UPI international transfer means using your Indian UPI app to pay or send money outside India. Today this works mainly in two ways: paying at merchants abroad by scanning their QR code (after you activate UPI International in your app), and sending money to a few countries whose fast payment systems are linked with UPI, such as Singapore’s PayNow.
It is not a general way to send money to any bank account in any country. Coverage is limited to partner countries and merchants, and your bank must support the feature. This guide covers the countries, activation steps in PhonePe, Google Pay and BHIM, charges, real examples, common mistakes and what to do if a payment fails abroad.
UPI international transfer: quick answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I pay shops abroad with UPI? | Yes, in partner countries, at merchants that accept UPI QR |
| Do I need to activate anything? | Yes, turn on UPI International / UPI Global in your app, ideally before travel |
| Which currency is debited? | Rupees from your Indian bank account, at the exchange rate shown |
| Charges | Exchange rate and fees depend on your bank and app |
| Send money to a person abroad? | Only via specific linkages, such as UPI-PayNow with Singapore |
Countries where UPI works
As of 2026, Indian travellers can use UPI at participating merchants in these countries, based on NPCI International announcements and news reports:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| South Asia | Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
| Middle East | UAE, Qatar |
| Asia-Pacific and Africa | Singapore, Mauritius |
| Europe | France, Greece (reported; acceptance limited) |
Acceptance is not universal even in these countries. It is often limited to certain shops, attractions or payment partners. Always carry a card and some local cash as backup.
How to activate UPI international transfer
PhonePe
- Tap your profile picture at the top left.
- Open Payment Settings and select UPI International.
- Tap Activate next to the bank account you want to use.
- Confirm with your UPI PIN.
Google Pay
- Scan the international merchant’s QR code.
- Enter the amount in the foreign currency and choose your bank account.
- If your bank supports it, the app prompts you to activate international payments. Confirm with your UPI PIN.
BHIM
- Go to your profile and open your linked bank account.
- Tap UPI Global.
- Choose how long it should stay active.
- Confirm with your UPI PIN.
Menu names can change after app updates. Activation is usually for a limited period, after which you renew it. Do it in India before you fly, since you need your SIM active for verification. More on the BHIM app is in our BHIM UPI guide.
Paying a shop abroad: step-by-step example
Say you are in Dubai and a shop shows a QR code that accepts UPI. You scan it, the app shows the amount in the local currency along with the rupee amount it will debit, and you confirm with your UPI PIN. The rupee amount comes out of your Indian bank account at the rate shown at that moment.
- Check that UPI International is active for your bank account.
- Scan the merchant’s QR code.
- Read the rupee amount and exchange rate on screen before you pay.
- Enter your UPI PIN.
- Keep the success screen until the merchant confirms receipt.
If the QR code is not recognised, the merchant is not on a UPI partner network. Pay by card or cash instead.
Sending money abroad through UPI-linked systems
India has linked UPI with Singapore’s PayNow, which allows person-to-person transfers between the two countries through participating banks. This is different from paying a shop. Not all banks take part, and limits and fees are set by your bank. For other countries, regular bank remittance or licensed money transfer services are still the main route.
| Need | Best route |
|---|---|
| Pay a shop in a partner country | UPI International QR payment |
| Send money to a person in Singapore | UPI-PayNow, if your bank takes part |
| Send money to a bank account in the US, UK or Canada | Bank remittance or licensed transfer service |
| Pay a foreign website | International card, or UPI only where a payment partner supports it |
Charges and limits
- Exchange rate: set by your bank or the payment partner. The app usually shows the rupee amount before you pay.
- Fees: some banks may add a markup or fee on foreign currency payments. Check your bank’s policy.
- Limits: international UPI limits are set by banks and may be lower than domestic limits. Check in your app.
- Tax: overseas spending falls under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme framework. TCS rules may apply in some cases; ask your bank.
For domestic caps, see our guide on the maximum limit of UPI.
Who should use UPI abroad
- Tourists visiting partner countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, the UAE, Singapore or Mauritius.
- People who want to avoid carrying too much foreign cash, while keeping a card as backup.
- Families sending money to Singapore through participating banks.
- Not ideal for: large overseas payments, tuition fees or remittances to countries without a UPI link.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to activate until you land. You may not get SMS verification abroad.
- Relying only on UPI. Many shops abroad still do not accept it.
- Not checking the rupee amount. Always read the converted amount before entering the PIN.
- Paying twice after a slow response. Check the app history first.
- Letting activation expire mid-trip. Choose a period that covers your full travel dates.
What to do if something goes wrong
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| QR not recognised | The merchant may not be on a UPI partner network. Pay by card |
| Option missing in app | Your bank may not support UPI International. Try another linked bank |
| Activation expired | Renew it in the app settings |
| No internet abroad | UPI needs data. Arrange roaming or a local SIM with your Indian number still receiving SMS where needed |
| Money debited, merchant says not received | Check status in app history and raise a complaint; see UPI transaction failed |
| App not working at all | See our UPI not working checklist |
FAQs on UPI international transfer
Can I send money from India to a US bank account using UPI?
No. UPI does not link to US bank accounts. Use a bank wire or a licensed remittance service.
Is UPI international transfer free?
Not always. The exchange rate and any markup depend on your bank and app.
Do I need to activate UPI International every time?
Activation lasts for a set period chosen in the app. Renew it when it expires.
Can NRIs use UPI?
NRIs with NRE or NRO accounts can use UPI with international mobile numbers in certain countries, through supported banks. Check with your bank.
Which currency is debited when I pay abroad?
Rupees from your Indian bank account, at the exchange rate shown in the app.
Can I use UPI on foreign websites?
Only where a payment partner supports it. See does PayPal accept UPI.
Conclusion
UPI international transfer is handy in partner countries, but it is not yet a full replacement for cards or bank remittances. Activate it before travel, check your bank’s rates, and keep a backup payment method. Browse all our UPI guides or the personal finance section.
Sources: NPCI International, India TV (activation steps), EaseMyTrip (2026 country list), RBI.
This guide is for general information only. Limits and features can change; check your bank or UPI app for the latest details. FIIAndDIIData.com is not affiliated with NPCI or any UPI app.
