In an increasingly interconnected world, the need to send money abroad is more common than ever. Whether it’s for family support, education, business, or travel, international money transfers should be fast, secure, and cost-effective. That’s where India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is stepping up in a big way.
If you’ve ever wondered how to send money via UPI abroad, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll break it down into simple steps, explain how UPI works for international payments, and explore real use cases. Plus, we’ll walk through secure, legal ways to make UPI cross-border payments — all while keeping it friendly and easy to follow.
🌐 What is UPI and How Is It Going Global?
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is India’s real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows instant money transfers between bank accounts using just a mobile number, QR code, or UPI ID — no bank details required.
Originally launched for domestic payments, UPI is now spreading its wings with UPI for international payments — enabling Indian residents to send money overseas using UPI through international partnerships and compliant gateways.
✈️ Can You Send Money Abroad Using UPI?
Yes, but with some conditions.
As of 2025, sending money via UPI internationally is possible thanks to growing tie-ups between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and foreign financial entities. These agreements allow cross-border UPI transactions in several countries.
Countries like Singapore, UAE, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, France, and Nepal have integrated UPI services, enabling seamless cross-border payments with UPI.
🛠️ How to Send Money via UPI Abroad (Step-by-Step)
If you want to use UPI transfer to foreign bank accounts, here’s a simplified process:
🔹 Step 1: Use a Partner App or Bank
Use apps like:
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PhonePe
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Paytm
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Google Pay
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BHIM
These apps support international UPI payment gateway integrations.
Check whether your app is linked to an international UPI corridor (like India-Singapore or India-UAE). Some banks like ICICI, SBI, and Axis Bank offer dedicated global UPI services.
🔹 Step 2: Ensure KYC and Compliance
You must:
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Complete full KYC verification with your bank.
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Declare the purpose of remittance under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
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Adhere to FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) guidelines.
🔹 Step 3: Link Your International Beneficiary
Add the international beneficiary via:
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UPI ID (if the foreign app supports UPI)
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International mobile number
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IBAN/SWIFT details (via UPI-enabled forex partners)
🔹 Step 4: Initiate the Transaction
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Open your UPI app.
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Select “International Payments” or “Cross-Border UPI.”
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Enter the amount and confirm currency conversion.
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Authorize the payment with UPI PIN.
🔹 Step 5: Get Confirmation
Once completed, you’ll receive a receipt with:
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INR to foreign currency rate
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Transaction reference number
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Time stamp and fee breakdown
✅ That’s it — you’ve successfully used UPI for foreign money transfer!
🌍 Countries That Accept UPI-Based Payments (As of 2025)
Here’s a quick snapshot of where UPI abroad service is currently available:
| Country | UPI Partner Integration |
|---|---|
| Singapore | Via PayNow–UPI linkage |
| UAE | NPCI with Mashreq Bank and Lulu Exchange |
| Mauritius | With Bank of Mauritius (BoM) |
| France | UPI-enabled QR in Paris outlets |
| Sri Lanka | Partnered with LankaPay |
| Bhutan | Full UPI acceptance via Royal Monetary Authority |
| Nepal | Integrated for remittances via Fonepay |
These integrations make it easy for Indian tourists, students, and NRIs to make UPI payments in other countries — from hotel bills to school fees.
💸 UPI Transaction Fees Abroad
While domestic UPI transfers are usually free, UPI transaction fees abroad may apply:
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Forex Conversion Charges: Usually 1%–3%
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Transaction Fees: Rs. 50–Rs. 300 depending on the amount and platform
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Bank Processing Fee: Varies by bank
💡 Pro Tip: Always review the charges before confirming the international UPI transaction.
🔒 Is It Safe to Send Money Internationally Using UPI?
Yes, UPI is considered one of the most secure international money transfer options due to:
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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Encrypted Transactions
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Regulatory Oversight (RBI and NPCI)
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Real-time Settlement and Confirmation
With support from government-backed platforms and regulated forex gateways, UPI remittance abroad is not only legal but also safe and efficient.
