Scan and pay in Japan: UPI coming to Indian travellers

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Indian visitors will soon be able to pay at select merchants in Japan by scanning a QR with their existing Indian UPI app. This follows a government-notified update that NPCI International (the overseas arm of UPI) has signed an MoU with NTT DATA Japan to enable UPI acceptance across NTT DATA’s merchant network. In plain terms, once rollout begins, you’ll pay just like at home—scan the merchant QR and approve the payment in your Indian UPI app.

What this means on the ground

The MoU “enables acceptance,” so coverage will start with NTT DATA–acquired merchants and expand in phases. Don’t expect UPI to be available everywhere on day one. When a participating store is live, you’ll see acceptance signage or can ask at the counter; you’ll then scan their QR and complete the payment from your Indian bank-linked UPI app. Until acceptance is widespread, carry a backup card or some cash.

Why it’s useful for travellers

Government communications consistently position UPI as part of India’s digital public infrastructure with global reach, highlighting how other countries are adopting or integrating similar rails. For you, that means fewer currency exchanges, simpler small-ticket spends (convenience stores, cafés, attractions), and app-based records of every transaction. For context on UPI’s scale and reliability, the Finance Ministry noted record monthly volumes in 2025—evidence that the rails you use in India are proven and robust.

What to do before you fly

Update your UPI app, confirm your bank account link and UPI PIN, enable roaming for OTPs if needed, and keep at least one alternate payment method. In Japan, look for UPI acceptance at NTT DATA network merchants first; acceptance will broaden as the rollout progresses.

FAQs

Will UPI work everywhere in Japan right away? No. The government note is about an MoU to enable acceptance via NTT DATA’s network, with phased merchant onboarding. Availability will vary by location until the network scales.

Do I need a Japan-specific UPI app or a local bank account? No. The intention is that Indian tourists use the same Indian UPI apps and Indian bank accounts to scan QR codes at participating Japanese merchants—no local account required.

Are there fees or a special FX rate? Public government updates don’t specify user-side fees or FX for Japan yet. Treat this like any cross-border payment until detailed terms are announced, and keep a backup payment option. For confidence in UPI’s reliability and scale while you wait for specifics, see the Finance Ministry’s 2025 UPI update.