Paytm UPI for NRIs: How to Make Payments in India Using Your International Number

byPaytm Editorial TeamLast Updated: October 29, 2025

For every Indian living abroad, managing payments while visiting home is a challenge, with most UPI apps needing an Indian SIM card, leaving cash as the only option. 

Paytm, India’s pioneer in mobile payments, now enables Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to use their international mobile numbers to log in and make seamless UPI payments through NRE or NRO bank accounts, expanding access to India’s digital payments ecosystem.

Whether you’re in Singapore, the US, or the UK, or travelling to India, your Paytm app now connects you directly to India’s UPI network instantly, securely, and effortlessly.

How can NRIs start making UPI payments with their NRE NRO account? 

Step 1: Download and open the Paytm app

Step 2: Enter your international mobile number

Step 3: Verify your device via SMS

Step 4: Add your NRE/ NRO bank account

Step 5: Set your UPI pin 

Step 6: All set! Start making UPI payments instantly

1. No Local SIM Required
Log in and make UPI payments directly with your international number. No need to maintain or reactivate an Indian SIM when visiting India.

2. Global Access to UPI Anywhere
Send money to family or pay merchants by entering their UPI ID with ease, whether you are abroad or in India.

3. Pay at Local Stores 

Use Paytm UPI to scan any QR code and make quick payments for groceries, dining, travel, or daily needs while visiting India.

4. Instant and Secure Transactions
With Paytm, payment security is paramount. Every transaction is protected by our security systems and processed instantly for complete peace of mind.

5. Manage your India Payments from Abroad
Link your NRE or NRO account and handle everyday payments and transfers directly through the Paytm app. 

6. Make effortless NRE/ NRO account transfers  

Manage your funds on the Paytm app and seamlessly transfer money between your NRE and NRO accounts across Indian banks.

7. Stay Connected to India’s Digital Economy
Continue participating in India’s growing UPI ecosystem and stay financially connected, no matter where you live.

8. Skip the Cash and Conversion Hassle

Avoid the need to carry cash or convert currency when in India. Pay directly in INR using your NRE or NRO account on Paytm UPI and save on bank charges for everyday transactions.

9. Shop on Indian Websites and Apps 

Pay securely on Indian e-commerce platforms using Paytm UPI, without worrying about international cards or currency conversions. 

Also read: How to Activate International UPI Payments on Paytm?

How Paytm UPI Gives NRIs More Control Over Their Money

​​Beyond seamless UPI payments, Paytm offers a suite of smart features that help NRIs manage their money effortlessly. From better visibility to enhanced privacy, these tools make everyday money management simpler, smarter, and more transparent.

1. Download UPI Statement: Access your transaction history anytime by downloading your UPI statement in PDF or Excel.

2. Spend Summary: Get automatic spend classification and detailed spend analysis to track expenses on the go 

3. Hide Payments: Keep selected transactions private with the option to hide specific payments from your history

4. Check Total Balance: Check your combined balance across all NRE/ NRO bank accounts linked with Paytm UPI in one place. 

5. Paytm Playback: Turn your recent spends into a personalized AI rap song with Paytm Playback,  a fun way to review your previous month’s transactions and see where your money goes. 

International numbers on which Paytm UPI can be enabled 

This feature is currently available to NRIs from 12 countries supported by NPCI:

  • Australia (+61)
  • Canada (+1)
  • France (+33)
  • Hong Kong (+852)
  • Malaysia (+60)
  • Oman (+968)
  • Qatar (+974)
  • Saudi Arabia (+966)
  • Singapore (+65)
  • United Arab Emirates (+971)
  • United Kingdom (+44)
  • United States (+1)

Send and Receive Money Using Your International Number

Paytm UPI allows NRIs to send and receive money easily using their international mobile numbers linked to NRE or NRO accounts. Here’s what to keep in mind when making transactions.

Sending Money from Your International Number
You can send payments in INR using your international number after linking and verifying your NRE or NRO account. 

Both account types can be used to pay merchants or individuals in India.

Receive Money on Your International Number
You can receive money by sharing your Paytm UPI ID or QR code. 

Funds can only be received in your NRO account, not in your NRE account.

Empowering Every Indian to Join India’s Payment Revolution

With this innovation, Paytm extends the power of India’s digital payments revolution to every Indian, wherever they live. By enabling NRIs to use their international mobile numbers for UPI, Paytm bridges distance and access, allowing global Indians to stay connected to the country’s trusted digital ecosystem.

This marks another step in Paytm’s journey to make technology inclusive, reliable, and designed for every Indian — at home or abroad.

Ready to access the power of UPI on your international number? Download Now.

Author

Paytm Editorial Team

The Paytm Editorial Team is a collaborative group of writers, editors, and industry experts. We're dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, news, and guides on digital payments, financial services, and the technology that's shaping India's economy. We offer easy-to-follow guides and insights to help you explore Paytm’s products, features, and services. Our goal is to provide clear, reliable, and helpful information to empower you on your financial journey.

FAQs

Can I send money from my international number using Paytm?

Yes, you can send money using an international number. After you link your NRE or NRO account and successfully complete device verification, you can pay Indian merchants and individuals in Indian Rupees (INR). You can use both your NRE and NRO accounts to send these payments.

