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Smart Payment Solutions, a regulated entity under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), today announced the launch of Mony, a next-generation UPI-based mobile application designed to simplify digital payments for tourists and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) visiting India. Mony offers a seamless way for international travellers to navigate India’s robust digital payment landscape through UPI One World. From small local vendors to major retailers, Mony offers secure, fast, and convenient merchant transactions without the need for Indian bank accounts.
India is fast becoming a global tourism hub. In 2023, international arrivals to India reached approximately 9.52 million, contributing to the rise in tourism receipts to about US $28 billion. Industry forecasts predict international arrivals will cross 30 million by 2030, with the sector expected to grow at 8% CAGR over the next decade. Despite this momentum, many foreign visitors still face barriers to making everyday purchases.
Mony bridges this gap. Built on India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the app enables foreign visitors to make real-time payments by scanning QR codes available at millions of merchants across India. To avail UPI One world service, the Mony app can be downloaded from Playstore and Apple App Store, the KYC can be done by fixing appointments through the App, the company employees are available at major airports and cities across India to complete the KYC process.
Speaking on the announcement, Praveen Kumar Dhabhai, Director, Smart Payment Solutions, said, “Mony solves a significant pain point for international visitors to India: how to make payments in a way that matches the country’s local infrastructure. With QR codes ubiquitous across India but card machines often unavailable, our app enables tourists to engage with the country’s payment ecosystem effortlessly. The launch of Mony marks another milestone in NPCI’s UPI One World program, an initiative aimed at bringing UPI-based payment solutions to visitors from across the globe.”
NPCI spokesperson said, “We are happy to partner with Mony to offer UPI payments for foreign nationals visiting India. With UPI One World, international travellers can easily manage their finances, from convenient loading of funds to seamless refunds of unused balances to their original payment source. This initiative allows foreign visitors to experience India’s real-time payments infrastructure and marks a meaningful step towards a more connected global digital payments ecosystem.”
Beyond payments, Mony enhances the travel experience through personalized AI-driven features. The app curates location-based recommendations, suggesting everything from offbeat destinations to popular eateries, helping users discover India more deeply and intuitively. Whether navigating public transportation, finding local attractions, or seeking accommodations, Mony becomes an essential tool for travellers looking to immerse themselves fully in India’s rich culture.
Developed by Smart Payment Solutions, which is authorized by the RBI to issue wallets under the Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) framework, Mony offers a secure and regulated payment experience for all users. Through UPI One World, tourists can easily set up their wallets and enjoy cashless, hassle-free transactions during their time in India.
