Can I use UPI with US number?

Asked by: Kaia McCullough IV  |  Last update: August 15, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (14 votes)

Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the US can use their US mobile number (+1) to activate and use UPI for transactions in India, provided they link it to an NRE or NRO account with a participating Indian bank and use apps like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay. This allows seamless payments for bills, merchants, and e-commerce in India without needing an Indian SIM card, but requires setting up the account with an eligible Indian bank first.

Will UPI work with an international number?

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you can use your international mobile number to make UPI payments instantly in India, thereby significantly enhancing your convenience of making everyday payments.

Can I use UPI without an Indian number?

Yes, foreigners and NRIs can create and use UPI IDs, but the pathway differs: NRIs can use UPI with their NRE/NRO accounts and either Indian or eligible international mobile numbers. Foreign residents with Indian bank accounts can use UPI like locals.

Can I use UPI in Canada?

Yes, NRIs can use UPI from their registered overseas mobile number from the approved geographies, i.e. Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK and USA for INR transactions in India.

Can I use Gpay in the USA?

Starting on June 4, 2024, the U.S. version of the Google Pay app is no longer available for use.

NPCI Allows NRIs To Use UPI With International Numbers | The ET Money Show

19 related questions found

Which 7 countries accept UPI?

Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is currently accepted in eight countries— Bhutan, Singapore, Qatar, Mauritius, Nepal, UAE, Sri Lanka and France. Acceptability of India's digital payment network overseas enables Indian tourists to make UPI payments for transactions abroad.

Can you GPay from Canada to India?

You can use Google Pay to send money to friends and family in India using your mobile device. You'll need an internet connection, an Indian bank account and an Indian phone number.

Is UPI allowed for NRI?

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can use the UPI app for transactions in India using their registered overseas mobile number. This facility is available for NRIs from specific approved geographies, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, the UK, USA, France and the Malaysia.

Can I use my Indian phone number in Canada?

Roaming Services from Indian Carriers: Roaming allows you to use your existing Indian SIM card and phone number while traveling in Canada. This option offers convenience, as there is no need to change SIM cards or notify contacts of a new number.

Can I use PhonePe with a US number?

Non-Resident Indian (“NRI”) Users may use/access the PhonePe App by registering through their non-Indian mobile numbers linked with Non-Resident External (“NRE”) / Non-Resident Ordinary (“NRO”) Bank Accounts held with the banks in India.

Can I use Gpay without SIM?

Google Pay can't be used on iPads or tablets, whether they have a SIM or not. To install the app, you'll need an internet connection.

What is * 99 * 99 used for?

It uses USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) technology, which works on basic phones too. This service helps people across India do banking just by dialling *99# from their mobile.

Can I use a US phone number in India?

In India, there are many US phone number providers that offer US numbers. The cost of the number depends on the type of number you choose and the service provider. The price also varies based on the features you select, such as call forwarding, call routing, and other services.

How to setup UPI from USA?

Open the UPI app and select the option to register a new account. Enter your international mobile number (including the full country code, e.g., +1 for USA, +971 for UAE). The app will send a verification SMS from your phone to confirm the number is active and linked to a bank account in India.

Which UPI is best for foreigners?

UPI One World – A Simple Way for Foreigners and NRIs to Pay in India. UPI One World is a safe and easy digital wallet for NRIs and foreign tourists visiting India.

Can NRI use UPI without Indian SIM card?

Until now, using UPI in India meant carrying an Indian SIM card, one more travel hassle you didn't need. PhonePe has turned that page. You can now link your NRE or NRO account to your global mobile number and pay by UPI anywhere in India.

Can I hold USD in an Indian account?

Now a Resident Indian can open and maintain a foreign currency account to retain the foreign exchange acquired through various means as given below. Account can be maintained in USD, GBP and EURO currency.

Can I do UPI from Canada to India?

Yes, UPI can be used in Canada to send money to India. While UPI is primarily an Indian payment system, Western Union allows Canadian users to transfer funds directly to a recipient's UPI-linked bank account.

How to pay in India as a foreigner?

how to pay as a foreigner in India

  1. SIM card. Having a phone number in India will make your life easier in a myriad of ways – too numerous to count. ...
  2. Cash. We recommend that you take rupees from the ATM, rather than trying to exchange money. ...
  3. Wise. I love Wise. ...
  4. Using India's UPI system. ...
  5. The India for Beginners way.

Can Americans use UPI in India?

UPI Payments For Foreigners: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has provided a platform for Indians to send and receive money online quickly and easily. The benefits can also be availed by the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign nationals, as they can make transactions in India using their foreign mobile numbers.

Which is safer, Gpay or Bhim?

3: BHIM UPI has the added advantage of being backed by the government, so it is regarded as safer and secure compared to Google Pay. Though Google Pay has enhanced security features like biometric authentication as well as PIN or pattern, extensive data syncing makes it less secure.

Who owns UPI India?

UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is owned and operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).