How NRIs Can Activate UPI and Make International Payments

Living abroad often means navigating a bit of a maze when it comes to managing finances back home. But what if staying connected to India – whether it’s sending money to family, paying bills, or even shopping online – could be as simple as a few taps on your phone? Thanks to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the incredible growth of UPI, it now can be! This guide is your key to unlocking the power of India’s revolutionary digital payment system, tailored specifically for Non-Resident Indians.

What Is International UPI Payment?

International UPI payments allow NRIs to make payments while abroad or to international merchants that accept UPI QR codes. Key features include:

• Seamless Cross-Border Payments: NRIs can use their Indian bank accounts (NRE/NRO) to make payments without carrying cash.
• Real-Time Currency Conversion: Payment amounts are displayed in INR for transparency.
• Secure Transactions: Protected by NPCI’s UPI infrastructure.
• Flexible Activation: Users can select activation periods according to travel plans.

What Are NRE and NRO Accounts?

NRE Account: A Non-Resident External account is a rupee-denominated account designed for NRIs to park their overseas earnings in India. It offers tax-free interest and full repatriability of funds.

NRO Account: A Non-Resident Ordinary account is meant for managing income earned in India, such as rent, dividends, or pensions. While it allows for repatriation of funds, interest earned is subject to Indian taxes.

Eligibility for UPI:

• Both NRE and NRO accounts can be linked to UPI.
• Must link an international mobile number to the account for verification. 

How to Link Your International Mobile Number to UPI

1. Link Mobile Number with Bank Account: Contact your bank to link your international number to your NRE/NRO account.
2. Download a UPI App: Use an NPCI-approved UPI app that supports international numbers.
3. Complete Onboarding: Follow the app’s instructions to complete the setup.

How to Activate UPI International on Paytm

Activating UPI International on Paytm is simple and lets NRIs make seamless international payments.

Step 1: Open the Paytm app on your device and go to your profile (located on the left-hand side).

Step 2: Tap on UPI & Payment Settings and select UPI International.

Step 3: Activate your bank account for international UPI payments and choose your activation period. Options include 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, or you can set custom dates.  (You can deactivate the service anytime you want.)

Step 4: For added security, verify the activation by entering your UPI PIN.

Step 5: Once activated, scan UPI-enabled QR codes internationally and make hassle-free payments effortlessly.

Note: If you’re abroad and scan a UPI-enabled QR code, Paytm will automatically prompt you to activate UPI International so you can pay anywhere with the convenience of UPI.

How to Make UPI International Payments on Paytm?

Once your UPI International feature is activated on Paytm, follow these steps to make payments abroad:

Step 1: Open the Paytm app and ensure UPI International is activated.

Step 2: Choose your activation period based on your stay. Options include 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, or you can set custom dates.

Step 3: Tap Scan & Pay, then scan the merchant’s UPI QR code. Select the bank account linked to UPI International.

Step 4: Paytm will display the converted INR amount in real time, so you can see exactly how much you are paying.

Step 5: Tap Pay to complete the transaction.

Step 6: After payment, view the detailed transaction overview for clarity and record-keeping.

Additional Features for NRIs

UPI One World

UPI One World is a wallet solution tailored for NRIs and foreign visitors, enabling them to make secure digital payments in India without the need for a local bank account. Users can scan and pay at merchants across India using this service. NPCI

UPI Global Acceptance

UPI Global Acceptance allows Indian users, including NRIs, to make QR code payments at select international merchants by scanning a QR code with their UPI app. This feature facilitates seamless transactions abroad. NPCI

List of Countries Accepting UPI International Payments

NRIs can make payments using UPI International in the following countries:

Get a detailed List of Countries Now Accepting UPI