India’s homegrown Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is taking another significant step onto the global stage. Following a partnership agreement in October 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Japanese firm NTT DATA are set for a trial launch of UPI in Japan. This move promises to transform the travel experience for Indian visitors, allowing them to make seamless payments at local shops and restaurants using their smartphones.
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| Japan Rolls Out UPI Payments for Indian Visitors |
For the over 315,100 Indian visitors Japan welcomed last year, this development is a game-changer. It means less time fumbling with currency exchange and more time enjoying the sights and sounds of Japan, all thanks to a familiar payment system in their pocket.
Building on a Record of Success
UPI enters the Japanese market riding a massive wave of success. In 2025 alone, the platform processed a record 228 billion transactions within India, cementing its position as one of the world’s most robust real-time payment systems. Its expansion into Japan marks its entry into an eighth country, following successful integrations in nations like France, UAE, and Sri Lanka.
"UPI is not just a payments system; it is a democratic revolution in digital finance. Born in India, it empowers every citizen with instant, secure, and inclusive transactions, proving that the world's most ambitious tech solutions can spring from a billion aspirations."
Sonu
The core promise of UPI abroad remains consistent: easier travel without the hassles of cash. Tourists can avoid carrying large amounts of foreign currency and skip the often confusing process of figuring out exact change in a new country. Instead, a quick scan of a QR code settles the bill.
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between NPCI and NTT DATA is a strategic meeting of expertise. NPCI brings its deep experience in running one of the world’s largest digital payment ecosystems. NTT DATA, a major Japanese IT services and consulting corporation, provides crucial local market knowledge, technical infrastructure, and merchant network integration.
Leaders from both organizations have hailed the initiative as a substantial boost for cross-border digital payments. It’s not just about convenience for tourists; it’s about strengthening economic and technological ties between two major economies. By facilitating smoother transactions, the partnership supports local Japanese businesses eager to cater to the growing number of Indian tourists.
What This Means for Travelers
For the average Indian traveler planning a trip to Japan, the practical benefits are clear:
· Familiarity: Use the same phone-based UPI apps you use at home.
· Convenience: Make instant payments without needing to withdraw or convert yen immediately upon arrival.
· Security: Enjoy the same secure, PIN-protected transaction environment.
The trial launch will be crucial for ironing out any technical or user-experience issues. If successful, we can expect a wider rollout, making Japan a more accessible and welcoming destination for Indian tourists.
The Bigger Picture: UPI’s Global Journey
The move into Japan is part of a calculated, steady global expansion for UPI. Each new country adds to the network’s utility and reinforces India’s position as a leader in fintech innovation. This strategy of partnering with established local financial technology firms, like NTT DATA in Japan, has proven effective for ensuring smooth adoption.
The ultimate vision is a future where an Indian traveler can land in numerous countries across Asia and Europe and use their preferred payment app as effortlessly as they do in Mumbai or Delhi. The Japan trial is a key piece of that puzzle, bringing us closer to a world where cross-border digital payments are truly seamless.
FAQs Related India's UPI Expands to Japan with NTT DATA
How can I use UPI to pay in Japan?
Look for UPI or QR code signs at participating merchants. Open your UPI app (like PhonePe, Google Pay, or BHIM), scan the code, authorize the payment in INR, and the amount will be converted and settled automatically.
Which UPI apps will work in Japan?
Most major Indian UPI apps linked to your bank should work, including PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM. Check your specific app for announcements regarding the Japan rollout and ensure it's updated.
Are there extra charges for using UPI in Japan?
Yes, international transactions typically include a foreign currency markup (often 3-3.5%) and applicable GST. The final amount in INR, including all charges, will be clearly shown in your app for authorization before you pay.
Is UPI accepted everywhere in Japan?
No, acceptance is not universal yet. Initially, it will be available at specific partner merchants, likely in major airports, retail chains, and tourist hotspots. Always look for the UPI or QR code signage to confirm.
