Getting Started with UPI One World: UPI Payments Wallet App for Travellers to India

Aditya Shrivastava

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments within the country, and now with UPI One World, foreign travelers can experience the convenience and security of UPI payments. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of getting started with UPI One World, allowing you to navigate your Indian adventure with ease.

We'll also introduce you to Wise - which is not a UPI wallet, but does offer a convenient Indian Rupee travel card to users in supported countries, and offers convenient way to transfer money to UPI or bank accounts in India from abroad.

Table of contents

Meet Wise


What is UPI One World?

UPI One World is a service that allows foreign nationals visiting India to use UPI payments without needing an Indian bank account. It's not a standalone app, but a platform supported by approved UPI-enabled partner apps. These apps provide a prepaid payment instrument (PPI) wallet that lets you make digital payments in Indian Rupees (INR).

With UPI One World, you can:

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Make secure and instant digital payments at a wide range of merchants across India.
  • Easily track your spending within the app.  

Getting Started with UPI One World

To get started with UPI One World, you'll need to download one of the issuing partner apps and sign up with your international phone number. Some popular options include:

Once you've downloaded an app, you'll need to sign up with your international phone number and complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) process. This usually involves verifying your identity with your passport and valid visa at designated locations like airports, hotels, or money exchange counters. After completing KYC, your UPI One World account will be created and linked to your international mobile number.

Loading money into your UPI One World wallet
You can load your UPI One World wallet app by exchanging foreign currency at the issuer counter or using your credit or debit card. While using your home country's card, be mindful of foreign transaction fees and markups on the mid-market exchange rate — the one you usually see on Google. To help avoid the hidden cost of these markups on foreign currency spending, check out the Wise travel card available to residents in supported countries.

With your loaded wallet, you can make payments at any merchant that accepts UPI by scanning their QR code with your app and entering your UPI PIN. Before leaving India, you can transfer any remaining balance back to your source account or encash it at the issuer counter, subject to foreign exchange regulations.

Alternative Payment Methods for Foreigners in India

While UPI One World offers a convenient way to make payments in India, here are some other options:

  • Cash is widely accepted, especially in smaller towns and local markets. Before withdrawing from ATMs in India, check out our guide to avoiding foreign ATM Fees when traveling abroad 👉
  • International credit, debit, and forex cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, some merchants may add surcharges for card payments. However, be aware of foreign transaction fees and markups on mid-market rates on currency conversion.

We would like to introduce you to Wise Card that offers you foreign currency transactions without any marksups on the mid-market rates.

foreign-transaction-fee-wise

Meet Wise: Your Smart Travel Companion for India

Planning a trip to India? Wise offers a convenient travel card and money transfer services that make managing your finances abroad a breeze. Wise card is not available for residents in India, but for those based in supported countries, the Wise card lets you spend like a local on your travels to 150+ countries — including India.

Guide to using Wise Card in India 👉

Here's why Wise is a great choice for your Indian adventure:

  • Excellent exchange rates: Always get the mid-market exchange rate – the same one you usually see on Google – so you get the most out of your money.
  • Low, transparent fees: Say goodbye to hidden charges and hefty markups. Wise keeps its fees low and transparent, so you know exactly what you're paying.
  • Convenient card and app: Use your Wise card to swipe like a local in supported countries. Manage your money, track spending, and even freeze your card if needed, all through the Wise app .
  • Cash withdrawals: Easily withdraw cash from supported ATMs in India with low, transparent fees. But be mindful that ATM providers may charge their own cash withdrawal fees.
  • International transfers: Send money to Indian UPI and bank accounts from abroad with the same mid-market exchange rates and low fees.

Get started with Wise 🚀

While Wise isn't a UPI wallet and doesn't support scanning UPI codes for real-time payments, it's a fantastic alternative for managing your travel money and sending money to India.


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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