Tech tips: How to make UPI payments while travelling to other countries (2024)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 22, 2023 17:55 IST

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is one of the most popular digital payment methods in the country. It is fast, convenient, and secure, allowing users to make payments to anyone with a UPI ID or bank account number. Initially launched for domestic use, the system has become the preferred mode of payment in the country, and now there is a growing demand for it to be available abroad.

To make transactions easier for Indians in foreign countries, the Government of India has made UPI payments available in many international countries, including France and UAE. It is also accessible for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to initiate international transactions.

List of countries where UPI payments are currently available

Indians travelling to the following countries can make an online translation using UPI:

• France
• Bhutan
• Nepal
• Oman
• UAE
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Singapore
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• South Korea
• Japan
• United Kingdom
• Europe

So, if you are traveling to one of the countries where India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is available, you can use UPI payment apps like PhonePe, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, Paytm, and others to make transactions. These apps will enable you to perform digital payments using your UPI ID or linked bank account number, providing a convenient and secure way to make payments while abroad.

How to use UPI apps in other countries

Step 1: Download or open your UPI-enabled mobile app such as PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm which allows international UPI transactions in the country.

Step 2: Register your Indian bank account with the app.

Step 3: Once your bank account is linked, you will need to provide the recipient's details, including their bank account number, IBAN, and BIC, together with the transfer amount and currency.

Step 4: Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a confirmation message.

Notably, your transactions will still be subject to certain fees like conversion charges, foreign exchange fees, and more. Also, the system is rolling out gradually in foreign countries, so the system may not be available in all the listed countries.

Meanwhile, if you are an NRI, here is how you can use UPI:

Step 1: Download a UPI-enabled mobile app such as PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm.

Step 2: Register your NRE or NRO account with the app.

Step 3: You will need to provide your Indian mobile number and bank account details.

Step 4: Once your account is linked, you can start using UPI to make payments to anyone in India who has a UPI ID.

Step 5: You can also use UPI to pay for goods and services at merchant outlets in India.