Can Foreign Tourists Use UPI in India? All You Need to Know

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the backbone of digital transactions in India, allowing instant money transfers, QR code payments, and seamless integration with multiple banks and apps. With its growing popularity, one common question arises: can foreigners or 

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) create a UPI ID in India?

The answer depends on the user’s residency status, type of mobile number, and banking relationship in India. Let’s break it down step by step.

What is a UPI ID?

A UPI ID (also known as Virtual Payment Address or VPA) is a unique identifier (like username@bank) that links your bank account to the UPI ecosystem. Instead of sharing your account number or IFSC, you can send and receive money using your UPI ID.

Can NRIs Create a UPI ID?

1. For NRIs with Indian Bank Accounts & Indian Mobile Numbers

Yes, NRIs who maintain an Indian bank account (such as NRE/NRO accounts) and have an Indian mobile number linked to that account can easily create a UPI ID.

• They can use apps like Paytm.
• The registered Indian SIM must be active to receive the OTP during UPI setup.
• Once set up, NRIs can transact on UPI like resident Indians.

2. For NRIs with International Mobile Numbers

Earlier, UPI required only Indian (+91) mobile numbers. However, in January 2023, the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) allowed NRIs from selected countries to use international mobile numbers linked to NRE/NRO accounts for UPI activation.

Currently, international mobile numbers from the following countries are supported:

• Singapore
• Australia
• Canada
• Hong Kong
• Oman
• Qatar
• USA
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Europe (various countries)

This means NRIs can now use their overseas mobile numbers to create a UPI ID, provided:

• The number is linked to their NRE/NRO bank account in India.
• The bank supports this feature and has enabled it in their UPI app.

Can Foreigners Create a UPI ID?

Foreigners Residing in India

Foreign nationals staying in India (for work, study, or long visits) can create a UPI ID if they:

• Open an Indian bank account (with valid KYC documents like passport and visa).
• Have an Indian mobile number linked to that account.

Once linked, they can transact like any Indian resident. For example, a foreign student opening an account in any bank in India with a valid visa and passport can activate UPI on Paytm.

2. Foreign Tourists Visiting India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Press Information Bureau (PIB) announced in February 2023 that foreign nationals and NRIs visiting India can now make UPI payments through Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs). This was highlighted in the PIB release: Foreign nationals and NRIs visiting India can make payments using UPI.

Additionally, NPCI introduced UPI ONE WORLD, a solution for inbound travellers that enables them to pay Indian merchants using a prepaid wallet funded by their international debit/credit cards.

Key Requirements for NRIs & Foreigners to Use UPI

For NRIs

• NRE/NRO bank account in India.
• Either an Indian mobile number or eligible international mobile number linked to the account.
• A UPI-enabled app that supports this feature.

For Foreigners

• If residing in India: Indian bank account + linked Indian SIM.
• If visiting India: UPI-linked prepaid wallet funded via international cards (UPI ONE WORLD).

Things NRIs and Foreigners Should Be Careful Of

While UPI makes payments quick and convenient, there are a few things NRIs and foreign nationals should keep in mind:

1. Bank & App Support
   • Not every Indian bank and UPI app currently supports international mobile numbers.
   • Before attempting setup, confirm with your bank and chosen UPI app (e.g., Paytm) if they allow NRE/NRO accounts with overseas numbers.
2. Transaction Limits
   • For NRIs, daily UPI limits depend on the bank — usually around ₹1 lakh per day for most transactions.
   • For foreign tourists using UPI-linked prepaid wallets, the RBI has set spending caps (for example, ₹2,00,000 at any point of time for full-KYC PPIs). Source: RBI
3. KYC Requirements
   • To use UPI wallets as a foreign tourist, passport and visa details are mandatory for KYC.
   • Incomplete KYC may restrict usage or reduce wallet limits.
4. SIM & Number Validity
   • UPI setup requires the registered mobile number (Indian or eligible international) to be active.
   • If you lose access to your number abroad, your UPI services may get disrupted.
5. Currency Conversion
   • UPI transactions in India are always in Indian Rupees (INR).
   • For foreign tourists, loading wallets through international cards may involve foreign exchange conversion fees.
6. Fraud Awareness
   • Be cautious of phishing calls, suspicious payment requests, or QR codes from unverified sources.
   • Always verify the UPI ID/merchant before transferring money.
   • RBI and NPCI recommend reporting any fraud immediately to your bank and NPCI’s complaint page.

Final Thoughts

Yes, foreigners and NRIs can create and use UPI IDs, but the pathway differs:

• NRIs can use UPI with their NRE/NRO accounts and either Indian or eligible international mobile numbers.
• Foreign residents with Indian bank accounts can use UPI like locals.
• Foreign tourists can rely on UPI-linked wallets during their stay, thanks to RBI and NPCI’s initiatives.

With these regulatory steps, UPI is moving beyond borders, making India’s payment ecosystem more inclusive and global-friendly.