NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Lyra, a French leader in secure e-commerce and proximity payments, to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions at Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store in Haussmann, Paris. This initiative aims to offer Indian tourists a seamless and secure payment experience at one of Paris’s most iconic shopping destinations.
Following the successful implementation of UPI for online ticket bookings at the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette became the second major French retailer to accept UPI under the NIPL-Lyra partnership. The official announcement was made in Paris, attended by His Excellency Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco, Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, and Alain Lacour, Chairman of Lyra Group.
This partnership allows Indian tourists to use their preferred payment method, UPI, at Galeries Lafayette, enhancing their shopping experience in Paris. By simply scanning a QR code at the store, visitors can complete their payments easily and transparently, with clear exchange rates.
Reflecting on the successful launch of UPI at the Eiffel Tower in January 2024 and subsequent merchant meetings hosted by NPCI International in February 2024, Ambassador Jawed Ashraf expressed his enthusiasm for the new integration at Galeries Lafayette. He noted that this development comes just in time for the Paris Olympics, which is expected to attract a significant number of Indian visitors starting July 26, 2024.
The Ambassador hopes this will pave the way for wider acceptance of UPI in France, supporting its internationalization as a digital payment method.
Meanwhile, Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, commented, “Our collaboration with Galeries Lafayette in Paris not only enables UPI payments at a prestigious venue but also boosts UPI adoption as a convenient and secure cross-border payment method for Indian tourists. We are confident that UPI will continue to gain traction as a reliable and efficient payment option, further strengthening its presence in international markets.”
The integration of UPI at prominent French retail and tourist destinations is set to boost its popularity among European merchants. This initiative aims to broaden UPI’s market presence in France and Europe, driving further growth and adoption as a secure payment solution.