PayPal has launched a new service called “PayPal World.” Now, for the first time, Indians can send money abroad using UPI, just as they do within India. This move comes with support from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International, Tenpay Global, Mercado Pago, and Venmo.
Previously, Indians needed credit cards or foreign bank accounts to shop or transfer money internationally. With PayPal World, they can use UPI for payments on any international website or to send money overseas, all through their existing mobile app. There is no need for a new account or a complicated setup.
One Big Global Payment Family
PayPal World creates a global network of digital wallets. It links PayPal, NPCI, Weixin Pay (China’s Tenpay Global), Mercado Pago (Latin America), and Venmo (US). If a merchant supports PayPal, they will now also accept payments from UPI and other wallets. An Indian buyer can use UPI to purchase products from the US, and in the future, a US shopper might use Venmo to pay in India.
PayPal President and CEO Alex Chriss said, “PayPal World is a first-of-its-kind payments ecosystem that will bring together many of the world’s largest payment systems and digital wallets on a single platform. It is a testament to the passion our partners share for an inclusive, global digital economy and has the potential to revolutionise cross-border commerce.”
Big Help for Small Businesses and Freelancers
This is great news for small businesses, exporters, and freelancers in India. They can now receive payments from overseas buyers without worrying about international bank charges. Payments will be faster and safer. Many young freelancers and small companies selling products online will benefit significantly.
Competitors Feeling the Heat
PayPal’s move is a strong response to competitors like Stripe, Wise, Revolut, and Western Union, which also facilitate international money transfers. However, these services do not offer such a direct UPI link. With millions of Indians already using UPI daily, PayPal now has an edge in India’s rapidly growing digital payment market.
Why This Matters Now
UPI has become India’s favourite payment tool, with over 13 billion transactions in May 2025 alone. By taking UPI global, India’s payment system becomes even more powerful, benefiting users, students abroad, families, and tourists. Other countries like Singapore and the UAE are also forming UPI partnerships.
Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and CEO of NPCI International Payments Limited, said, “The integration of UPI on PayPal World’s platform will mark a significant step in expanding UPI’s global footprint. It aligns with our vision to make cross-border payments more seamless, secure, and inclusive. This collaboration will enhance convenience for Indian users making payments abroad and enable global businesses and merchants to tap into a growing base of UPI users.”
Looking Ahead
Experts believe PayPal World will transform how Indians spend and earn money internationally. This innovation will likely prompt competitors to introduce similar services. NPCI plans to connect UPI with even more countries in Asia and Europe, so your UPI app may soon become a global wallet—one tap, one payment, anywhere in the world.