🏦 Alternatives to UPI for International Transfers
If your destination country doesn’t support UPI yet, here are some alternatives:
💳 1. International Wire Transfers (SWIFT)
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Time: 1–3 business days
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Cost: High (Rs. 1000–Rs. 2500)
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Best for: Large business transfers
📲 2. Digital Payment Apps
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Wise, Revolut, Western Union, Remitly
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Lower fees, fast delivery
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Ideal for remittances to family/friends
🌐 3. Nostro/Vostro UPI Integration
Some Indian banks offer cross-border services using Nostro accounts linked to international UPI corridors.
🧠 Real-Life Use Cases
🎓 Indian Student in Singapore
A father in India pays his son’s tuition in Singapore through UPI using the PayNow–UPI integration. Payment is completed instantly in SGD with low fees.
✈️ Traveler in Paris
An Indian tourist scans a UPI QR code at a Paris café and pays directly in euros from their UPI-linked account — no foreign card needed.
🏠 NRI Sending Money Home
An NRI in UAE sends money to their Indian family via a UPI-enabled exchange partner. Instant deposit into Indian bank account with full traceability.
📌 Pros & Cons of Using UPI for International Money Transfers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Instant transfers | ❌ Limited to certain countries |
| ✅ Low fees compared to SWIFT | ❌ Requires compliant partner apps |
| ✅ No need for full bank details | ❌ Forex charges may apply |
| ✅ Mobile-friendly and secure | ❌ Daily limits under LRS |
📈 Future of UPI in Cross-Border Payments
NPCI plans to expand UPI corridors to more countries by 2026, including:
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United States
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United Kingdom
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Australia
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Canada
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Gulf nations
This expansion will make transfer money abroad with mobile payment even easier — turning UPI into a true global remittance service.
🙋♀️ FAQs: Sending Money via UPI Internationally
1. Can I send money internationally through UPI directly?
Yes, but only to countries where India has signed UPI partnerships (e.g., Singapore, UAE). You must use a compatible app and follow RBI-LRS guidelines.
2. Is UPI a good alternative to wire transfers?
Yes. UPI is faster, cheaper, and more user-friendly than traditional international wire transfer alternatives, especially for smaller remittances.
3. What is the limit for international UPI transfers?
As per LRS, Indian residents can remit up to $250,000 per financial year for permitted purposes like education, travel, and family maintenance.
4. Can I pay foreign merchants using UPI?
Yes, if the merchant accepts UPI QR codes (common in France, UAE, Singapore). More integrations are expected globally.
5. Are there apps that support foreign money transfer via UPI?
Yes — apps like PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, and BHIM now support international UPI payment gateway features in select corridors.
6. Is online money transfer via UPI safe for international use?
Absolutely. UPI uses bank-grade encryption, PIN-based authorization, and is monitored by the RBI and NPCI.
7. Do I need to enable anything special in my UPI app to send money abroad?
Yes, look for “International UPI” options and complete any required KYC/verification. Also, enable international features within your bank account if needed.
🚀 Conclusion: The Smart Way to Send Money Via UPI Abroad
UPI is no longer just a domestic digital payment tool — it’s becoming a secure, efficient, and affordable international money transfer solution. Whether you’re supporting family, traveling abroad, or doing business, sending money via UPI internationally is now a viable and convenient option.
With NPCI’s push for global adoption and seamless integration with mobile wallets and QR systems, the future of UPI money transfer to foreign countries is bright.
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Send Money via UPI Abroad: How to Use UPI for International Payments (2025 Guide)
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Learn how to send money via UPI abroad securely and easily. Discover step-by-step instructions, country lists, transaction fees, and UPI international payment options in this 2025 guide.
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A professional Indian man using a mobile phone for international money transfer via UPI, with a digital globe showing connected countries like Singapore, UAE, France, and Nepal. Display currency symbols (₹, $, €, ₣) and UPI QR code overlay. Modern fintech style, clean background, tech-savvy vibe, global remittance concept.
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