Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has expanded its global presence with its launch at Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna on June 16, 2026, marking another milestone in India’s international digital payments strategy.
The launch enables Indian travellers to make seamless UPI payments while shopping at one of France’s leading retail destinations.
UPI Launched at Galeries Lafayette
The UPI service was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal at Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna.
The minister highlighted that the initiative strengthens:
- India-France economic cooperation
- Digital innovation
- Cross-border payment connectivity
Located near Place Masséna in Nice, the department store houses more than 600 international brands, making it a key destination for tourists.
Building on Earlier Expansion in France
The latest launch follows UPI’s earlier entry into France.
In 2024, UPI became available at the:
- Eiffel Tower
The rollout at Galeries Lafayette further expands UPI’s acceptance across major tourist locations in France.
Countries Where UPI Is Accepted
With the addition of Galeries Lafayette, UPI is now accepted across 9 countries, including:
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- Mauritius
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Qatar
- Sri Lanka
- Cambodia
- France
This growing international network allows Indian travellers to use familiar UPI-enabled payment apps for overseas transactions.
Collaboration Behind the Rollout
The implementation was carried out through collaboration between:
- Lyra Collect
- NPCI International Payments Limited
The partnership supports the deployment of secure and interoperable digital payment infrastructure for cross-border retail transactions.
Benefits for Indian Travellers
The UPI rollout at Galeries Lafayette enables Indian visitors to:
- Make cashless payments using UPI-enabled apps.
- Avoid currency exchange for eligible purchases.
- Experience faster and more convenient checkout.
- Use India’s familiar digital payment ecosystem while travelling abroad.
Conclusion
The launch of UPI at Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna marks another step in India’s effort to internationalise its digital payment infrastructure. Following its introduction at the Eiffel Tower, the expansion strengthens UPI’s presence in France and increases its global acceptance to nine countries. The initiative also reflects the growing digital and economic collaboration between India and France while making overseas payments more convenient for Indian travellers.
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