How can I use UPI as nri?

Asked by: Loma Gaylord  |  Last update: July 3, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (15 votes)

NRIs can use UPI by linking their NRE/NRO bank account to a supported UPI app (like BHIM, PhonePe, or Paytm) using an international mobile number from approved countries (USA, UK, UAE, etc.). The process involves linking the mobile number to the bank account, verifying it via SMS, setting a UPI PIN with a debit card, and enabling international SMS.

Is UPI available for NRI account?

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.

Which is the best UPI app for NRIs?

Mony is a specialized UPI app available for tourists and NRIs, allowing instant scan-and-pay transactions at millions of merchant locations across India. It offers a secure payment experience without needing multiple cards.

Can I use UPI with US number?

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.

How can a foreigner use UPI in India?

UPI One World is a digital wallet powered by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that allows NRIs and foreign visitors to make payments in India using INR. It is linked to your international mobile number and can be used at stores that accept UPI payments—across cities, towns, and even rural areas.

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44 related questions found

Can I GPay from the USA to India?

Yes, you can use Google Pay from the USA to send money to India by integrating with services like Wise or Western Union within the US Google Pay app, but you need an Indian recipient with a UPI ID or bank account and an Indian phone number to receive it. The US Google Pay app was discontinued in June 2024, so you'll use the Google Wallet app (which is the new name for GPay in the US) to initiate international transfers powered by partners like Wise to send money to India.

How to get UPI id for NRIs?

Download the UPI app and register using the mobile number. Enter your bank details and OTP for verification. Once this is done, a unique UPI ID is created, and you can set up a UPI pin to activate UPI for your NRI account.

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 use Google pay for NRIs?

Unfortunately, you generally cannot use your international Google Wallet to make UPI payments through GPay in India. GPay requires an Indian bank account and phone number, which most travelers and NRIs don't have.

Can NRI use bhim app?

Yes, NRIs can use their international mobile numbers for BHIM UPI app registration. This service is available for INR transactions in India for NRIs from approved geographies, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and USA.

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.

Does Zerodha allow NRI?

You can add resident Indians and NRIs as nominees to your Zerodha account. For NRI nominees, you must provide an Indian address and mobile number. Required details (based on CDSL requirements): Your nominee's identification: PAN, Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence number.

What is the new NRI rule in India?

New rules for NRIs in India focus on stricter tax residency criteria from April 2026, increasing the stay threshold to 120 days for high-income NRIs (over ₹15 lakh Indian income) to become Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR) and introducing "deemed residency" for high-income Indians in tax havens; also, higher TCS thresholds for LRS remittances (to ₹10L) and removal of TCS for education loans are recent changes from Budget 2025-26, alongside increased reporting of foreign assets.
 

How can NRIs use PhonePe?

Download PhonePe, connect your NRE or NRO account to your overseas number, and you're ready to make secure UPI payments in minutes, no matter where you are. Download PhonePe, connect your NRE or NRO account to your overseas number, and you're ready to make secure UPI payments in minutes, no matter where you are.

Can I use UPI without a bank account?

Creating a UPI ID without a bank account is now possible, thanks to platforms like Bajaj Finserv. This innovation allows users to participate in digital transactions without needing a traditional bank account, promoting financial inclusion.

Can Americans use UPI in India?

Yes, NRIs who maintain an Indian bank account (such as NRE/NRO accounts) and have an Indian mobile number linked to that account can easily create a UPI ID. They can use apps like Paytm. The registered Indian SIM must be active to receive the OTP during UPI setup.

How can NRIs use Paytm?

Paytm UPI for NRIs: How to Make Payments in India Using Your International Number

  1. Step 1: Download and open the Paytm app.
  2. Step 2: Enter your international mobile number.
  3. Step 3: Verify your device via SMS.
  4. Step 4: Add your NRE/ NRO bank account.
  5. Step 5: Set your UPI pin.
  6. Step 6: All set! ...
  7. No Local SIM Required.

Can I use GPay from the USA to India?

Yes, you can use Google Pay from the USA to send money to India by integrating with services like Wise or Western Union within the US Google Pay app, but you need an Indian recipient with a UPI ID or bank account and an Indian phone number to receive it. The US Google Pay app was discontinued in June 2024, so you'll use the Google Wallet app (which is the new name for GPay in the US) to initiate international transfers powered by partners like Wise to send money to India.

How can NRI pay using UPI?

Select your bank and link your NRE/NRO account. The app will fetch your account details linked to your registered number. Set up a UPI PIN using an OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Start transacting – send money, pay bills, or scan QR codes for merchant payments.

How to get Indian SIM for NRI?

There are a few documents you will require to avail a SIM card in India.

  1. You will need to submit a copy of your passport and Indian VISA. ...
  2. You will also need a passport-sized photograph. ...
  3. You may also be required to give reference of an Indian local resident.

Which banks allow UPI for NRI?

NRIs can generate a UPI/ VPA ID on ICICI Bank iMobile application by using their ICICI Bank registered Indian mobile number or overseas mobile number from approved geographies, i.e. Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK and USA.

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 NRI use bhim upi?

Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can use the BHIM app for various transactions in India.

Can we create an UPI for a NRE account?

You must hold an active Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) savings or current account in an Indian bank. The UPI linkage must be through an NRE or NRO account. Your international mobile number (the one you currently use abroad) must be linked to your NRE/NRO account with your bank.