Money transfers beyond India’s boundaries have now become a lot easier! Qatar has officially joined India’s UPI network, making it the eighth country to use the rapid payment system, which has already transformed domestic digital transactions. From shopping in Dubai to paying bills in Singapore, UPI is expanding its reach and making “scan and pay” a global habit. With Qatar’s admission, the hype is higher than ever. Where will this Desi financial innovation go next?
UPI Payments Now Live In Qatar For Indian Visitors
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in collaboration with Qatar National Bank, has allowed the acceptance of QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across Qatar using point-of-sale (POS) terminals for merchants acquired by QNB and powered by NETSTARS’ payment system. This initiative will enable Indian tourists to make UPI payments smoothly at key tourist destinations and Qatar Duty Free stores, the first merchant to accept UPI.
Indians are the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar. This agreement will enable them to conduct real-time transactions across the country, reducing the need for cash and currency conversion hassles. The introduction of UPI in Qatar encourages interoperability and expands UPI’s worldwide reach.
What Is UPI?
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a real-time payment system that allows for instant financial transfers between bank accounts in India. It enables users to integrate several bank accounts into a single mobile application, making transactions like moving money, paying bills, and managing accounts easier. UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), streamlines digital payments and makes them more convenient for users.
UPI’s Global Reach Is Expanding
“Indians are the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar,” according to the statement, adding that the cooperation will enable them to conduct real-time transactions across the country, reducing the need for cash and currency exchange difficulties. “The acceptance of UPI in Qatar promotes interoperability and expands UPI’s global reach.”
Countries That Already Accept UPI
UPI payments are already accepted in Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International, stated that the partnership’s goal is to increase global acceptance of UPI and develop a truly interoperable global payment network. The partnership with QNB is a step toward this goal. It will enable millions of Indian travelers to conduct smooth and secure digital transactions, reducing their reliance on cash. As UPI gains traction, “we are committed to promoting openness and making cross-border payment experiences more convenient for users.”
Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, QNB’s Group Chief Business Officer, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce UPI in Qatar and proud to be at the forefront of payment landscape innovation.” This milestone not only improves the ease of Indian travelers but also benefits the Qatari market by encouraging cashless transactions, improving the retail and tourism industries, and strengthening interoperability in the payments ecosystem.
Importantly, it will help local retailers grow by attracting more clients and offering them convenient digital payment choices, he explained.
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