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The push to use BRICS digital payments may change international travel for good and make it easier. Before the BRICS Summit in 2026, India is supporting talks on interconnection of payment systems and central bank digital currency systems (CBDC) between the BRICS countries. India hopes to advance secure, cost-effective international payments, however there are major obstacles on both the technical and political fronts. For international travelers, this shows an optimistic future with digital payment networks that streamline purchasing or transferring money abroad to pay for goods and services; as well as digitally managing travel expenses, bookings, and transactions.
International travel depends on more than flights, hotels and visas. Payment access is one of the most important parts of every journey. Tourists need reliable ways to pay for accommodation, transport, attractions, shopping and daily expenses when visiting another country.
India’s latest BRICS payment discussions have brought attention to how digital financial systems could influence future travel experiences.
India has been encouraging greater cooperation between BRICS nations on payment connectivity, local currency transactions and digital financial infrastructure. Reports ahead of the 2026 BRICS Summit indicate that India is supporting discussions around linking central bank digital currencies and improving payment interoperability between member countries.
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The proposal is not a plan to create a single BRICS currency. Instead, the focus is on improving existing payment systems so countries can conduct faster and more efficient cross-border transactions while maintaining their own currencies.
For the travel industry, this distinction matters. A smoother payment environment could influence how tourists spend money abroad and how tourism businesses receive international payments.
The BRICS group has been exploring ways to improve financial cooperation among its members. The discussions include payment system links, faster settlements and greater use of national currencies for international transactions.
India’s role has become increasingly visible because of its experience with digital payment infrastructure.
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The country’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has expanded internationally through partnerships with several countries, allowing easier digital payments for users in supported markets. India has promoted wider adoption of its digital payment technologies as part of its broader financial innovation strategy.
At the same time, India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been developing the Digital Rupee, known as e₹. The RBI describes the Digital Rupee as India’s central bank digital currency issued in digital form and designed to support secure digital transactions.
The RBI has also identified cross-border payments as an area where digital currency technology could be explored in future developments.
For tourists, payment systems are often an overlooked part of the travel experience.
Travellers commonly face challenges such as:
A more connected digital payment environment could potentially reduce some of these barriers.
For example, a traveller visiting a BRICS destination may eventually benefit from easier payment access through compatible digital systems. Hotels, restaurants, transport providers and tourism operators could also receive payments more efficiently.
However, such changes depend on agreements between governments, central banks and financial institutions. The current discussions remain focused on cooperation and technical possibilities rather than an operational global tourism payment system.
India’s digital payment growth has created one of the world’s largest electronic payment ecosystems.
The country’s UPI platform has become an important example of how digital infrastructure can simplify everyday transactions. The Indian government has promoted international expansion of digital payment systems to support easier financial connections across borders.
This development has direct relevance for tourism.
When international visitors can access familiar and convenient payment options, destinations can become easier to navigate. Small businesses, local attractions and independent tourism operators may also benefit when travellers have fewer payment barriers.
India has already taken steps to improve digital payment links with international partners. In 2023, the RBI and the Central Bank of the UAE signed agreements to encourage local currency transactions and explore links between payment and messaging systems.
Such initiatives show how financial connectivity is becoming increasingly connected with global mobility.
The travel industry operates through a complex international payment network. Airlines sell tickets across borders, hotels receive bookings from overseas guests and tourism companies manage payments from multiple markets.
A stronger digital payment ecosystem could influence several sectors:Travel Sector Possible Impact Airlines Easier international ticket payments and customer transactions Airports More convenient retail and passenger spending experiences Hotels Faster settlement of international guest payments Tour operators Simpler payment collection from overseas visitors Local businesses Greater access to international tourist spending
The impact will depend on future agreements and technical implementation. At present, the BRICS discussions represent an early stage of cooperation rather than an immediate change for travellers.
Tourism growth is closely linked with convenience.
Travellers often choose destinations based on accessibility, including transport connections, visa procedures and payment options.
A future digital payment network among BRICS economies could support stronger tourism links by reducing financial barriers between destinations.
Countries within the expanded BRICS framework, including India, China, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, represent major tourism markets with significant outbound and inbound travel potential.
For destinations seeking more international visitors, digital payment compatibility could become another factor influencing traveller confidence.
The importance of digital payment cooperation is linked to the growing movement of travellers between emerging economies.
BRICS members represent some of the world’s largest populations, fastest-growing economies and important tourism markets. As international travel continues to recover and expand, governments and businesses are looking for ways to make journeys easier from booking to arrival.
India, for example, has recorded strong growth in international tourism following the global recovery of travel demand. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, foreign tourist arrivals increased significantly after pandemic-era restrictions were removed, supported by improved connectivity, visa facilitation measures and renewed global interest in Indian destinations.
