As we remember the past, when we had to stand in the bank queue for hours to send money to someone else. But Unified Payment Interface, commonly known as UPI, has completely changed the way digital transactions are done in India, and now NRIs can use UPI with international number. You don’t have to worry about how many kilometers away you are from your family. We know that time very well Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has become the basic mode of payment from grocery stores to large scale businesses, UPI is the payment mode for quick transactions and this is totally with cashless transactions facility so, you don’t need to carry cash every time and you just need to scan Quick Response Code (QR Code) For making payment by entering UPI PIN, it can be 4 digit or 6 digit code depending upon the bank as I used and when I was using HDFC bank for UPI payment then I needed to enter 4 digit UPI PIN and, when I was using Axis then I needed to enter 6 digit code to make payment. Hence, now NRIs can use UPI With International Numbers.
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NRIs can now link their UPI with international numbers to make payments, thanks to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This is a huge step, which opens the doors for seamless transactions without the need for an Indian SIM card, and if you are an NRI, you can pay in Indian stores with international numbers. In this blog, we are going to discuss the same and also provide step-by-step guidance about UPI with international number. Let us understand in detail what it means, who can use it, how to set it up UPI with international number, and why this update matters.
What’s New?
Until now, if you wanted to use UPI (Unified Payments Interface), your mobile number had to be registered with an Indian telecom provider. For most NRIs living abroad, that meant either holding on to an inactive Indian SIM card or missing out on UPI services altogether. According to NPCI, Product Review, The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has recently enabled UPI with international numbers from select countries. In simple terms, this means:
| ✅ NRIs no longer need an Indian SIM card to register for UPI, they can use UPI with international number. |
| ✅ You can now use your international number (like from the USA, UK, UAE, etc.) directly on UPI apps. |
| ✅ All the usual UPI services—like sending money, scanning QR codes, and making payments—are now available to eligible NRIs globally, and NRIs can use UPI with international number. |
| List of countries whose mobile numbers can be linked | List of banks that support the linkage of UPI with international numbers | List of UPI-powered applications that support linkage of international mobile numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Australia +61 | AU Small Finance Bank | Federal Bank (FedMobile) |
| Canada +1 | Axis Bank | ICICI Bank (iMobile) |
| France +33 | Canara Bank | PhonePe |
| Hong Kong +852 | City Union Bank | BHIM |
| Malaysia +60 | DBS Bank Ltd | AU Small Finance Bank (BHIM AU) |
| Oman +968 | Equitas Small Finance Bank | South Indian Bank (SIB Mirror+) |
| Qatar +974 | Federal Bank | IndusInd Bank (BHIM Indus Pay) |
| Saudi Arabia +966 | HDFC Bank | |
| Singapore +65 | ICICI Bank | |
| United Arab Emirates +971 | IDFC First Bank | |
| United Kingdom +44 | IndusInd Bank | |
| United States of America +1 | Kotak Mahindra Bank | |
| State Bank of India | ||
| Yes Bank | ||
| South Indian Bank | ||
| Punjab National Bank |
Not every bank has rolled this out yet. However, several major Indian banks have started supporting UPI with international numbers. Here are some of the banks known to support this feature:- Source
- ICICI Bank
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- HDFC Bank
- Axis Bank
Make sure to check with your bank to confirm support for international number-based UPI access.
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Who Is Eligible?
- Be an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India).
- Have an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank account in India.
- Use a supported UPI app like PhonePe, BHIM, and etc..
- Have an international number based in a supported country (listed above).
How to Set It Up: Step-by-Step Guide 2025
Here’s how NRIs can register and start using UPI with their international mobile number:
Step 1: Download a UPI App
Choose any supported UPI app such as: Make sure you’re downloading the official app from the Play Store or App Store.
- PhonePe
- BHIM
Step 2: Enter Your International Number
- Open the app.
- Select your country code (e.g., +971 for UAE).
- Enter your international mobile number.
The app will verify your number with an OTP (One Time Password).
Step 3: Link Your NRE/NRO Bank Account
- The app will prompt you to select your bank.
- Choose your bank (make sure it supports UPI for international numbers).
- It will automatically fetch your NRE/NRO account linked with that number.
Step 4: Set UPI PIN
- Once the account is linked, you’ll be asked to set a 4- or 6-digit UPI PIN.
- This is needed to authorize any transaction.
Step 5: Start Transacting – You’re now ready to:
- Send or receive money.
- Scan Indian QR codes while visiting.
- Pay utility bills or recharge services in India remotely.
💡Key Benefits for NRIs – UPI With International Number
✔️ No Need for Indian SIM
Earlier, NRIs had to keep their Indian mobile numbers active, often just for banking purposes. That’s no longer required.
✔️ Global Access to Indian Financial System
From paying rent to sending money to family, NRIs can now manage all Indian transactions from abroad.
✔️ Useful During India Visits
Next time you’re in India, you can use your foreign mobile number to make UPI payments at local stores, metro stations, and more.
✔️ Better Integration with Indian Services
This opens up access to Indian services like mutual funds, insurance premiums, or online shopping.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use PhonePe UPI with international number?
Yes, if your UAE number is linked to your NRE/NRO account in a supported bank.
2. Will I be charged for international SMS during registration?
Possibly. Some banks or apps may send OTPs via international SMS. Check with your mobile provider.
3. Can I register UPI with a local bank account in UAE or US?
No. Your UPI must still be linked to an Indian bank (NRE/NRO account), even if the mobile number is international.
4. What if my country is not listed?
You won’t be able to use UPI with your international number yet. You may need to wait until NPCI adds support for your country.
5. Can I use UPI on dual SIM phones?
Yes. Just ensure the UPI app is set up using the number registered with your Indian bank.
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