Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions are now accepted in Qatar, bringing greater convenience to Indian tourists. Travelers can make instant, secure digital payments at top tourist attractions and Qatar Duty Free stores, eliminating the hassle of currency exchange. Qatar Duty Free is the first merchant in the Gulf region to offer UPI payment options, setting a new standard for digital payment accessibility.

NPCI’s Role in Enabling UPI Abroad

The UPI system, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), simplifies the digital payment process by using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or UPI ID. This eliminates the need to share sensitive details such as account numbers or IFSC codes.

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According to a statement by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), UPI acceptance in Qatar has been made possible through a partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB). The integration enables QR code-based UPI transactions via point-of-sale (POS) terminals for merchants acquired by QNB, powered by NETSTARS’ advanced payment solutions.

UPI’s Expanding Global Reach

India’s flagship digital payment system is steadily expanding its footprint across the globe. Apart from Qatar, UPI payments are already accepted in countries like Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This growing international acceptance of UPI highlights its potential to become a global payments network, strengthening India’s financial technology influence worldwide.