The Big Shift: Your UPI App Goes Global
For years, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been a game-changer for domestic payments in India. Recent directives and partnerships by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), NPCI's global arm, have extended this convenience across borders.
These moves are designed to allow Indian travellers to pay at international merchant locations directly from their Indian bank accounts using the same UPI apps they use daily. This means you can scan a QR code in a Parisian cafe or a Dubai mall and pay in rupees, just as you would at your local kirana store. The system works by linking India's UPI network with the payment systems of partner countries, making international retail payments more seamless and potentially cheaper.
Where in the World Can You Use UPI?
As of mid-2026, UPI is accepted for merchant payments in a growing list of countries, making it a viable payment option for Indian tourists. The network now includes France, the UAE, Singapore, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Qatar. Recently, Greece became the tenth country to join this network through a partnership between Eurobank and NIPL. The availability varies, from select tourist attractions in France to widespread acceptance in Bhutan, which was the first country to adopt UPI payments. In Singapore, UPI is linked with their local PayNow system, enabling smooth transactions. While the list is expanding, it's important to remember that not every shop in these countries will have UPI compatibility, so look for the UPI or partner network logo at the payment counter.
How to Make an International UPI Payment
Using UPI abroad is straightforward, but it requires a one-time activation. Before you travel, open your preferred UPI app (like PhonePe, Google Pay, or others) and enable 'International Payments' or 'UPI International'. This step is crucial and must be done for the bank account you intend to use. Once you're at a supported international merchant, the process is simple: scan their QR code, and your app will display the amount in the local currency and its equivalent in Indian Rupees. You then enter your UPI PIN to authorise the payment. The amount is debited from your Indian bank account in INR, while the merchant receives the payment in their local currency. Recent NPCI guidelines have tightened security, disabling payments made by scanning saved or shared QR codes for international transactions; only live, physical scanning at the merchant's location is permitted.
The Cost: Cheaper Than Cards?
While domestic UPI transactions are free, international payments involve costs. However, they can still be more cost-effective than using traditional credit or debit cards. Your bank will apply a foreign currency conversion markup, which is a percentage fee added to the exchange rate. This is similar to the forex markup on cards, which typically ranges from 2% to 3.5%. The markup on UPI transactions is often competitive. The key is that the exchange rate and applicable fees are displayed transparently in your app before you confirm the payment, giving you clarity on the final cost. Unlike some forex cards that have issuance and reloading fees, UPI has no such charges, though your bank may levy a small service fee for the international transaction.
Know Before You Go: Limits and Tips
Before relying solely on UPI, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there are transaction limits, typically capped at the equivalent of ₹1 lakh per day, though this can vary by country and bank. Second, the success of your transaction depends on the merchant's infrastructure and your app's compatibility. Some travellers report higher success rates with certain apps in specific countries. It is always wise to carry a backup, like a forex card or some local currency, especially when travelling outside major tourist hubs. Also, remember to activate international payments before you leave India and disable the feature upon your return for added security. Your phone will need an active data connection to perform the transaction, so ensure you have an international roaming plan.
