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Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

chequpi.com

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Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#122
post #121

It's pretty upsetting that we've got India's UPI and China's UPI (UnionPay International) and they're both doing exactly the same thing and without geographical context you don't know which one it is.

https://www.unionpayintl.com/en/aboutUs/companyProfile/intro...

Seems like a funny coincidence

Or maybe UPI becomes like the new https.

Each country implementing its own versions

Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#123

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I see where you are coming from. But, as an NRI, I found the writing authentic. Just like American English, English English, Australian English, it is Indian English. Nothing to be unproud of and criticized about.. I’d perhaps be happy to see translation options as Indian English, American, UK etc on a modern humorous tone :-)

It is perfectly OK to move fast and do the `Juggad`[1] in the beginning, but, from my experience, once they succeed, they will eventually do that - improve the copies. I was suggesting to focus on that early on. It is akin to improving on the UX — get the product’s core working with crappy UX but then improve as the product succeeds. Please go through the WebArchive of any successful Indian Startups (even the ones fo…

Okay, you mistook what I said, and responded based on an unspoken assumption. 1. I did not suggest - move fast and have a lax attitude. Writing or speaking Indian English != carelessness or lack of professionalism. I do agree that catering to an international audience(particularly relevant to this startup) necessitates speaking in unambigous "close to the customer" language, and hence I suggested a "Indian English", "American english", and "British English" toggle.

> they all eventually moved to a more Internationally better sounding English.

well, international, yes. But, better sounding English? who are we to judge which one is better? Someone has to bring in the change of attitude and originality that Indian startups catering to an Indian audience can feel free to communicate to the audience in their speak, and not worry about blindly measuring themselves against a superficially superior standard. Does the copy need to be unambigous, grammatically correct, uninsulting, and non-discriminatory? Yes, and I will back you up. Is it wrong because the English or Americans dont say it that way, I wont care.

>`Cheq.com.` Nothing to do with any nation, but .com is the default of the web, and even the browser defaults to it with a shift + enter, So, yes, it is advantageous to capture that real estate. That is good advice to startups that havent thought of it in time.

Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#124
post #5

This looks interesting, but there are some questions I still have after reading your website. Perhaps you could clarify, please? Your website says: > Verify yourself at any one of our partner branches across India How do I find out if there's a branch nearby without downloading your app and committing to an unknown amount of effort? I couldn't find a list of your branches anywhere, but it looks like it would be a sho…

Hey, answering the questions below 1) https://transcorpint.com/find-us => You can verify yourself at any of these centers across India. We'll improve the site to directly point customers to appropriate verification centers (thanks for pointing this out) 2) OCI holders are accepted as well. Only your passport and OCI card are required 3) Add funds facility is instantenous. And is available in the app once you've finis…

This app looks great. As a tourist currently in India I am very interested.

Handing over my passport doesn’t bother me as most hotels ask for it and take a copy at check in.

However I am in Leh.

And your link above doesn’t seem to open on my phone here (Airtel SIM).

I hope you manage to make it easier to apply - sounds like a great idea.

Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#125

That's exactly what I need for an upcoming trip to Mumbai. But I am not able to download the app, is there country restriction?

Our app should be available in most countries and locations. Does this link not work for you? https://link-to.app/cheq Can you try searching for Cheq in your app store/playstore and see if the install works from there? What's the error

My GP account was tied to a country that is not supported, it helped to switch to another country (from G20). However I wasn't able to create an account - I received SMS but then the app got stuck on "SIM card verifying". Tried a few times to no avail

Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#126
post #85

Congratulations on the launch! I presume you need to be licensed to build UPI applications? Curious to learn what this process involves and your experience here. Do you realistically need connections to be able to get a license?

More than connections, you need luck and persistance. The process itself is doable. But not easy. These are the steps you'll have to follow if you plan to launch a new UPI app: First, you'll finalize the business plan + team. Second, you'll have to find early investors and backers Third, you'll have to find a banking partner to work with Fourth, you'll have to develop the product Fifth, you'll undergo certifications…

That's interesting, that you have to develop the product upfront before getting a license. Does that mean you also need to get approval/permission for any changes you make on the product going forward?

Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#127
post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But you intend to keep it around as a sort of not usable dormant account, but if re-verified the old funds, payment history etc. still available? I would hope so, because I think otherwise I wouldn't want to use it without OCI (i.e. a perpetual visa it's not an issue) - would just be an annoying thing to keep track of.

Yes, We'll just have to update your account with the latest passport/OCI proof. Your account balance and history will remain consistent and untouched.

I just arrived in India on a 5 year visa but my indian sim card will expire after 3 months. How will I be able to keep my Cheq account/balance once the SIM card expires, for future visits?

Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#128
I installed the app and signed up with my indian phone number (3 month tourist sim). I see the part for paying 800INR "joining fees" but nowhere is it asking for KYC verification. Is that not necessary because it is already done through the Indian sim?

Re: Show HN: Cheq UPI – India's first UPI payments app for foreigners

#129
I actually used this during my trip to India two weeks ago and it was a lifesaver. Made life so much more convenient. The app is simple to use and works well. Two pain-pints for the though: * you can scan a QR code and pay, but you cannot pay to a phone number unless you add the number to your contacts (and give access to the app to your full contact list). This is obviously very cumbersome when you are trying to make a one-time payment after making a purchase. I contacted Cheq support and they had no solution. * there is no good way to withdraw remaining funds in your wallet at the end of your trip by sending it to a bank account. You can only send it to another UPI address which is pointless as NRIs don't have one to send to in the first place. Overall a good venture once you iron out the kinks.
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