Imagine you are visiting family in India. You are at a local market. You see a perfect gift. You pull out your wallet. The vendor smiles and points to a small square black and white code. “UPI?” he asks.
For millions in India, this is daily life. But for you, an NRI, it has been a frustrating puzzle. Your foreign number does not work. Your NRE account feels disconnected. You end up using cash or your international card with high fees.
That changes now.
The rules have been rewritten. In 2025, using UPI as an NRI is not just a possibility. It is a reality. This guide will walk you through every single step. We will cover the eligibility, the setup, the best apps, and how to start paying in India from your phone abroad.
What Is UPI and Why It Matters for NRIs
Let us break it down simply. UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is a system that lets you move money between any two bank accounts in India. Instantly. You do not need to know long account numbers or IFSC codes. You just need a UPI ID, like yourname@icici.
Think of it as a super powered email for your money. You send a payment to an email address. It arrives in seconds.
For NRIs, this is a game changer. Why? Because until recently, you needed an Indian mobile number to use it. That locked most of you out. But a new circular from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) changed everything. Now, you can use your international number.
The numbers are huge. Over 500 million people use UPI. They make over 20 billion transactions every month. And now, you can be one of them, from over 10 supported countries.
Can NRIs Use UPI? Your Eligibility and Requirements
The short answer is yes.
You can use UPI if you hold an NRE or NRO account with a UPI enabled bank. And you register using your international mobile number.
Let us look at the simple requirements.
- Your Bank Account: You must have an active Non Resident External (NRE) or Non Resident Ordinary (NRO) account. This account must be with a bank that allows UPI linking.
- Your Mobile Number: This is the key. Your international number (like a +1 US number or +44 UK number) must be linked to your bank account. The UPI app will use this number for registration.
- Your Bank’s Support: Your bank and your chosen UPI app must both support this “international onboarding.”
Which countries are supported in 2025?
Good news. The list is growing. As of now, you can use UPI if you have a number from: the USA, UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Step by Step: How NRIs Can Set Up UPI
This process is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully.
- Open an NRE or NRO Account. If you do not have one, this is your first step. Choose a bank known for good NRI services and UPI support, like ICICI, HDFC, or Axis Bank.
- Install a UPI App. Download an app that works with international numbers. BHIM is the official NPCI app and a safe bet. Others like your bank’s own app (iMobile Pay for ICICI, for example) are also excellent.
- Register with Your International Number. Open the app. It will ask for your mobile number. Enter your full international number, with the country code. This is the number linked to your NRE/NRO account.
- Verify with an OTP. The app will send a One Time Password (OTP) to your international number. Enter it to verify you are the owner of the number.
- Set Your UPI PIN. The app will guide you to create a secure 4 or 6 digit UPI PIN. You will need your debit card details for this step. It verifies your identity with your bank.
- Create Your UPI ID. Now, choose your unique payment address. It could be yourname@axisbank or something similar. This is the ID people will use to send you money.
- Start Transacting. You are all set. You can now send money to anyone in India. You can pay bills. You can scan QR codes at shops. It is that simple.
A quick tip from my own experience helping a friend. Some banks might require you to first activate this feature through your net banking portal. If the app gives you an error, log in to your bank’s online website and look for a “UPI for international numbers” option.
Supported Banks for NRI UPI Linking
Not all banks are created equal. Here is a clear table to show you where you stand.
| Bank | NRE/NRO UPI Linking | International Number Support | Popular UPI App |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Bank | Yes | Yes, for many countries | iMobile Pay |
| HDFC Bank | Yes | Yes, for many countries | HDFC MobileBanking |
| Axis Bank | Yes | Yes, for many countries | Axis Mobile |
| State Bank of India (SBI) | Yes | Partial, in select regions | YONO SBI |
| Federal Bank | Yes | Yes, for many countries | FedMobile |
Best UPI Apps for NRIs
Which app should you choose? It depends on what you value most. Reliability or features.
