchant payment.
- Cashless payment systems are always easy, especially for those who are traveling and might have to get currency exchange.
Also read: NRIs can Use UPI with NRI Account and International Phone Number
Wrapping Up
UPI (India’s Unified Payment Interface) or a Rupay card is easy and comfortable for all of us and this initiative makes our payments in Sri Lanka hassle-free and cashless. Now Indian tourists can enjoy UPI services in our neighbouring country without any issue.
Contact SBNRI
You can get preferential rates on currency conversion and a host of benefits when remitting from overseas to India, or other way around. At SBNRI, we keep an eye on the exchange rate regularly to help NRIs with their remittances and investment. You can download SBNRI App to connect with our experts. They will help you evaluate the optimal time for remitting money to India from Australia.
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FAQs
Is UPI accepted in Sri Lanka?
- Yes, UPI is now accepted in Sri Lanka. Indian tourists can now activate international UPI on their UPI app and make payments in Sri Lanka during their visit using any UPI app.
Can I use UPI internationally?
- Yes, you can use UPI internationally. As of now UPI is available in 7 different countries across the globe: France, UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal.
How do I activate international UPI?
- Indian tourists and travelers going to any of these countries where UPI is launched can use it to make payments there. All you need to do is simply activate international UPI payment, and enter your UPI PIN to authenticate. Once enabled, the international UPI payment method will be active for six months, and then you can make international payments easily.
Which UPI app works internationally?
- All UPI apps that support international payment work seamlessly in foreign countries where UPI is available. You can activate international payments on Google Pay, PhonePay, Bhim UPI and other UPI apps and then make payment easily.
How many countries is UPI allowed in?
- UPI is available in 7 different countries across the globe: France, UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Is UPI service launched in Sri Lanka and Mauritius?
- Yes, UPI service is now launched in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. You can activate international payments on your UPI app and make payments in Sri Lanka and Mauritius when you visit.
Can I use UPI in Nepal?
- Yes, you can use UPI in Nepal. You can activate international payments on your UPI app and make payments in Nepal when you visit.
Does Bhim UPI work internationally?
- Yes, you can use BHIM UPI internationally to collect and make payments in countries where UPI is active.
