PhonePe launches cross-border UPI payments service, says it's India's first

Users can activate UPI-linked bank account for the international service at the merchant location, or before that

PhonePe said on Tuesday it has launched a service that will allow the fintech firm’s Indian users traveling abroad to pay foreign merchants using Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

'UPI international' supports merchant outlets in UAE, Singapore, Nepal and Bhutan that have a local QR (quick response) code. Users will be able to make direct payments in a foreign currency from their Indian bank, like they do with international debit cards. Walmart-backed PhonePe said it is the first Indian fintech app to launch the service.

“UPI international is the first major step in letting the rest of the world experience UPI