| App | Works with NRE/NRO? | International Number Support? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHIM | Yes | Yes (official NPCI support) | First time setup and reliability |
| Google Pay | Yes | Select countries are live | Fast payments and wide merchant acceptance |
| PhonePe | Yes | Gradual rollout is happening | Everyday use and a large acceptance base |
| ICICI iMobile Pay | Yes | Yes | Full banking and UPI in one single app |
| HDFC Bank App | Yes | Yes | Tight integration for existing HDFC account users |
My personal recommendation? Start with the BHIM app. It is the official government backed app. It has fewer bugs with international numbers. Once you are comfortable, you can try others like Google Pay for its slick interface.
Top Use Cases of UPI for NRIs
What can you actually do with UPI? A lot more than you think.
| Use Case | Description | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paying Indian Bills Remotely | Electricity, water, DTH, or society maintenance for your home in India. | Free |
| Sending Money to Family | Instantly send money from your NRE account to your family’s UPI ID. No more asking for bank details. | Free |
| Shopping in India | Use any QR code at shops, big or small, from a street vendor to a large mall. | Free |
| Donations and Tuition | Paying for temple donations or your child’s school fees in India directly. | Free |
| Property Related Payments | Sending rent to a tenant or paying for maintenance on a property you own. | Free |
The biggest advantage? The cost. Or rather, the lack of it. Every transaction listed here is free. There are no hidden charges. You avoid the high fees of SWIFT transfers. You avoid the foreign transaction markups on your credit card. The money moves directly from your NRE/NRO account in rupees.
UPI vs Other Payment Modes for NRIs
How does UPI really stack up against the old ways? Let us compare.
| Feature | UPI | SWIFT Transfer | International Debit/Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant | 1 to 3 business days | Instant |
| Cost | Free | High fees per transaction | Forex markups and fees |
| Setup | Easy on your phone | Complex, needs bank visits | Medium, need to carry card |
| Use Case | QR, mobile, online | Sending large amounts | POS terminals, online |
| Currency | INR only | Multiple currencies | Multiple currencies |
See the difference? For everyday payments and sending money to family, UPI is unbeatable. It is instant and free. SWIFT still has its place for moving very large sums of money. But for daily life in India, UPI wins.
Security and Transaction Limits
Is it safe? Absolutely. The system is built with multiple layers of security.
- Two Factor Authentication: You need your phone to get an OTP and your secret UPI PIN to authorize any payment. Someone would need to steal both your phone and your PIN.
- Transaction Limits: For your safety, there is a cap. The standard daily transaction limit is 100,000 rupees. This can vary slightly by bank.
- Encryption: All data is encrypted end to end, regulated by the NPCI and RBI.
Your best practices are simple. Keep your international number active and updated with your bank. Do not share your UPI PIN with anyone. Monitor your bank statements regularly.
Common Questions NRIs Ask About UPI
I get a lot of questions about this. Here are the answers to the most frequent ones.
Can I use my foreign number for UPI without an Indian number?
Yes. That is the whole point of the new system. Your international number is now your key to UPI.
Do I need an Indian SIM card?
No. You do not need an Indian SIM card at all. The entire process, from registration to receiving OTPs, happens on your international number.
Which countries support UPI for NRIs?
As of 2025, the list includes the USA, UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This list is expected to grow.
How can I receive rent payments through UPI?
Easy. Just share your UPI ID (like yourname@icici) with your tenant. They can pay your rent instantly from their UPI app to your ID. The money lands directly in your linked NRO account.
Are there any charges for NRI UPI transactions?
No. There are zero transaction fees for using UPI. It is free to send and receive money.
What if my bank does not support UPI for international numbers yet?
You have two options. You can wait for your bank to roll out the feature. Or, you can open an NRE/NRO account with a bank that already supports it, like ICICI or HDFC. Many NRIs I know have accounts with multiple banks for this very reason.
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