India welcomed millions of foreign visitors before the pandemic, with the country recording 10.93 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2019, according to official tourism statistics from the Ministry of Tourism.
The government has been working to strengthen tourism infrastructure through programmes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, which focuses on developing sustainable and visitor-friendly destinations, and the PRASHAD scheme, which supports infrastructure development around pilgrimage and heritage sites.
While payment systems are only one part of the travel ecosystem, easier financial transactions can support these broader tourism goals.
Tourism competition is no longer based only on attractions, beaches, heritage sites or cultural experiences.
Modern travellers also consider convenience.
A destination where visitors can easily pay for transport, food, accommodation and experiences can create a smoother holiday experience.
Digital payment connectivity could become an important part of destination competitiveness.
For tourism authorities, the possible advantages include:
However, governments must also address challenges such as cybersecurity, data protection, regulatory differences and financial system compatibility.
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has highlighted that international cooperation is essential for successful cross-border digital currency projects because different countries have different financial regulations and technology systems.
Although digital payment cooperation offers potential benefits, implementation would require significant coordination.
BRICS countries have different banking structures, regulatory frameworks and digital currency approaches.
Some countries are developing CBDCs, while others are focusing on alternative digital payment infrastructure.
Key challenges include:Challenge Why it matters Technical compatibility Different digital systems must communicate securely Regulatory differences Countries have different financial rules Data protection Traveller payment information requires strong safeguards Cybersecurity Digital networks must prevent fraud and attacks Adoption Businesses and consumers need easy-to-use systems
The current BRICS discussions are focused on exploring cooperation rather than announcing a completed payment network.
For travellers, this means there is no immediate requirement to change payment habits. Traditional banking services, international cards and existing payment platforms will continue to play the main role in global tourism.
Air transport is one of the sectors that could benefit from smoother international payment systems.
Airlines operate across multiple currencies. Passengers often purchase tickets in one country, fly through another and spend money at their destination.
A more connected payment environment could support:
Airports could also see opportunities.
International airports increasingly operate as commercial centres, with passengers spending money on:
Digital payment integration could support faster and more convenient transactions for international visitors.
However, airports and airlines would need to work with financial regulators and payment providers before adopting any future BRICS-linked system.
Accommodation providers are another major part of the travel economy that depends on international payments.
Hotels often manage:
Payment delays and currency conversion costs can create challenges for both businesses and customers.
A more efficient digital payment environment could help reduce some administrative difficulties.
Small tourism businesses may also benefit.
Local operators offering:
could potentially gain easier access to international visitors if payment barriers decline.
This could be especially important for emerging destinations where smaller businesses play a major role in the tourism economy.
Tourism contributes significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings and local economic development.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism generated a major share of global economic activity before the pandemic and continues to recover strongly.
Digital payment improvements could support tourism economies by helping money move more efficiently between visitors and businesses.
Potential economic benefits include:
However, the economic impact of BRICS payment cooperation cannot yet be measured because the system has not been implemented.
Future benefits will depend on:
For travellers planning trips to BRICS countries, there are currently no immediate changes.
Visitors should continue to follow standard travel preparation steps:
If future digital payment connections are introduced, travellers may receive new options for managing expenses abroad.
However, official announcements from governments and financial authorities will be required before any new system becomes available for tourists.
India’s digital payment development is part of a wider government strategy to expand digital infrastructure.
The Digital India programme, launched by the Government of India, aims to improve digital access and create technology-based public services.
The government has also promoted digital identity, online services and electronic payments as tools to improve economic participation.
For tourism, these initiatives connect with broader efforts to create a more seamless visitor experience.
Digital systems are increasingly being used for:
As tourism becomes more technology-driven, payment systems are becoming an important part of how countries compete for international visitors.
No. Current discussions focus on improving payment connectivity and exploring links between digital payment systems and central bank digital currencies. There is no confirmed plan for a single BRICS currency for tourists.
No. The proposed payment cooperation is still under discussion. Travellers should continue using existing international payment methods until official systems are introduced.
Easier digital payments could reduce transaction difficulties, improve convenience for visitors and help tourism businesses receive international payments more efficiently.
As the financial technology adopted by BRICS countries advances, the future of international travel is starting to change. The BRICS initiative is in the early stages, and the development of payment infrastructure by individual countries will potentially ease frequent cross-border transactions by travelers and businesses in the tourism sector. This technology is the first step of many in the development of a digital travel ecosystem. Travelers should continue to employ present-day methods of payment and be curious about the development of this initiative. The development of this initiative will be government, central bank, and financial institution collaboration within the BRICS partnership.
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Tags: brics, BRICS Digital Payment, India, Tourism news, Travel News
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