Indian travelers in Sri Lanka can now get a 20% discount, up to LKR 750, on PickMe rides when using UPI. This partnership with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) simplifies cross-border payments and promotes digital transactions for Indian tourists.
Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka now have a more convenient way to manage transport expenses. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has announced a partnership with PickMe, a leading ride-hailing platform in Sri Lanka, to allow direct payments using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Users can avail of a 20% discount on their rides, which is capped at LKR 750 per transaction.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by NIPL, the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, to expand the acceptance of India's digital payment ecosystem in other countries. By integrating with PickMe, which operates across major cities in Sri Lanka, NIPL aims to reduce the reliance on physical cash and currency exchange for Indian visitors. Sri Lanka is a significant destination for Indian travelers, with over 531,000 visitors recorded in 2025.
To use this service, travelers must ensure that their banking applications have the 'UPI International' or 'UPI Global' feature enabled. This is a crucial technical step, as the feature is not active by default for all Indian bank accounts. Without enabling this specific setting, payments through UPI may not be processed at international merchants.
PickMe is operated by Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC, which is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. For the ride-hailing company, the partnership is an opportunity to streamline payments and improve the experience for a major segment of international tourists. The transaction processing relies on the LankaQR network, which is the local standard for digital payments in Sri Lanka.
The long-term success of this initiative will depend on the consistent usage of UPI by Indian tourists and the smooth functioning of cross-border payment infrastructure. While the discount incentivizes early adoption, the sustainability of such promotions often depends on marketing budgets and the volume of digital transactions. Additionally, the broader travel demand between India and Sri Lanka remains a key factor for the company’s ride volume, as tourism is often seasonal and sensitive to economic conditions.