The Caribbean nation pioneers regional digital payments by enabling UPI via the BHIM app, as PM Modi’s visit highlights rapid fintech growth.
In a landmark move for digital payments, Trinidad and Tobago has become the first country in the Caribbean region to enable transactions via India’s widely acclaimed BHIM app, which operates on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network. This strategic development comes as global adoption of UPI accelerates, furthering India’s digital payments footprint around the world.
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| Trinidad and Tobago has added itself to the list of seven countries across the globe to implement UPI usage.(Shutterstock/representational) |
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3-4, congratulated the nation on adopting this cutting-edge payments infrastructure. The visit, hosted at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, saw both nations reaffirm their commitment to boosting cooperation in the digital sector, according to ANI.
The collaboration didn’t stop at UPI. The two countries announced plans to enhance digital public infrastructure, focusing on the deployment of India Stack solutions, such as DigiLocker, e-Sign, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This partnership is set to bolster digital capabilities and ease of doing business for citizens and enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago.
With this integration, Trinidad and Tobago joins an elite list of eight countries worldwide that now actively support UPI payments—a move that’s expected to ease transactions for tourists, business travelers, and the Indian diaspora.
Which Countries Support UPI Payments in 2024? [Full List]
France:
France took the lead in Europe by widely enabling UPI payment acceptance in 2024. The initiative kicked off with UPI-enabled ticket purchases at the iconic Eiffel Tower, through cooperation between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra, a leader in France’s payment security.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Since 2021, the UAE has offered UPI payment acceptance via a partnership between NIPL and Network International. Travelers can make payments across a wide variety of merchants, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, major retail chains, and dining outlets.
Bhutan:
Bhutan became the first country in India’s neighborhood to implement UPI-based mobile payments, with a 2021 agreement between the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan and NIPL. This move allowed seamless payments for tourists and business visitors between the two nations.
Nepal:
In a major boost to cross-border digital finance, 2024 saw Nepal’s Fonepay Payment Service Ltd join hands with NIPL, enabling secure and swift UPI transactions between India and Nepal, making international retail and service payments more convenient.
Mauritius:
The Indian and Mauritian Prime Ministers jointly launched UPI services in Mauritius in 2024. The event also saw the introduction of RuPay card services, allowing co-branded RuPay cards to be designated as domestic cards in Mauritius, further strengthening financial ties.
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka was part of the landmark event with Mauritius, as PM Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe rolled out UPI acceptance in the nation. This deepened digital connectivity and supported ongoing bilateral relations.
Singapore:
UPI’s expansion into Singapore became official in 2023 through a partnership with HitPay, ensuring UPI acceptance at all retail, dining, and tourist establishments, making payments frictionless for both residents and visitors.
Trinidad and Tobago:
Now joining this distinguished list, Trinidad and Tobago sets a historic precedent for the Caribbean, embracing UPI and the BHIM app for digital transactions. This step is expected to facilitate financial inclusion, smoother remittances, and robust international commerce.
Why UPI International Expansion Matters
As more countries onboard UPI, global Indians, businesses, and tourists benefit from unified digital payments, low transaction costs, and reduced financial friction. The inclusion of nations like Trinidad and Tobago, France, and Singapore underscores UPI’s reputation as a secure, scalable, and interoperable payment technology—setting new benchmarks in fintech innovation worldwide.
Summary:
With Trinidad and Tobago joining the UPI ecosystem, India’s digital payments model continues to gain traction globally, offering a glimpse at a future where real-time, cross-border payments are fast, easy, and universally accessible.
Ahmedabad