UPI International: How Indians Can Pay Globally in 2025
UPI International: How Indians Can Pay Globally in 2025
UPI International allows Indians to pay seamlessly across borders in 2025. Learn how to activate UPI for global use, supported countries, benefits, safety, and more. Travel cashless, shop globally, and stay connected with India's fastest payment innovation.
📌 Introduction: The Future of Payments Is Here
In 2025, India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is no longer just a domestic success story. It has gone international, allowing Indian travelers, students, professionals, and NRIs to make payments abroad directly from their Indian bank accounts. Welcome to the world of UPI International, a smart, fast, and safe way to go cashless — even outside India.
🌐 Developed by NPCI – National Payments Corporation of India, UPI is now accepted in multiple countries, empowering millions of Indians globally.
🌎 What is UPI International?
UPI International is an upgraded version of UPI that allows cross-border payments in real-time. It's designed to:
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Facilitate seamless payments abroad
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Allow currency conversion at live rates
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Enable merchant payments via QR codes
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Avoid the hassle of carrying forex or cards
UPI International is driven by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) — the global arm of NPCI.
📍 Countries Where UPI is Accepted in 2025
As of July 2025, Indians can use UPI for payments in the following countries:
| Country | UPI Partner | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | PayNow | Shopping, restaurants, taxis |
| UAE | Mashreq, Lulu Exchange | Retail stores, remittance |
| Nepal | Himalayan Bank | General payments |
| Bhutan | Royal Monetary Authority | Tourism services |
| Sri Lanka | LankaPay | Transport, dining, services |
| France | Lyra | POS payments, cafes, stores |
| UK, Europe | Under phased integration | Business & tourism transactions |
🔗 Related Link: Latest Update on UPI Global Integration – Times of India
🛒 How to Use UPI International?
Step-by-Step Process:
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Download a UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, Paytm)
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Enable “International Usage” under payment settings
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Visit a store that displays the UPI QR code
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Scan the QR code via your app
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Enter the amount (app will auto-convert currency)
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Confirm with UPI PIN
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Done! Payment processed in seconds
✔️ Note: Ensure your bank supports UPI international transactions
🔗 How to Set Up UPI International – PhonePe Help: https://www.phonepe.com/help/upi/upi-international/
💸 Why Indians Love UPI International in 2025
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Payments | Instant payment abroad using INR |
| No Hidden Charges | Transparent currency conversion |
| No Forex Hassles | No need for foreign currency exchange |
| Global Acceptance | Growing merchant partnerships globally |
| Trackable & Secure | Full history in UPI app, encrypted system |
🔐 Is It Safe to Use UPI International?
Yes. UPI International is backed by:
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2-Factor Authentication
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Secure PIN entry
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NPCI monitoring
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End-to-End Encryption
Every transaction is recorded and auditable, ensuring transparency and fraud protection.
🔗 More on UPI Security – BHIM UPI Official Site
🧾 UPI International vs Forex Cards: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | UPI International | Forex Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | App-based | Physical card required |
| Charges | Low | High FX mark-up fees |
| Real-Time FX Rates | Yes | Preloaded only |
| Activation | Instant | Needs application |
| Risk of Loss | Low (app-based) | High (card theft) |
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✈️ Travelers: Avoid forex queues at airports
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🧑🎓 Students: Manage pocket money while abroad
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👨💼 Professionals: Pay for hotels, business travel
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👵 Elderly Tourists: Pay easily without learning new systems
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📦 NRIs: Send money to India or shop when visiting
📊 UPI Growth Stats You Should Know (As of 2025)
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🌐 Over 400 million active UPI users
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💳 Over 12 billion transactions/month
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🌍 Accepted in 7+ international markets
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🏦 Partnered with 50+ banks and PSPs worldwide
🔗 Data Source: NPCI Annual Report 2024–25
🚀 UPI International: The Digital Rupee’s Passport to the World
UPI has revolutionized digital payments in India. Now, UPI International is India’s global payment passport. Whether you're shopping in Singapore, attending university in the UK, or vacationing in France — your UPI app is all you need.
UPI International is not just a fintech upgrade — it’s a financial freedom tool. With minimal fees, maximum security, and growing international coverage, it’s the smartest way for Indians to go cashless abroad in 2025.