UPI for NRIs can now use UPI in India with international mobile numbers via IDFC First Bank. Send money, pay bills & shop without needing an Indian SIM.
What Is UPI for NRIs?
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized India’s digital payment landscape by enabling instant, secure, and seamless transactions. Until recently, this service was restricted to users with Indian mobile numbers. But in a major move, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended UPI access to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) using international mobile numbers.
This transformation is powered by banks like IDFC First Bank, which now allow NRE (Non-Resident External) and NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account holders to link their global mobile numbers to UPI. It eliminates the need for an Indian SIM card and allows the Indian diaspora to manage payments remotely — for free.
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Supported Countries and Eligibility
NRIs across 12+ countries can now benefit from this feature.
- United States (USA)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Singapore
- Canada
- Australia
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have an NRE or NRO account with a UPI-enabled Indian bank.
- An active international mobile number capable of receiving OTPs.
- UPI apps like PhonePe, BHIM, Paytm, or the IDFC First Bank app must support international linking.
How to Set Up UPI with an International Number
Setting up UPI as an NRI with an international number is straightforward:
- Download a UPI-enabled app (e.g., IDFC First Bank, BHIM, PhonePe).
- Register using your international number.
- Link your NRE/NRO bank account.
- Authenticate via OTP verification.
- Create your UPI PIN.
Once linked, you can:
- Scan UPI QR codes for payments
- Pay utility bills or school fees
- Send/receive money from Indian bank accounts
Key Features & Benefits
The launch of UPI for NRIs with international numbers comes with numerous advantages:
Instant Transactions
Send and receive money within seconds — anytime, anywhere.
Secure Payments
Protected by two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption.
Zero Transaction Fees
Unlike traditional remittance services, there are no hidden fees or commission charges.
Versatile Bill Payments
Manage your Indian financial obligations like:
- Utility bills
- EMIs
- Insurance premiums
- Subscription renewals
Global Convenience
Enjoy seamless financial control without needing to switch SIM cards or fly back to India.
Important Limitations
Despite the benefits, there are a few important caveats:
- No international fund transfers allowed.
- Must comply with FEMA and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.
- Transaction limits apply:
- ₹5,000 during the first 24 hours
- ₹1 lakh daily thereafter
- Max 24 transactions per day
These controls are designed to prevent misuse and ensure secure, compliant usage.
Conclusion
The integration of UPI for NRIs with international mobile numbers is a major step in India’s digital payment evolution. It bridges the financial gap for millions of overseas Indians — from students to working professionals — enabling them to pay bills, transfer funds, and manage Indian expenses without friction.
By removing the need for an Indian SIM and offering zero-cost, secure transactions, banks like IDFC First Bank and innovations by NPCI are positioning India as a global leader in fintech accessibility.
Whether you’re in the UAE, USA, or UK, using UPI is now as easy as opening an app.