In a major push to demonstrate its fast-growing digital infrastructure on the global stage, National Payments Corporation of India has introduced a special payment solution for international visitors attending the AI Impact Summit 2026. The new facility, called UPI One World, allows foreign guests to make seamless digital payments across India without needing a local bank account or Indian mobile number.
The initiative is being rolled out for delegates visiting Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where the summit is taking place from February 16 to 20. Officials say the move is designed to simplify financial transactions for travelers while also showcasing India’s rapidly expanding digital payment ecosystem to a global audience.
A Payment System Designed for International Visitors
Under this new system, travelers from more than 40 countries can make payments by simply scanning QR codes, just like millions of local users do every day. The absence of requirements such as an Indian SIM card or domestic bank account makes the system especially convenient for short-term visitors, business delegates, and tourists.
The service is structured as a prepaid wallet tailored specifically for foreigners. After registering, users receive a unique UPI ID that enables them to pay merchants throughout the country—whether for transportation, shopping, dining, or other expenses.
Step-by-Step Process to Activate the Wallet
To use the facility, visitors must download the CheqUPI application issued by Transcorp and complete a short onboarding process:
- Install the app and create an account
- Enter passport and visa information
- Upload a selfie for identity verification
- Set a secure UPI PIN
- Wait for approval and receive a personalized UPI ID
- Add funds using an international debit or credit card
The wallet allows transactions of up to ₹25,000 at a time. Users can load money twice per month with a combined cap of ₹50,000. If funds remain unused, they can be transferred back to the original payment source in accordance with foreign exchange regulations.
Understanding UPI and Its Global Appeal
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system that enables instant money transfers between bank accounts through mobile devices. It eliminates the need to enter lengthy bank details and instead relies on simple identifiers such as QR codes, phone numbers, or UPI IDs.
Popular apps including Paytm, PhonePe, BHIM, and Google Pay have helped drive widespread adoption of the system. For many users, UPI has become the preferred method for everyday payments because of its speed, simplicity, and reliability.
Rapid Growth in Digital Transactions
UPI’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. In January 2026 alone, the platform processed approximately 21.70 billion transactions with a total value of ₹28.33 lakh crore (about $312 billion). Such numbers underline how deeply digital payments are now integrated into India’s economy.
The platform is operated by NPCI, which was established by the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian Banks' Association to manage retail payment and settlement systems nationwide. Along with UPI, NPCI oversees several other financial products, making it a central pillar of the country’s digital finance framework.
A Strategic Showcase of “Made in India” Technology
Experts believe the introduction of UPI One World during an international technology summit is a strategic move. By allowing global visitors to experience the system firsthand, India is effectively turning delegates into ambassadors of its fintech capabilities. The initiative not only enhances convenience for travelers but also highlights the country’s ambition to position its homegrown digital infrastructure as a global standard.
As nations worldwide look for faster and more inclusive payment solutions, India’s UPI ecosystem is increasingly viewed as a model worth studying. With the launch of UPI One World, the country has taken another step toward exporting its digital payment expertise—and giving the world a glimpse of its technological strength in action.
