India has emerged as a global leader in fast payments due to the introduction of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI). According to the report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), UPI powers almost 85% of digital payments, which is nearly 50% of global online transactions. India is now expanding to UPI for international payments, allowing Indian users to make purchases in other countries using their bank accounts while using any payment apps.
Here, you will get to know how an international UPI payment works internationally and the countries that support Unified Payment Interface. You will also learn to set your UPI apps for making payments abroad using simple steps.
How Does the UPI International Payment System Work?
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the developer of UPI, has launched “UPI Global Acceptance” features that allow you to make QR-based payments at international merchant stores.
It works exactly like you pay in local shops in India, i.e., scan a QR code, enter the amount in the respective country’s currency, and make payment directly from your bank account. You can use any of your preferred UPI payment apps that support global acceptance and choose the international payments mode or the UPI global option in the settings.
Your money will be debited in INR while the system manages currency conversion, which allows you to easily monitor your funds. Make sure that your bank and currency are supported in the country that we have mentioned below.
What Are The Countries That Accept The UPI Payment System?
UPI has revolutionized the way of making payments, and many countries are accepting such an accurate and fast system. Here is the list of countries that are successfully using UPI for international payments, providing flexibility for Indians to travel abroad.
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Mauritius
- Nepal
- France
- Bhutan
- Sri Lanka
- Oman
- Japan
How To Activate International UPI Payment?
Steps to activate the international payment option in PayTm and PhonePe
Step 1: Download and open your UPI payment app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Sign up or log in using your mobile number registered in your bank account.
Step 3: Open your payment app on your device and access your profile section.
Step 4: Tap on “UPI Payment Settings” and then select the “UPI International” or “UPI Global” option.
Step 5: Enable your bank account for international payments and choose the activation period.
Step 6: Enter your UPI PIN as an added security measure to verify your activation.
Once you have activated it, you can easily scan the QR code to make international payments abroad. Additionally, you can easily deactivate this service anytime you wish by using the same steps.
Steps to activate international payment systems in Google Pay
Step 1: Open your Google Pay app and tap on Scan QR Code.
Step 2: Scan the shop’s QR code and enter the amount in the country’s currency.
Step 3: Pick the bank account you want to pay from.
Step 4: Tap on the “Activate UPI International” option and make a payment.
Your international payment system is active for 7 days, and then you can reactivate it when the validity is over.
Final Words
UPI has become one of the fastest, most convenient, and most secure mobile payments in the world. The initiative of NPCI in partnering with the global banking system, enables Indians and even international tourists to make easy international payments using UPI.
Now, there is no need to carry money during your international trips or use cards. Just set up your international payment systems, have an internet connection, and have easy money transactions abroad.
FAQs
No, you just need an active internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, for international transfer. Make sure your mobile number linked to your bank account remains active for OTP verification if required.
There are no additional charges for using UPI transactions through UPI, but your bank may apply a conversion fee that varies depending on the country.
If your UPI transaction fails, no need to panic; just follow the steps below.
- Check that your UPI Global feature is activated.
- Make sure your bank account has sufficient funds.
- Enable your international usage from the account profile settings.
If everything is fine, talk to your bank or UPI payment app you are using.
Yes, NPCI offers to link a bank account for international travel to UPI, like NRIs using their Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account and their mobile number to make mobile payments in India.
