French woman praises India's UPI payments culture in viral video: ‘ ₹20 chai? Just scan and pay’

A French tourist has shared a viral video showcasing how impressed she is by India's widespread use of UPI payments. In a post on Instagram marking UPI's 10th anniversary, the influencer, known as Manika, expressed amazement at the seamless integration of digital payments in daily life across the country.

Initially aware of UPI, Manika was stunned by the depth of its penetration into everyday transactions. "One thing I never expected to discover in India... Before coming to India, I knew about UPI, but I honestly didn't realise how deeply digital payments are integrated into everyday life," she said. From street food to auto-rickshaws, everything could be paid for with a quick scan of a QR code.

Manika highlighted the shock of discovering this cashless culture, noting that it wasn't limited to upscale restaurants or malls but was present even at small street stalls and local shops. "Even a tiny little shop in the middle of the street? QR code," she emphasized.

This observation underscores a significant economic transformation in India. Since its launch in 2016, UPI has seen transaction volumes surge from 1.78 crore in FY 2016-17 to 24,162 crore in FY 2025-26, marking an almost 13,000-fold increase.

Manika's reaction reflects the cultural differences she experienced, noting that even in small towns and neighbourhoods, QR codes were omnipresent. "It’s not just in big cities or fancy places. You can find QR codes at small street-food stalls, local shops, cafés, rickshaws, and businesses of all kinds," she remarked.

The video illustrates how India's digital infrastructure has transformed the country's payment landscape, leaving foreign visitors, especially Europeans, in awe of its efficiency and accessibility.