NIPL, Razorpay Curlec Bring UPI Payment Acceptance to Malaysia

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has announced a partnership with Razorpay Curlec, to pave the way for enabling UPI transactions in Malaysia. This integration will allow Indian travellers visiting Malaysia be make instant and secure payments to local merchants accepting payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform using their preferred UPI-enabled apps. This strategic partnership was formalized during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.

Over one million Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2024, with a 71.7% rise from the previous year, highlighting India’s growing economic influence in the region. As travel between India and Malaysia continues to rise, there is a growing scope to make cross-border transactions more seamless, reducing dependence on cash, minimising foreign exchange costs, and improving payment acceptance for travellers and businesses alike.

By connecting to UPI, Malaysian businesses can tap into a rapidly growing base of Indian travellers who trust the ease of UPI payments - unlocking new revenue streams with minimal friction while benefiting from local settlement and compliance.

Speaking on the development, Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), said, “We are focused on expanding UPI’s global presence to make digital payments more accessible and seamless for Indians traveling abroad. Our partnership with Razorpay Curlec marks a major step in enabling UPI acceptance in Malaysia, offering Indian visitors a secure and convenient way to pay local merchants. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to building a globally connected, inclusive, and interoperable payments ecosystem.”

Shashank Kumar, MD & Co-founder, Razorpay said, “UPI has totally changed the way India pays, showing what’s possible when innovation and inclusion come together at scale. Now, with Curlec, we’re bringing that same energy to Malaysia - helping businesses and travellers enjoy the speed, trust, and simplicity that make India’s digital payments so powerful. This isn’t just about payments; it’s about creating a truly borderless fintech future across Asia.”

Kevin Lee, Country Head and CEO of Razorpay Curlec, said, “Indian travellers represent one of the fastest-growing visitor groups to Malaysia, yet many still rely on cash or face high fees when using international cards. By enabling UPI payments, we will make transactions simpler for consumers and more rewarding for Malaysian businesses. It is a meaningful step toward frictionless payments and a stronger, digitally connected economy. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving continuous innovation that deepens financial inclusion and positions Malaysia as a leading hub for seamless cross-border commerce.”