Malaysia is emerging as a top travel destination in Asia, especially for Indian tourists, thanks to its visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals until December 2026. With round-trip flights available from INR 25,000 and a travel time of just 5 hours from various cities in India, visiting Malaysia has become more accessible and affordable. And now, Indian travelers can use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for payments in Malaysia.
The move comes through Razorpay’s Malaysian entity, Curlec, in partnership with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India. The Global Fintech Fest 2025 established this partnership, marking a significant milestone for Indian digital payment solutions as they enter international markets.
In 2024, the number of Indian tourists visiting Malaysia exceeded one million, with these visitors spending around Rs 110 billion, reflecting a remarkable 71.7% increase from the previous year. This surge shows India’s growing role as a vital contributor to tourism and economic activities in Malaysia. To accommodate the rising number of travelers, there’s an increased need for efficient, cashless payment options that minimize the hassles of currency conversion.
UPI payments In Malaysia To Help Indian Travelers And Malaysian Merchants
With the integration of UPI, Indian tourists can enjoy seamless and secure transactions with local businesses using their preferred UPI apps, eliminating the need for international debit or credit cards. This payment system allows for instant transactions and adds convenience to the travel experience.
In September 2025 alone, UPI witnessed nearly 20 billion transactions, highlighting its significance in transforming how payments are conducted in India. For Malaysian businesses, adopting UPI means accessing a rapidly growing market of Indian travelers who prefer cashless payments, thus unlocking new revenue opportunities.
In summary, this new UPI functionality in Malaysia not only enhances the travel experience for Indians but also benefits local merchants by simplifying transactions and fostering a more connected marketplace.