Am I eligible to use UPI with my international number?

Yes, you are eligible if you meet two main conditions: 1. Your international number is registered with your Indian bank for a KYC-compliant NRE or NRO account. 2. Your bank supports the NPCI program that enables UPI for NRIs. This feature is enabled by NPCI for specific country codes and banks that have opted to participate.

Can I receive money on my international number?

Yes, you can receive money on your Paytm account that is linked to your international number. You can share your UPI ID or Paytm QR code with anyone using UPI (in India or outside) to receive funds. However, there is a key restriction: You can only receive money in your NRO account. You cannot receive money in your NRE account.

How do I sign up or log in with an international mobile number?

You can use your international mobile number to sign up or log in to Paytm, provided that number is registered with your Indian NRE/NRO bank account. Here is the step-by-step process: 1. Enter Your Number: Open the app, pick your country, and enter your international mobile number. Tap "Proceed". 2. Complete Device Verification: The app will automatically send an SMS to verify your device. For this to work, you must have the correct SIM in your phone, have SMS or phone balance to send International SMS, and allow SMS and Phone permissions. 3. Link Your Bank: Select your bank from the list. The app will then find the NRE/NRO accounts associated with your international number. 4. Set UPI PIN: Use your debit card details (last 6 digits and expiry date) to set or reset your UPI PIN. 5. You're Ready: Once complete, you can start paying Indian merchants and contacts in INR using UPI.

I can’t log in or create an account with my international number. What should I do?

No, Paytm does not charge NRIs for making UPI transactions using their international number.

How can I set up Paytm UPI using my international mobile number?

We are sorry you're facing trouble. This usually happens for a few common reasons. Here are the most frequent issues and how to fix them: 1. Wrong SIM / number: The SIM in the phone must be the same international number registered with your NRE/NRO bank. Insert/activate the registered SIM or ask your bank to update the number. 2. No SMS or phone balance / international SMS blocked: Enable roaming and international SMS, add balance, then retry device verification. 3. Weak network / carrier delay: International SMS can take time; NPCI requires device verification to complete within ~90 seconds. Move to better coverage and keep mobile data ON. 4. Permissions denied (Android): Allow Phone and SMS permissions for Paytm. 5. Outdated app version: Update to Paytm v10.68 or above to use Paytm UPI with an international number. 6. Daily device verification limit reached: NPCI allows up to 6 attempts in 24 hours. Try again after the limit resets.

Am I eligible to use Paytm UPI with my international number?

Yes, if: a. Your international number is registered with your Indian bank for a KYC-compliant NRE/NRO account, and b. Your bank supports the NPCI program for UPI on international numbers (enabled for select country codes and participating banks).

Which countries are supported to enable UPI on an International Number?

NPCI currently supports 12 countries for this feature: Australia (+61), Canada (+1), France (+33), Hong Kong (+852), Malaysia (+60), Oman (+968), Qatar (+974), Saudi Arabia (+966), Singapore (+65), United Arab Emirates (+971), United Kingdom (+44), USA (+1)

Which banks support UPI for international numbers?

Support for this feature depends entirely on each bank's individual rollout schedule. While some banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and IDFC FIRST Bank have been publicly announced, availability can vary. We recommend checking directly with your bank for the most current information.

Does my international SIM card need to be active during signup?

Yes, absolutely. During the signup and device verification process, NPCI requires an SMS verification to be sent from the international number registered with your bank account.
Yes, this is possible if your bank supports linking a domestic savings account to an international number.

Are my transactions in INR or a foreign currency?

All transactions are in Indian Rupees (INR) only. This feature is for domestic (India-based) UPI payments, not for cross-border remittances. When you pay Indian merchants or contacts, the transaction is processed in rupees.

Can I use an eSIM or a dual-SIM phone?

Yes, you can. You just need to ensure that the international number registered with your bank is active during the signup and device-binding process. If you are using a dual-SIM phone, please make sure the registered international SIM is set as the default for sending and receiving SMS

What is device verification and why is it required?

Device verification is a mandatory security step required by NPCI to use UPI. It securely links (or "binds") your phone, your SIM card, and your Paytm account together to enable UPI services.

The app says “No eligible NRE/NRO accounts found.” What does that mean?

This error message typically appears for one of these reasons: 1. Your bank has not yet registered your international number with your NRE/NRO account. You will need to contact your bank to update it. 2. Your bank does not yet support the NRI-UPI feature on international numbers. 3. You may have selected the wrong bank or entered the wrong number during the process. Please double-check both and try again.
Yes, you can link multiple accounts. The only condition is that each account must be with a participating bank and must be discoverable using your same registered international number.

I’m getting errors while setting my UPI PIN. What should I try?

PIN setting errors are usually caused by one of the following: 1. You entered incorrect card details, or the debit card you are using has expired. 2. The bank's system for international SMS verification failed. Please try again later. 3. You have exceeded the maximum number of attempts. Wait for the timer shown on-screen to reset. If the problem continues, please contact your bank's NRI support team.

Can I scan and pay Indian merchant QR codes?

Yes, you can pay any Indian merchant by scanning their QR code, just as you normally would for a user with a domestic number.
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