To set up UPI as an NRI, first link your international mobile number to your Indian NRE/NRO bank account with your bank, then download a UPI app (like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) that supports international numbers, register with your international number, verify it via SMS, link your Indian bank account, and finally set your UPI PIN to start transacting in India.
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.
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.
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.
Activating UPI international transactions on the Paytm app is simple. Users can activate it with a one-time setup linked to their bank account or enable it instantly by scanning a UPI-enabled QR code abroad.
UPI set up process for NRIs
The most popular ones are BHIM UPI, Google Pay, and PhonePe. Select one app, and download and install it on your phone.
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.
Yes, UPI is safe for NRIs as it follows RBI guidelines, uses secure authentication, and requires user authorization for every transaction. Using trusted platforms ensures additional security and transparency.
To activate your UPI One World wallet, carry these:
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.
You can have multiple UPI IDs for the same bank account. This lessens payment delays or failure and is secured by Google Pay. There are ways to create an additional UPI ID: When you set up a new account with Google Pay, you can create more than one UPI ID.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For NRIs:
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.
Paytm: Wide range of services including wallet, UPI, payments, and investments. Slightly higher app clutter and notifications. Key Takeaway: Google Pay is ideal for simplicity, PhonePe for comprehensive features, and Paytm for those who prefer wallet integration along with payments.
Cross-border UPI:
The Google Pay limit for 24 hours is Rs. 1,00,000. Additionally, you can make a maximum of 20 transactions through GPay or other UPI apps within a time frame of 24 hours.
Based on transaction volume data, some of the top banks for UPI remittances include the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Punjab National Bank. Many banks, including HDFC and SBI, offer high UPI transaction limits, typically up to ₹100,000 INR per transaction.
UPI excels in India for peer-to-peer transfers, offering instant, free transactions using mobile numbers or QR codes. Zelle is ideal for quick, domestic U.S. transfers between bank accounts. Lightspark outperforms both by enabling instant, low-cost global transfers, eliminating geographical limitations.