Indian tourists can use UPI abroad at participating merchants, including for online bookings at At the Top, Burj Khalifa, and Resorts World Sentosa. The Finance Ministry confirmed the booking options on October 30, 2026, following partnerships announced earlier this year. Travellers can make eligible purchases from India before departure.
The announcement covers specific booking channels. It does not establish acceptance at every shop or ticket counter in Dubai and Singapore. Bank support and the payment option available at checkout still determine whether a transaction will work.
Key Highlights
- UPI supports online bookings at the two destinations
- Sentosa attractions include Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium
- International payments require a supported bank account and app
- Currency conversion costs and bank limits still apply
What Has Changed for Burj Khalifa and Sentosa Bookings?
The Finance Ministry’s October 30 update identifies NPCI International Payments Limited, NPCI’s international arm, as the organisation behind the partnerships. It dates the UAE partnership announcement to July 29, 2026, and Singapore’s to September 9, 2026.
| Destination | Confirmed Online Booking Coverage | Payment Partners |
| At the Top, Burj Khalifa | Tickets for the Burj Khalifa attraction | NIPL, NEOPAY and Emaar Entertainment |
| Resorts World Sentosa | Participating experiences, including Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Oceanarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark | NIPL and FOMO Pay |
The Sentosa partnership announcement specifies the resort’s official website. Travellers should therefore look for UPI during the relevant checkout rather than assume a third-party ticket seller offers it.
How to Use UPI Abroad
A working domestic UPI account does not automatically confirm international payment support. NPCI’s UPI Global Acceptance guidance requires activation for the chosen bank account and acceptance by the overseas merchant.
- Confirm that the selected app and bank account support international payments
- Activate UPI International or UPI Global when required
- At physical merchants, look for supported UPI acceptance signage
- Review the merchant and payable amount before authorising payment
For eligible online purchases, select UPI at checkout and follow the payment instructions. Google Pay’s international payment guide describes a QR-based online flow, but travellers should follow the instructions their own checkout and app display.
Payment Limits and Exchange Costs Still Apply
Paying through a familiar app does not remove currency conversion. Google Pay’s guidance explains that banks charge for converting international payments into Indian rupees and directs customers to their bank for fee details.
Limits also deserve attention when booking several tickets together. DBS digibank’s published FAQ lists ₹10,000 per international transaction and ₹25,000 daily. Those figures describe that bank’s offering, not a universal UPI allowance.
- Ask the issuing bank for the applicable international transaction limit
- Review the rupee amount, exchange rate, and any charges before payment
- Keep another payment method available for unsupported purchases
The launch announcements do not promise that UPI will cost less than every international card. Compare the final payable amount rather than assuming a saving.
Where Else Can Indian Tourists Pay With UPI?
The Finance Ministry’s October 30 release lists acceptance in 10 countries: Singapore, the UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece. Acceptance remains limited to participating arrangements and merchants.
Uzbekistan is a planned addition following an August 30, 2026 commercial agreement. The announcement does not establish that tourist payments there are already operational.
For a trip involving UPI abroad, confirm the booking website’s payment options and the bank’s current terms. Carry a backup for purchases outside the supported network.
FAQs
Can I book these attractions from India?
Yes. The announced online facilities allow Indian visitors to book participating experiences before travelling. Select an eligible experience and check for UPI during the official website’s checkout.
Does every overseas QR code accept UPI?
No. NPCI limits international merchant payments to participating locations. A QR code alone does not confirm compatibility; look for supported UPI signage or ask the merchant.
Do I need a foreign bank account?
UPI Global Acceptance allows eligible payments directly from a supported Indian bank account. A separate foreign bank account is unnecessary for the merchant payment facility described.
Are international UPI payments free?
Do not assume so. Currency conversion costs and bank charges may apply. The rupee amount and your bank’s current fee terms deserve checking before you authorise payment.
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