Photo: European Commission, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. A person paying by scanning a QR code. The photo was taken in Europe and does not show UPI or a payment in India.
Quick answer: A visitor to India without an Indian bank account can use UPI One World, a prepaid wallet powered by UPI that lets foreign visitors and NRIs pay merchants by scanning UPI QR codes. NPCI lists four apps (CheQ, IDFC First, Mony and NamasPay). You sign up with your international mobile number, complete KYC with your passport and a valid visa, load rupees from a credit, debit or forex card, and pay with a UPI PIN. It works for merchant payments only, so keep some other way to pay as well.
Wallet rules, limits and fees are set by the issuer and can change. This site is independent and is not affiliated with NPCI or any app.
Tourist wallet or bank-linked UPI?
| UPI One World wallet | Bank-linked UPI (for NRIs with an Indian account) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Foreign visitors and NRIs without an Indian bank account (NPCI) | NRIs who already hold an Indian account linked to an international number. See our UPI guide for NRIs with an international mobile number. |
| Money comes from | A prepaid wallet loaded in rupees from a card | The linked bank account |
| What you can pay | Merchants who accept UPI QR codes. NPCI says the service is for merchant payments only. | Merchants and, depending on the app, person to person transfers |
How to set it up
- Download one of the apps NPCI lists for UPI One World: CheQ, IDFC First, Mony or NamasPay, and sign up with your international mobile number.
- Complete KYC. NPCI says physical KYC is done at a counter of the chosen partner, and that you must carry your passport and a valid visa. Each app has its own support contact on NPCI’s page.
- Once KYC is approved, the service is activated on your international number and you set a UPI PIN.
- Load the wallet with rupees using a credit, debit or forex card.
- To pay, open the app, choose Scan and Pay, scan the merchant’s QR code and enter your UPI PIN.
Check each app before you travel, because the KYC counters, supported countries and cards differ by provider. Do not hand your passport details to an app that NPCI does not list.
Limits, fees and what is not confirmed
NPCI’s February 2026 pilot release for delegates at the India AI Impact Summit said the wallet could be loaded up to Rs 25,000 per transaction, with a maximum of two loadings a month and Rs 50,000 in total, and noted that some countries were excluded under regulatory guidance (NPCI release, 16 February 2026). Those are the pilot’s terms and may not be the limits of every issuer. Loading charges, exchange rates and fees are set by the issuer, so read them in the app before you load money.
Getting your unused money back
NPCI says that when you leave you can transfer the remaining balance back to your source account or withdraw it in cash under foreign currency regulations, and that unused funds are refunded when the wallet is closed. Ask your provider how and how quickly this works before you load a large amount, and use up small balances on purchases where you can.
Practical tips for visitors to Navi Mumbai
- UPI QR codes are common at shops, markets and food stalls, but not every business accepts them. Carry a card or some cash as a backup.
- You need mobile data or Wi-Fi to pay. Plan for roaming or a local plan.
- Keep your passport and visa details ready for KYC. See our India visitor visa guide and e-arrival card guide for entry paperwork.
- If you arrive at the new airport, see our Navi Mumbai airport guide, and check the airport your ticket names.
- Never share your UPI PIN, and be cautious with unexpected payment requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign tourist use UPI without an Indian bank account?
Yes, through UPI One World, a prepaid wallet powered by UPI. NPCI lists CheQ, IDFC First, Mony and NamasPay as apps. You complete KYC with your passport and a valid visa.
What documents do I need?
NPCI says to carry your passport and a valid visa for KYC, and to sign up with your international mobile number.
How do I add money?
Load the wallet in rupees with a credit, debit or forex card. Check the issuer’s charges and limits first.
Can I send money to a friend with it?
NPCI says UPI One World is only available for merchant payments, so do not count on person to person transfers.
What happens to money I do not spend?
NPCI says you can transfer the remaining amount back to your source account or withdraw it in cash under forex regulations, and that unused funds are refunded when the wallet is closed. Confirm the process with your provider.
Is this the same as UPI for NRIs?
No. NRIs with an Indian bank account can link it to UPI with an international number. UPI One World is a prepaid wallet for visitors without such an account.
Sources
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Apps, KYC, loading, merchant payments, unused balance | NPCI, UPI One World |
| Pilot limits and exclusions (February 2026) | NPCI press release |
Checked 12 November 2026. Providers, limits and rules change, so confirm them in the app and with NPCI before you travel.
NaviMumbai.com is an independent information site and is not affiliated with any government body.
