UPI Now Works Abroad: How Indians Can Pay Instantly in 7 Countries
UPI now supports international payments. Learn how to pay abroad, which countries accept UPI, and how to activate UPI International step by step.
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Indian travellers can now make digital payments abroad through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), removing the need to rely solely on cash, forex cards, or international credit cards. With agreements between India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and multiple global payment systems, UPI has become a widely accessible payment option in select foreign markets.
UPI, developed by NPCI, is a real-time platform that enables bank-to-bank transfers using a mobile application. Initially designed for domestic use, it now allows payments in foreign countries by converting Indian rupees to local currency at the time of transaction. NPCI data shows that UPI is now live in Singapore, the UAE, France, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
In Singapore, it is integrated with PayNow for seamless merchant payments and remittances. Retail outlets and airports in the UAE accept UPI payments through local partnerships, while France first introduced UPI acceptance at the Eiffel Tower, expanding to popular shopping zones.
Travellers can activate the international feature through their UPI-enabled mobile applications, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM. Payments abroad are made by scanning a partner QR code and entering the payment amount in Indian rupees. Currency conversion is handled automatically, and confirmation is provided instantly, similar to domestic transactions.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has outlined plans to enable UPI payments in up to 20 countries by FY29, aiming to strengthen cross-border payment infrastructure and drive financial inclusion globally.
SIM card requirement: Users do not need a separate international SIM card but must maintain internet connectivity and an active mobile number linked to their bank account for verification.
Charges: While UPI transactions abroad do not incur separate platform fees, currency conversion charges may apply depending on the bank.
Eligibility for NRIs: Non-Resident Indians can use UPI if their app is linked to an NRE or NRO account with an active Indian mobile number.
Security: UPI transactions overseas are secured by encryption and multi-factor authentication, using the same security standards as domestic transfers.
Best-supported apps: Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM are widely supported, though merchant acceptance varies by region.
Countries Currently Supporting UPI
* Singapore: Integrated with PayNow for merchant payments and remittances.
* UAE: Available across malls, supermarkets, and airports.
* France: Introduced at the Eiffel Tower, now expanding to other venues.
* Mauritius: Supports UPI and RuPay at tourist and retail points.
* Sri Lanka: Linked with LankaPay for merchant acceptance.
* Nepal: Enabled through Fonepay.
* Bhutan: One of the earliest adopters of UPI-based payments.
NPCI’s initiative aligns with India’s broader digital payment strategy, making UPI a key instrument for international transactions. Travellers are advised to verify bank and country-specific support before departure by checking NPCI’s updated listings.
