Using UPI from Canada is possible for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) by linking Canadian mobile numbers to NRE/NRO accounts, or by using international transfer services. Key apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm support this, enabling direct transactions with Indian merchants and, for visitors, UPI One World for prepaid, app-based payments.
NPCI guidelines allow UPI Payments to India in INR, via overseas numbers from countries including Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK and USA for INR transactions in India.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system that enables money transfers using a UPI ID, a unique identifier linked to a recipient's bank account. It's a fast, reliable, and convenient way to send money through UPI from Canada to India, ensuring funds reach recipients quickly.
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.
This was highlighted in the PIB release: Foreign nationals and NRIs visiting India can make payments using UPI. Additionally, NPCI introduced UPI ONE WORLD, a solution for inbound travellers that enables them to pay Indian merchants using a prepaid wallet funded by their international debit/credit cards.
How to activate UPI for your International number
Turn on UPI International
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.
You can't use Zelle in Canada - it's for payments between US based banks only. Use this handy guide as a way to find alternative providers to make convenient, low cost, online and mobile payments to Canada.
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.
For credit card purchases you can use Google Pay outside of Canada. For debit card purchases Google Pay is available for use in Canada only.
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.
To send money from Canada to India to an HDFC Bank account, you can opt for their Telegraphic/Wire Transfer service. Simply fill out the remittance form with HDFC Bank's Nostro Account number and SWIFT Code. This secure and user-friendly process facilitates seamless fund transfers.
Paytm, for instance, allows users to activate UPI International for their bank accounts to facilitate these transactions while traveling abroad. The service works in various countries, including Bhutan, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.
A new VPA or UPI ID is created for you when you sign up for Google Pay. The VPA or UPI ID created through Google Pay is the default VPA or UPI ID on your Google Pay account. You can keep the ID you want and delete other associated IDs.
How NRIs can set up UPI payments
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.
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.
For bill payments, the convenience fee depends on the payment method: Credit, debit, or RuPay card: Convenience fee is applicable. Tip: Some bill payment categories don't allow card payments. UPI on Google Pay: No convenience fee.
Say goodbye to the complexities of international money transfers and experience the convenience of Union Bank of India's eRemit service. Whether you need to send money to your loved ones or make business payments across borders, eRemit offers a secure, fast, and hassle-free solution.
A list of major Indian banks supporting UPI for NRE and NRO accounts