Unified Payments Interface, better known as UPI, has transformed how millions of Indians send and receive money. But in 2025, UPI’s story isn’t just about India anymore—it’s about the world. Countries accepting UPI payments are increasing rapidly, marking a significant shift toward global UPI adoption and real-time cross-border transactions.
If you’ve ever wondered where you can use your UPI mobile app abroad or how the system works internationally, this guide breaks it all down.
🌐 What is UPI and Why the World is Watching
UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), allows instant bank-to-bank transfers using a mobile device. It’s a fast, secure, and user-friendly system that has helped India leapfrog traditional banking models into a cashless transactions era.
In 2025, its international expansion is opening new doors for both travelers and businesses looking for UPI-based payments abroad.
🌏 List of Countries Accepting UPI Payments in 2025
Here are the major countries enabling UPI payments as of mid-2025, through direct partnerships, payment gateways, or digital wallet integrations:
🇸🇬 Singapore
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✅ UPI live with PayNow
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Allows real-time transfers between Indian and Singaporean banks
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Ideal for expats, travelers, and business transactions
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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✅ Accepted in thousands of stores via Mashreq Bank and NEOPAY
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Dubai and Abu Dhabi are key UPI supported cities
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Seamless integration with local digital wallets
🇫🇷 France
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✅ UPI available at select merchant terminals in Paris and Nice
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Partnership with Lyra and Banque Populaire
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Tourists can pay via UPI mobile app in retail and hospitality
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
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✅ UPI integrated with the UK’s FPS (Faster Payments System)
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Support through fintech partners like TerraPay and Wise
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Useful for NRI remittances and cross-border shopping
🇳🇵 Nepal
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✅ Full UPI support for both citizens and visitors
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NPCI’s subsidiary, NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), actively expanding services
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Accepted in retail, e-commerce, and educational payments
🇹🇭 Thailand
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✅ UPI payments available via PromptPay-QR code interoperability
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Smooth experience for Indian tourists and students
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Focus on cashless tourism and instant bank transfers
🇲🇾 Malaysia
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✅ Enabled for QR-based transactions via DuitNow
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Expanding across Kuala Lumpur and Penang
🇦🇺 Australia
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✅ Pilots underway with major banks like NAB and Westpac
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Expected to scale by the end of 2025 for UPI-to-AU Pay integrations
🇯🇵 Japan (Coming Soon)
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Currently in talks for QR-code based UPI adoption
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Targeting Tokyo 2025 Expo for full rollout
More countries are in line, including the US, Canada, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, driven by growing demand for seamless UPI cross-border transactions and low-cost remittance solutions.
🚀 What’s Driving Global UPI Adoption?
Several factors are accelerating the global UPI adoption trend in 2025:
✅ 1. Seamless Real-Time Transfers
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UPI’s core promise of instant bank transfer is highly attractive for countries looking to modernize their payment infrastructure.
✅ 2. Interoperability with Local Systems
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UPI works well with local systems like PayNow (Singapore), FPS (UK), and PromptPay (Thailand), enabling cross-border payment solutions with low setup costs.
✅ 3. Boost to Tourism and Retail
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Countries with high Indian tourist footfalls want to offer UPI payment services for better shopping and dining experiences.
✅ 4. Financial Inclusion and Remittance
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UPI’s low-cost structure helps streamline international UPI payment systems, especially for expats sending money home.
📲 How to Use UPI Abroad in 2025
Traveling internationally in 2025? Here’s how you can make UPI-based payments abroad easily:
Step-by-Step:
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Update your UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.)
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Look for “International UPI” or “Cross-border UPI” settings
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Enable it using linked bank KYC
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Scan QR code of a supported international merchant
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Authorize via UPI PIN
Tip:
Use cards linked to your international UPI-enabled bank account like ICICI, Axis, or HDFC for better coverage.
🔐 Is UPI Safe for International Use?
Yes. UPI security features are globally competitive:
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Two-factor authentication
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End-to-end encryption
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Real-time fraud monitoring
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Tokenized transaction IDs
These protocols align with international financial compliance, including ISO 20022 and FATF guidelines.
💡 Real-Life Example: Paying with UPI in Dubai
Neha, a 32-year-old entrepreneur from Delhi, recently traveled to Dubai. At The Dubai Mall, she saw a NEOPAY QR sticker on a café window. She opened Google Pay, scanned the code, confirmed the amount in INR (auto-converted), and tapped “Pay.” Within seconds, the payment was done—with no international card fees or currency exchange headaches.
That’s the power of UPI cross-border transactions.
🏦 Who’s Powering UPI International Expansion?
The push to take UPI global is led by:
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NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) – driving partnerships and tech integration
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Fintech players like PhonePe, Paytm, TerraPay, Liquid Group
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Governments and central banks looking to enhance digital wallet integration and secure payment rails
🔮 What’s Next for UPI in Foreign Countries?
Looking ahead to late 2025 and beyond:
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More countries with UPI infrastructure will emerge in Europe, North America, and Africa
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Dynamic QR codes and AI-powered fraud detection will enhance trust
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UPI integration with CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) is being explored
📘 FAQs About Countries Accepting UPI in 2025
1. Can I use UPI in all countries while traveling?
Not yet. Countries accepting UPI are growing, but support depends on partnerships with local payment providers.
2. Do I need a special account for UPI abroad?
In most cases, no. However, some banks may require enabling international access within the UPI app.
3. Are there charges for using UPI internationally?
Minimal or zero fees in many cases, especially compared to traditional wire transfers or card payments.
4. Can foreigners use UPI in India or abroad?
Foreigners visiting India can now use UPI mobile apps linked with local Indian wallets (onboarding expanding). Some cross-border pilots allow limited use abroad as well.
5. Is UPI better than using a credit card abroad?
For Indian users, yes. UPI is often cheaper, faster, and does not involve hidden FX fees.
6. Which apps support UPI-based international payments?
PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM, Paytm, and banks like ICICI, HDFC, SBI (with international features enabled).
7. How do I know if a merchant supports UPI internationally?
Look for a “UPI accepted here” or supported QR code like NEOPAY, Lyra, or PayNow QR.
🧾 Final Thoughts: UPI is Going Global, and Fast
From Dubai to London and Singapore to Paris, countries accepting UPI are redefining the future of real-time, cashless transactions. Whether you’re a traveler, business owner, or digital nomad, UPI for international payments offers speed, affordability, and security—three things global commerce thrives on.
As we move deeper into 2025, expect UPI payment services across countries to grow exponentially—bringing us one step closer to a truly borderless digital economy.
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