Unified Payment Interface, commonly known as UPI, services are now available in multiple countries other than India. These include Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan, Oman, Nepal, France and UAE. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the International arm of National Payment Corporation of India has also signed an agreement with other countries to enable QR-based
UPI
payments in 10 Southeast Asia countries.
These include Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. India is working to bring UPI
service
support in the United Kingdom, Australia, European nations and the US as well.
What it means for users
This means that if you are travelling to any of these countries, you can choose to not get the Indian Rupee converted to the local currency and use your phone’s app to make payments via UPI. Here’s a guide on how you can
activate
services before you travel.
Steps to activate UPI payments before international travel
How to activate UPI International on PhonePay
- Open the UPI app and click on your profile picture.
- Under the Payment Settings section, select UPI International.
- Click the Activate button next to the bank account you wish to use for international UPI payments.
- Enter your UPI PIN to confirm the activation.
How to make international payments using Google pay
- Open the Google Pay app and tap Scan QR code.
- Scan the international merchant’s QR code.
- Enter the amount in payable foreign currency.
- Select the bank account you want to use to pay the international merchant.
- A screen appears to activate "UPI International."
- Tap Activate UPI International.
It is to be noted that users can activate international transactions for bank accounts that support UPI International. Furthermore, the debit from the bank account is in Indian currency, which means the foreign exchange conversion rate and bank fee will be applicable on making the transactions.
FAQs
After you check out from the e-commerce website, tap UPI payment. Open Google Pay app . Scan the International QR code. Tap Activate UPI International.
How to activate UPI international? ›
After you check out from the e-commerce website, tap UPI payment. Open Google Pay app . Scan the International QR code. Tap Activate UPI International.
How can foreign tourists use UPI in India? ›
International travellers can use the UPI One World app to make payments at merchant locations by simply scanning the QR codes. Any unused balance can be transferred back to the original payment source, in accordance with foreign exchange regulations.
How do I activate my UPI service? ›
Steps to follow to activate UPI ID
First, download a UPI app like Bajaj Pay UPI. Open the app and enter your registered mobile number. Verify the number using the OTP sent to your phone. Next, select your bank from the list provided.
How to register for UPI outside India? ›
Registration Process
- Bank Account & Mobile Number: - First and foremost, an NRI needs an active bank account in India. ...
- Download UPI App: ...
- App Installation & Mobile Verification: ...
- Creating a VPA (Virtual Payment Address): ...
- Linking Bank Account: ...
- Setting UPI PIN: ...
- Completion:
*NPCI guidelines allow UPI Payments to India in INR, via overseas numbers from selected geographies: Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK and USA.
How to setup UPI from USA? ›
Create a new UPI ID
- On your mobile device, open the Google Pay app .
- At the top right, tap your Profile picture.
- Tap Bank account.
- Tap the bank account you added to Google Pay.
- Next to "UPI ID," tap Edit .
- To create a UPI ID, tap Plus .
International mobile numbers of ICICI Bank's non-resident Indian clients can be used to make UPI payments in India. In ten nations—the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—the bank provides this service.
Which UPI app works internationally? ›
Using UPI to make payments abroad
To get started, you will need to activate international payments on UPI apps that support international payments, such as PhonePe, Google Pay, and Bhim UPI app. Here's our guide to UPI International with PhonePe - one of the first UPI apps to support global payments.
Can US citizens use Paytm in India? ›
Paytm is a popular digital wallet and payment app in India, but it is not currently possible to use the Paytm app internationally. So if you're a Paytm account holder looking to make international transfers, you will need to look at alternatives such as Wise.
Users who do not have debit cards can also register for UPI now. They can use their Aadhar card to set up their UPI PIN. The Aadhar-based verification was introduced in September 2021. To use the Aadhar-based verification, you must link your mobile number with your Aadhar Card and bank account.
How can I activate UPI without Internet banking? ›
How To Set Up Offline UPI Payments?
- Dial *99# using your phone's dialer to initiate offline UPI transactions.
- Select your preferred language from the list of 13 options.
- Enter your bank's IFSC code in the text field as requested.
- You will see a list of all accounts registered with your mobile number on the screen.
As per the NPCI directives, UPI registration needs to be completed within 30 seconds. Validation error is received if it takes more than 30 seconds to register.
How do I enable UPI International? ›
Step 1: Open your UPI app and click on your profile picture. Step 3: Find the UPI International option and click on it. Step 4: Tap on the “Activate” button in front of the account you wish to activate the facility on. Step 5: Enter your UPI PIN for verification.
How can tourists use UPI in India? ›
International travellers can use the UPI One World app to make payments at merchant locations by simply scanning the QR codes. Any unused balance can be transferred back to the original payment source, in accordance with foreign exchange regulations.
Which banks support UPI International? ›
Steps to Activate UPI International
- Bank of Baroda.
- Union Bank of India.
- Punjab National Bank.
- Canara Bank.
- Bank of India.
- Indian Bank.
- Central Bank of India.
- Bank of Maharashtra.
India's UPI has gained global traction with initiatives in Bhutan, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, and others. UPI collaborations extend to regions like Europe, Japan, and the US, fostering cross-border transactions.
Can I use GPay from the USA to India? ›
However, making international payments through these apps is not straightforward, as most of the payments apps do not support such an option. With Google Pay, however, you can only send money internationally from the USA to India and Singapore.
