India’s flagship digital payments platform, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has expanded beyond national borders and is now operational in several countries worldwide. Indian users travelling abroad can make quick and secure payments at shops, restaurants and service outlets by simply scanning QR codes, much like they do within India.

This development has significantly improved the convenience of cross-border payments, particularly for Indian tourists, non-resident Indians (NRIs) and merchants dealing with Indian customers.

Countries Where UPI Payments Are Currently Accepted

UPI is now live in eight countries outside India, where Indian users can directly make payments using their domestic UPI apps. These countries include:

• Singapore

• United Arab Emirates

• France

• Mauritius

• Nepal

• Bhutan

• Sri Lanka

• Qatar

Through interoperability agreements and local partnerships, UPI-enabled apps allow seamless QR-based payments, eliminating the need for cash or card-based transactions.

How UPI Works Overseas

Indian users can continue to use familiar UPI applications such as PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm while travelling abroad. By scanning a merchant’s local QR code, the payment amount is directly debited from the user’s Indian bank account, while the merchant receives funds through their local payment system.

This system removes the complexities of foreign currency exchange, reduces dependency on cash, and avoids additional card processing charges.

UPI Emerging as a Global Payment Network

India, through the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and its international arm NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), has entered into multiple bilateral agreements to promote UPI as a global digital payment infrastructure.

These partnerships are enabling the adoption of UPI across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, with discussions ongoing to expand acceptance in more regions.

Countries Likely to Adopt UPI Soon

UPI is expected to be introduced in several additional countries in the near future, including:

Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Kenya, Cuba, Colombia, Laos, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Gambia, Fiji, Guyana, Brazil, Lesotho, Maldives and Mongolia.

Key Benefits for Indian Users

With UPI’s international expansion, Indian travellers can now make instant digital payments abroad without worrying about currency exchange, card compatibility or international transaction fees. The facility is especially beneficial for tourists, business travellers and NRIs.

Additionally, some banks and payment apps are beginning to support UPI access for users with international mobile numbers, further strengthening India’s presence in the global digital payments ecosystem.