Travelling to Central Asia: You can now make payments using UPI

Central Asia-focused fintech infrastructure firm 8B has partnered with PayU to integrate Indian payment systems, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), into its merchant network spanning Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and nearby markets.

The integration allows Indian users to make payments to merchants in these countries using familiar methods such as UPI, net banking and cards, without requiring additional onboarding or changes in payment behaviour.
Transactions are processed through existing merchant infrastructure, with UPI added as an additional payment rail.

For merchants, this means they can accept payments directly from Indian tourists using widely used apps and platforms in India, potentially reducing friction at checkout and improving transaction success rates.

The move comes amid rising travel and economic engagement between India and Central Asia. India’s outbound tourism spending stood at $18.82 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. At the same time, Central Asian countries have seen strong growth in tourism, with India emerging as a key source market.

Kazakhstan, for instance, saw a notable increase in Indian visitors, supported by improved air connectivity and visa-free access. Uzbekistan also recorded double-digit growth in arrivals from India in 2025, reflecting growing travel demand.

Industry experts say the lack of compatible payment infrastructure has been a missing link in this expanding corridor. The partnership aims to address that gap by aligning payment systems with the preferences of Indian consumers.

Beyond tourism, the integration is also expected to support broader trade flows. India–Kazakhstan bilateral trade reached $923.3 million in 2025, with cross-border consumer transactions forming a part of this relationship. The ability to pay seamlessly could help Indian consumers purchase services and goods from Central Asian businesses more easily.

According to 8B, the partnership connects India’s digital payment ecosystem with Central Asia’s merchant networks, positioning payments as an enabler of both travel and commerce between the regions.

PayU said the collaboration is part of its broader international expansion strategy, aimed at extending Indian payment solutions to global markets while supporting merchants in accessing Indian consumers.

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