So You Want to Vacation and Pay with PJs? UPI in Dubai, Explained (Without the Boring Bits)
Ever dreamed of strolling down the dazzling streets of Dubai, that burj in the background, shopping for spices and gold? But then reality hits, and you remember that tangled mess of dirhams and awkward currency exchange. Fear not, fellow Indian traveller, for there's a beacon of hope in this desert of financial woes: UPI! That's right, your trusty phone payment buddy can come in handy, but with a few twists (think Bollywood dance moves, not narrative ones).
 |
| How Does Upi Work In Dubai |
But First, a Reality Check (Don't Worry, It's Not That Bad)
While UPI is slowly waltzing its way into the hearts (or should we say wallets?) of Dubai, it's not quite the Bollywood dance party you might be imagining. Here's the deal:
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
- Not Everywhere, Just Somewhere: You can't whip out your phone and expect a shawarma vendor to accept a UPI payment (although that would be pretty cool). Currently, UPI works only with Mashreq Bank's NEOPAY terminals. Basically, fancy machines at specific stores that understand the magic of UPI.
- Calling All PhonePe Peeps! As of now, only PhonePe seems to be playing the UPI game in Dubai. So, if you're a die-hard Google Pay or Paytm fan, you might have to stick to the good old credit card (or hope for some last-minute Bollywood-style miracle).
Okay, So How Does This Work Then? (The Fun Part!)
Imagine this: you've found a store with a NEOPAY terminal (look for snazzy signs, or maybe ask politely). Here's your superhero landing:
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
 |
- The Scan: Open your PhonePe app and unleash the scanner power! Aim it at the magical QR code displayed at the terminal.
- The Enter: Just like you do back home, enter the amount you need to pay. Make sure you've got those conversion skills on point, because you'll be paying in dirhams.
- The Zing!: Enter your UPI PIN and with a tap (think of it as a tiny Bollywood dance move), the payment is complete!
Voila! You've just paid for your souvenirs with the power of UPI, all while avoiding the hassle of currency exchange. Now, that's something to write home about (or brag to your friends on WhatsApp).
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
FAQs for the UPI-Curious Traveler
- How to know if a store accepts UPI? Look for signs mentioning NEOPAY terminals, or politely ask the cashier.
- Can I use any UPI app in Dubai? Currently, only PhonePe seems to be supported.
- Will I be charged extra for using UPI? The charges depend on your bank and PhonePe's policies. It's always best to check beforehand.
- What if the store doesn't have a NEOPAY terminal? No worries! You can always use your debit/credit card or carry some dirhams for backup.
- Is UPI safe to use in Dubai? UPI uses secure technology, just like in India. However, always be cautious and avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions.
So there you have it! Now you can conquer Dubai with the confidence of a seasoned traveller and the payment ease of a UPI pro. Remember, responsible spending is key (those gold souks can be tempting!), and hey, maybe one day you'll see a belly dancer accepting UPI payments – now that would be a sight!
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
