Countries Accepting UPI Payment 2026, Recent Addition, List

India’s digital payment system has become a global success story, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) expanding rapidly across international markets. UPI is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and offers secure, real time and instant digital payments through QR codes and mobile applications. It’s easy to use platform has transformed digital transactions within India and is now helping simplify cross border payments for travellers, businesses and the Indian diaspora. This article discusses the Countries Accepting UPI Payment 2026 globally and recent additions.

Countries Accepting UPI Payment 2026

As of 2026, UPI is live in nine countries, making India one of the leading nations in global digital payment innovation. The Government of India is also strengthening international cooperation through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) partnerships and India Stack initiatives with several countries. This article provides the updated List of Countries Accepting UPI Payment 2026, the latest developments and the growing global impact of India’s digital payment ecosystem.

What is UPI?

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was introduced in 2016. It is a real time digital payment system that allows users to transfer money instantly between bank accounts using mobile applications such as BHIM, PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm. 

• UPI enables secure person to person and merchant payments through a simple QR code or mobile number without requiring bank account details during every transaction.
• The global expansion of UPI focuses on:
  • Making cross border payments simple and secure
  • Supporting Indian tourists, students and businesses abroad
  • Strengthening India’s Digital Public Infrastructure partnerships
  • Promoting financial inclusion through low cost digital payments
  • Expanding India’s leadership in global fintech innovation
• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, continues to collaborate with foreign banks, payment networks and governments to increase global acceptance of UPI.

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List of Countries Accepting UPI Payment 2026

As of June 2026, UPI is officially live in 9 countries. Cambodia became the latest country to join the Countries Accepting UPI Payment 2026. The detailed list of UPI Accepting Countries 2026 has been tabulated below:

Cambodia Becomes 9th UPI Accepting Country 2026 

In June 2026, Cambodia became the ninth among the Countries Accepting UPI Payment 2026 after NPCI International partnered with ACLEDA Bank Plc. through Cambodia’s national KHQR system. During the first phase, Indian travellers can make seamless QR code payments at more than 4.5 million merchant locations across Cambodia. The next phase will introduce a two way payment corridor, allowing Cambodian users to make digital payments across millions of UPI QR codes available in India.

How UPI Payments Work Abroad?

Indian travellers can use UPI abroad through participating payment applications and authorised partners by following these steps:

Step 1: Download the authorised issuer application and complete sign in.

Step 2: Verify passport and valid visa at the authorised issuer counter.

Step 3: Receive UPI One World activation on the registered international mobile number.

Step 4: Load the required amount in Indian Rupees by exchanging foreign currency or using a debit card or credit card.

Step 5: Scan the merchant QR code and make secure UPI payments.

Step 6: Encash the remaining balance before leaving the country, if applicable.

UPI Global Expansion Benefits

The strategic advantages of UPI expansion at global level include:

• UPI allows Indian travellers to make quick and secure payments abroad without carrying large amounts of cash.
• Cross border digital payments reduce dependence on currency exchange and lower transaction costs.
• Global UPI adoption supports tourism, international trade and business transactions.
• Digital payment partnerships strengthen India’s role as a global fintech leader.
• UPI expansion promotes financial inclusion through interoperable and secure payment infrastructure.
• International collaborations under India’s Digital Public Infrastructure initiative encourage innovation and long term digital cooperation.

Also Read: Features of Indian Economy

UPI Accepting Countries 2026 Future Aspects

The Government of India is expanding global cooperation through Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives alongside international UPI partnerships. Key developments related to the UPI Global Expansion include:

• India has signed MoUs or cooperation agreements with 23 countries for sharing or adopting India Stack and Digital Public Infrastructure.
• These agreements cover cooperation in digital identity, digital payments, service delivery platforms and secure data exchange.
• Separate DigiLocker cooperation agreements have been signed with Cuba, Kenya, United Arab Emirates and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
• India Stack Global showcases 18 major Digital Public Infrastructure platforms to partner countries.
• The Global DPI Repository, launched during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, serves as a global platform for sharing digital public infrastructure solutions.
• Countries having MoUs for India Stack or Digital Public Infrastructure cooperation include:
  • Republic of Armenia, 
  • Republic of Sierra Leone, 
  • Republic of Suriname, 
  • Antigua and Barbuda, 
  • Papua New Guinea, 
  • Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 
  • United Republic of Tanzania, 
  • Republic of Kenya, 
  • Republic of Cuba, 
  • Republic of Colombia, 
  • Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis, 
  • Ethiopia, 
  • Jamaica, 
  • Gambia, 
  • Fiji, 
  • Guyana, 
  • Venezuela, 
  • Sri Lanka, 
  • Brazil, 
  • Lesotho, 
  • Maldives, 
  • Mongolia.

UPI Expansion Impact

UPI continues to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in digital payments. 

• With its presence now extending to nine countries, millions of Indian travellers can make secure QR code based payments using familiar UPI applications while travelling abroad.
• The latest expansion into Cambodia has significantly increased UPI’s international reach by enabling Indian visitors to pay digitally Cambodian merchants.
• Alongside UPI expansion, India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model is gaining worldwide recognition through international partnerships. 
• The growing acceptance of UPI is expected to strengthen remittances, improve financial inclusion, simplify international travel and reinforce India’s leadership in the global fintech ecosystem.

Also Read: Bilateral Relations