India’s digital payment system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has already transformed how we make payments within the country. Now, India is taking a big step forward by making UPI International Payments a reality. This new move will allow users to send and receive money across borders quickly and easily, making global transactions as simple as paying in India.
What is UPI International Payments?
UPI International Payments means you can use your UPI-enabled app to pay or receive money from supported countries. Just like you scan a QR code at your local shop, you’ll soon be able to do the same while traveling abroad or doing business globally.
Government Support and Timeline
The Indian government, along with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is pushing hard to expand UPI beyond India. In June 2022, the RBI’s Payments Vision 2025 shared a clear goal—to bring UPI to global markets using major currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, and Pound.
To make this happen, NPCI formed a special arm called NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), which is working with other countries to make UPI International Payments widely available.
Where is UPI Accepted Internationally?
Here are some key milestones in making UPI global:
- Singapore: In February 2023, UPI was connected to Singapore’s PayNow system. This allows Indians and Singaporeans to send money to each other instantly.
- France: In 2024, UPI payments were launched at famous locations like the Eiffel Tower and Galeries Lafayette, allowing Indian tourists to make payments easily.
- UAE: India and the UAE signed an agreement in February 2024 to connect UPI with UAE’s AANI payment platform.
- Sri Lanka and Mauritius: Both countries launched UPI services in February 2024, making travel and trade between them and India much smoother.
In the future, UPI International Payments are expected to expand into countries in Africa and South America by 2027.
Popular Apps Supporting UPI International Payments
Several Indian apps now support or are working on supporting UPI International Payments. Here are the main ones:
- PhonePe: Allows users to pay foreign merchants directly using UPI.
- Google Pay: Linked with Singapore’s PayNow for cross-border payments.
- Paytm: Upgrading its wallet features to allow international UPI transactions.
Some Indian banks like Federal Bank, ICICI Bank, and IndusInd Bank also offer UPI features for users with international mobile numbers. This is a big step for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and travelers.
FAQs on UPI International Payments
- What are UPI International Payments?
They allow users to make and receive payments in foreign countries using the UPI platform. - Can I use UPI while traveling abroad?
Yes, in countries where UPI has been integrated with local systems like Singapore, UAE, France, etc. - Which apps support UPI International Payments?
Apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm currently support or are rolling out these features. - Do I need an Indian phone number to use UPI abroad?
Some banks now allow UPI access through international mobile numbers. - Are there extra charges for using UPI internationally?
Charges, if any, depend on your bank or app. Most transactions are low-cost or free. - Can NRIs use UPI?
Yes, as long as they have NRE/NRO accounts and their bank allows UPI linking. - Is UPI safe for international use?
Absolutely. UPI follows high-security standards with authentication and encryption. - Can I receive money from foreign clients via UPI?
If the country supports UPI linkage, yes. - Does UPI convert currencies automatically?
Yes, currency conversion happens in the backend during the transaction. - Will more countries adopt UPI in the future?
Yes, several African and South American countries are expected to adopt UPI by 2027.
Conclusion
The expansion of UPI International Payments is a major win for India’s digital economy. It offers travelers, NRIs, and international businesses a fast, reliable, and secure way to transact globally. As more countries and apps join the UPI network, sending money across borders will become as easy as paying for a coffee at home.
UPI is not just a payment method anymore—it’s India’s digital gift to the world.
