In a major leap forward for Indian tourists visiting France, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with French payment security company Lyra to introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments in France. This innovative step begins with the iconic Eiffel Tower, where Indian visitors can now seamlessly book their tickets online using UPI. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in simplifying transactions for tourists and opening up new avenues for merchants across France and Europe.
Key Highlights:
- Partnership Announcement: Made in Paris during the Indian Republic Day celebrations.
- Dignitaries: The event was attended by notable personalities, including His Excellency M. Jawed Ashraf, Prisca Thevenot, Alain Lacour, Christophe Mariette, and Patrick Branco Ruivo.
- Significance for Indian Tourists: Indians rank as the second largest group visiting the Eiffel Tower. With UPI, they now have a hassle-free payment option.
- How It Works: Tourists can pay by scanning a QR code on the merchant’s website using their UPI app.
- Expansion Plans: Initially available at the Eiffel Tower, this service will soon be extended to other tourism and retail merchants across France and Europe.
Benefits for Indian Tourists:
- Ease of Payment: Simplifies the booking process for attractions like the Eiffel Tower.
- Secure Transactions: Offers a secure way to make payments online.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need for currency exchange or carrying cash.
Statements from Officials:
- Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL: Emphasized the goal of creating a globally interoperable payment system and highlighted the partnership as a step towards this vision.
- Christophe Mariette, Commercial Director of Lyra France: Expressed pride in the trust placed by the Indian government and NIPL and the potential for new business opportunities in the French and European tourism sector.
UPI Impact:
- User Base: Over 380 million users in India.
- Transaction Volume: Recorded over 12.2 billion transactions in January 2024 alone.
- Global Ambition: This move signifies UPI’s expanding footprint on the international stage, offering Indian tourists abroad a familiar payment method.
This initiative not only eases the travel experience for Indian tourists in France but also sets the stage for broader acceptance of UPI payments globally. With the Eiffel Tower leading the way, Indian travelers can look forward to more seamless and secure payment options as they explore the world.
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