France Reports 40% Surge In Indian Tourists After Launch Of UPI In 2024; Here’s Why

UPI or Unified Payments Interface has made life easier for millions of Indians. It has simplified transactions and reduced the need to carry cash, especially while travelling abroad. Now, France has reported a 40% rise in Indian tourists following the country’s adoption of UPI. Here’s why.

France Among the First European Countries To Launch UPI

Though not all countries have adopted UPI yet, France was one of the first in Europe to launch it on February 2, 2024, in collaboration with Lyra Network at the Eiffel Tower. The payment model was later expanded to Galeries Lafayette as well. It was launched to enable secure digital payments for Indian travellers while also helping French retailers tap into new markets, as UPI isn’t as common in other countries as it is in India.

According to a report by NDTV, UPI adoption in France has significantly improved the convenience of digital transactions for visitors, especially Indians. It has now contributed to a 40% rise in Indian tourists visiting the country.

Christophe Mariette, Chairman of Lyra Network, shared with ANI News that since launching UPI more than a year ago, the initiative has been performing very well. He added that the ability to use a familiar digital payment system outside one’s home country has helped Indian tourists feel more comfortable while travelling abroad. And truly, it makes sense. 

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Travellers Can Keep A Better Track Of Their Expenses 

As per the same report, Christophe Mariette also mentioned that one major benefit of UPI is that users can see the exact expense in rupees. This eliminates the hassle of using currency converters and helps travellers keep a better track of their spending. UPI has become an integral part of daily life. We make quick payments without worrying about cash, even though it’s still considered important to always carry some in your handbags.

Reportedly, UPI payments will soon be accepted in Bicester Village, a designer shopping centre on the outskirts of Bicester, Oxfordshire, England. Indian travellers can now enjoy luxury retail therapy with discounts and make easy payments through UPI.

Also Read: Did You Know A French Dish Called Pommes Soufflées Resembles Pani Puri? RPG Group’s Harsh Goenka Shares Recipe

UPI has certainly made transactions easier for Indian tourists in France. Do you think the same? Share your thoughts with us!

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