Making UPI payments internationally is straightforward, allowing you to scan QR codes and pay merchants in supported countries (like the UAE, France, Singapore, Japan, and Bhutan) directly from your Indian bank account
Using UPI for payments abroad is easier than many travelers expect. In countries where UPI is supported—such as the UAE, Singapore, France, Japan, and Bhutan—you can pay local merchants by simply scanning a QR code, with the money deducted directly from your Indian bank account.
Before leaving India, however, you’ll need to switch on the UPI International feature within your preferred UPI app, whether that’s PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, or BHIM.
How to Enable UPI International
- Open your preferred UPI application.
- Head to the Profile, Settings, or Bank Accounts section.
- Locate the UPI International or UPI Global option.
- Select the bank account you want to use overseas and enable the service.
- Choose the activation period, such as a few days, a month, or a custom duration.
- Confirm the request by entering your UPI PIN.
How to Pay Overseas Using UPI
Once you’re at a participating international merchant:
- Launch your UPI app and scan the merchant’s QR code.
- Enter the payment amount in the local currency.
- Review the exchange rate and the equivalent amount in Indian Rupees (INR) displayed on the screen.
- Approve the transaction using your UPI PIN.
The payment is processed instantly, just like a domestic UPI transaction.
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Things You Should Know
Transaction Limits:
International UPI payments generally follow the same limits as domestic transactions, often ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per day. However, the exact limit may vary depending on your bank’s foreign exchange rules.
Currency Conversion Charges:
Although UPI itself does not levy a transaction fee, banks may charge a foreign exchange markup or currency conversion fee. These charges typically fall between 1% and 3.5%, depending on the bank.
Availability Abroad:
UPI acceptance is expanding rapidly but is not available everywhere. For that reason, carrying a backup payment option—such as an international debit card, credit card, or forex card—is always a smart travel precaution.
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Disclaimer
The information provided above is for general educational and informational purposes only. UPI International services, supported countries, transaction limits, foreign exchange charges, eligibility requirements, and activation procedures may change over time based on updates from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), participating banks, payment service providers, and regulatory authorities.
Before traveling or making international transactions, always verify the latest guidelines through your UPI app, bank, or official NPCI resources. Transaction limits, currency conversion rates, and applicable fees can vary depending on your bank and the country where the payment is being made.
The author and publisher are not responsible for any financial loss, transaction failure, service interruption, exchange rate differences, or charges incurred as a result of relying on the information presented in this article. Readers are encouraged to consult their bank or payment provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information before using UPI for international payments.