Overview
India launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services at Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena in France on 16 June 2026. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led the launch, partnering with NPCI International and Lyra Collect. Indian travellers can now make instant, secure payments at the iconic department store using their familiar UPI apps.
A New Milestone for UPI
On 16 June 2026, India achieved another milestone in its digital payment journey. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was officially launched at Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena in Nice, France. This is a major step in expanding UPI's global footprint. The launch was led by India's Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal . He was joined by representatives from NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and the French payment service provider Lyra Collect . Indian travellers in France can now use UPI to make payments at one of the most iconic retail destinations in the country.
What is Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system. It was developed in India by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) . UPI allows users to transfer money between bank accounts instantly through mobile applications. It supports merchant payments through QR codes and interoperable digital payment platforms. UPI is simple, secure, and fast. It has transformed the way Indians make payments. Today, millions of Indians use UPI for everything from buying groceries to paying utility bills.
The Launch at Galeries Lafayette
The launch event took place at Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena , a major retail destination in Nice. The store offers more than 600 brands, including fashion, beauty, and luxury goods. With the integration of UPI, Indian travellers can now use their familiar digital payment apps to shop at the store. They no longer need to carry cash or worry about currency exchange. They can simply scan a QR code and make the payment instantly.
The launch was part of the ongoing India-France digital cooperation. In 2024, UPI was introduced at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Nice launch expands UPI's presence in France and makes it more accessible to Indian tourists visiting the French Riviera.
How It Works
Indian tourists visiting Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena can pay using any UPI-enabled app, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. They just need to:
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Open their UPI app.
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Scan the QR code displayed at the store counter.
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Enter the amount and confirm the payment.
The payment is processed instantly. The money is debited from the Indian bank account and credited to the merchant's account. The entire process takes just a few seconds.
UPI's International Presence
UPI is now operational in nine countries . These include:
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Singapore
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United Arab Emirates
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France
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Mauritius
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Nepal
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Bhutan
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Qatar
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Sri Lanka
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Cambodia
The launch at Galeries Lafayette is part of a broader effort to make UPI a global payment system. The NPCI is working with partner countries and payment service providers to expand UPI acceptance.
Role of NIPL and Lyra Collect
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) is the international arm of NPCI. It is responsible for taking UPI and other Indian payment systems to global markets. NIPL has been actively working with partners in several countries to enable UPI acceptance.
Lyra Collect is a French payment service provider. It specialises in digital payment processing. Lyra Collect helped integrate UPI at Galeries Lafayette. Its technology ensures that Indian tourists can make secure and seamless payments.
Benefits for Indian Travellers
The launch of UPI at Galeries Lafayette is a big win for Indian travellers. Here is why:
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Familiar and Convenient: Indian travellers can use the same UPI app they use at home. They do not need to learn a new payment system.
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Instant Payments: UPI transactions are processed in real-time. No waiting, no delays.
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Secure: UPI uses multi-factor authentication and encryption to protect transactions.
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No Currency Conversion Hassle: Travellers do not need to exchange currency or pay high conversion fees.
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Wide Acceptance: Galeries Lafayette is a major retail destination. With UPI, travellers can shop for luxury goods, fashion, and souvenirs with ease.
A Human Touch: The Indian Tourist's Experience
Imagine an Indian tourist, Priya, visiting Nice for the first time. She walks into Galeries Lafayette to buy a gift for her family. She sees the UPI QR code at the counter. She scans it with her PhonePe app and makes the payment instantly. She does not have to worry about carrying cash or finding an ATM. She feels at home. This is the power of UPI. It makes international travel easier and more enjoyable.
India-France Digital Cooperation
The UPI launch at Galeries Lafayette is a result of strong digital cooperation between India and France. In 2024, UPI was introduced at the Eiffel Tower. Both countries are committed to expanding digital payment interoperability. The goal is to make it easier for citizens of both countries to make cross-border payments. This cooperation also strengthens the economic and cultural ties between India and France.
Exam-Focused Points
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Date of launch: 16 June 2026.
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Location: Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena, Nice, France.
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Launched by: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
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Partners: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra Collect.
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UPI is an instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI in India.
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UPI is operational in 9 countries: Singapore, UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia.
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Earlier UPI launch in France: Eiffel Tower in Paris (2024).
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Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena offers more than 600 brands.
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Payment method: QR code-based scanning.
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Benefits: Instant, secure, no currency conversion hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is UPI?
A: UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is an instant real-time payment system developed in India by NPCI. It allows bank-to-bank transfers and merchant payments through mobile apps.
Q2: Where was UPI launched in France on 16 June 2026?
A: UPI was launched at Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena in Nice, France.
Q3: Who led the UPI launch event in Nice?
A: India's Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, led the launch.
Q4: In how many countries is UPI now operational?
A: UPI is operational in 9 countries, including France, Singapore, UAE, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
Q5: How can Indian travellers use UPI at Galeries Lafayette?
A: They can open any UPI-enabled app (like Google Pay or PhonePe), scan the QR code at the store, and confirm the payment. The transaction is processed instantly.