List of Countries Where UPI Is Accepted in 2025 (Latest Update)

Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has transformed how Indians pay digitally. Beyond India, UPI is expanding globally, making it easier for Indian travelers, NRIs, and businesses to pay abroad using familiar UPI apps like PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, and BHIM. 

Countries Where UPI Is Fully Accepted 

Below is the updated list of countries where UPI is accepted internationally, along with launch year, partner networks, and usage details. 

Country 

Year of Launch 

How UPI Works There 

Bhutan 

2021 

BharatQR payments via Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) and NPCI International 

Nepal 

2022 

UPI QR payments enabled through Gateway Payments Service & Fonepay 

United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

2022 

UPI QR codes live at Neopay / Mashreq Bank merchants, malls, and airports 

Singapore 

2023 

Cross-border UPI payments linked with PayNow 

Mauritius 

2024 

Payments accepted at retail & tourist outlets via Bank of Mauritius partnership 

Sri Lanka 

2024 

LankaPay & NPCI International enable UPI through LankaQR network 

France 

2024 

UPI accepted at Eiffel Tower and expanding to tourist merchants via Lyra Network  

Countries With Partial / Emerging UPI Acceptance 

UPI is also being piloted or partially accepted in some countries. Coverage may be limited to selected merchants or tourist areas: 

  1. Qatar – Available at QNB-acquired merchants and some airports/tourist zones. 
  1. Oman, Malaysia, Thailand – Currently in talks or at MoU stage with NPCI; may roll out soon. 
  1. Other Regions – Reports indicate discussions with the US, UK, and European payment networks for future integration. 

How to Use UPI Abroad 

  • Enable International Payments – Some UPI apps (like PhonePe, BHIM) may require you to activate “UPI Global” for international transactions. 
  1. Scan the Merchant’s QR Code – Look for BharatQR/UPI logos or ask the cashier if UPI is accepted. 
  1. Currency Conversion – Payments are usually debited in INR but converted into local currency at bank-determined forex rates. 
  1. Check Fees – Some banks may levy international transaction charges. 

Why UPI Abroad Matters 

  1. Convenience – Pay directly from your Indian bank account without carrying forex or cards. 
  1. Lower Costs – Saves on foreign card markup fees. 
  1. Trust & Familiarity – Same apps and process you use in India. 
  1. Boosts Indian Tourism Abroad – Helps travelers in frequently visited countries. 
Also Check -  New UPI Rules  

FAQs on List of Countries Where UPI Is Accepted

  • Can I use UPI in every store abroad?

    No. Only merchants partnered with UPI-enabled networks (like PayNow in Singapore or Neopay in UAE) currently accept UPI.

  • Do I need an Indian SIM card to use UPI overseas?

    For most banks, yes. However, UPI on international mobile numbers has been rolled out for NRIs in countries like Singapore, UAE, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UK, and USA.

  • Are there extra charges for UPI abroad?

    Banks may apply forex conversion and service fees. Always check with your bank before using UPI abroad.

  • Which UPI apps work internationally?

    Popular apps like PhonePe, Google Pay (India), Paytm, and BHIM are compatible where UPI is enabled.

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