In a move towards enhancing cross-border digital transactions, the Ministry of External Affairs announced the launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius on Monday, February 12. As part of this initiative, India has also introduced RuPay card services in Mauritius.
The new development will enable Indians visiting Sri Lanka and Mauritius to utilise UPI for payments, while Mauritians traveling to India will also have the same privilege.
The UPI, a mobile-based payment system in India, operates round-the-clock, allowing users to make payments via a virtual payment address. It consolidates multiple bank accounts into a single app, offering various banking features under one platform.
Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI facilitates instant real-time inter-bank peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions.
How UPI works abroad?
To facilitate UPI payments in Mauritius and Sri Lanka, individuals need to follow a registration process through a UPI-enabled mobile application.
Once the bank account is linked, users are prompted to provide recipient information, including the bank account number, IBAN, and BIC, along with specifying the transfer amount and currency.
Here are the steps to make UPI payments in Mauritius and Sri Lanka:
Step 1: Open the UPI app and navigate to the home screen.
Step 2: Tap on the profile picture.
Step 3: In the Payment Settings section, select UPI International.
Step 4: Tap on 'Activate' next to the chosen bank account for international UPI payments.
Step 5: Enter UPI PIN to confirm the activation.
Step 6: Once activated, scan the provided QR code by the merchant.
Step 7: Enter the desired payment amount displayed in both local currency and Indian rupees.
Step 8: Tap on "Pay." Enter the UPI PIN to complete the transaction.
First Published: Feb 12, 2024 3:34 PM IST
