The NPCI UPI international plan is no longer just an idea—it’s rapidly becoming a reality. In 2025, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), the homegrown payment system of India, is stretching its wings across borders to countries like the UAE, Singapore, and the UK. What started as a domestic digital payment revolution is now evolving into a global financial powerhouse.
So, what does this mean for Indian travelers, NRIs, international students, and global businesses? Let’s break it down in plain, simple terms.
🌍 The Global Vision Behind NPCI’s UPI International Plan
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is on a mission to make UPI a globally accepted payment method. With partnerships and collaborations in place, UPI for international payments is set to transform how Indians pay and get paid abroad.
This plan isn’t just about convenience—it’s a strategic move to:
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Enable cross-border payments at lower fees
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Support foreign remittances from abroad to India
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Simplify merchant transactions for Indian tourists and NRIs
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Make contactless payment methods abroad more inclusive
In short, NPCI’s UPI international services are tailored to empower Indian users globally while showcasing the strength of India’s digital infrastructure.
🌐 Countries Adopting UPI: Why UAE, Singapore, and the UK?
Here’s why these countries are key to UPI’s international ambitions:
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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Home to over 3.5 million Indians
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High-volume tourism and remittances from UAE to India
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UAE’s financial regulators are pushing for more real-time, contactless payment methods
2. Singapore
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Strategic financial hub in Southeast Asia
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Singapore’s PayNow system has already been linked with UPI
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Supports easy, fast, and secure transactions between Indian and Singaporean residents
3. United Kingdom
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UK has a large Indian diaspora and student population
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Frequent money transfers and merchant transactions
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London-based fintechs are actively partnering with NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL)
✈️ Use Cases: Real-Life Scenarios Where UPI Will Shine Abroad
Here are some ways the NPCI UPI international plan will improve lives:
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An Indian tourist in Dubai paying for a taxi using their UPI app
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A student in London using UPI to split dinner bills with friends
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A family in Singapore sending money to their relatives in India without high remittance fees
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NRIs shopping online in India and paying via international UPI-linked wallets
💡 Key Features of NPCI UPI International Services
The upgraded version of UPI for foreign markets comes with new capabilities and security protocols. Here’s what to expect:
🔐 1. Enhanced Security and Verification
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Two-factor authentication
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Integration with UPI international security protocols
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Regulatory compliance with local data protection laws
🌎 2. Cross-Currency Compatibility
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Automatic currency conversion during payments
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Transparent conversion rates at the time of transaction
🏦 3. Integration with Foreign Banks and Wallets
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Foreign bank UPI transactions will become seamless
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Integration with international apps like PayNow (Singapore), PayBy (UAE), etc.
📲 4. QR Code Payments
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Scan-and-pay at international merchants using your Indian UPI app
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Accepted at cafes, malls, transit, and even vending machines
💰 UPI International Transfer Limits and Fees
One of the biggest questions is: how much can you send and what will it cost?
✅ Limits:
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NPCI is expected to align UPI transfer limits with Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) rules
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Estimated limits: ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh per day, depending on the use case
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Daily limits for merchant payments vs. personal transfers may vary
✅ Fees:
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NPCI has assured low-cost transfers
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Unlike SWIFT or wire transfers, no middlemen banks = faster and cheaper
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Expected fees: under ₹100 per ₹1 lakh transfer (subject to country-specific charges)
🔧 How to Activate UPI for International Payments
If you’re traveling or living abroad and want to use UPI, here’s how to activate it:
🔄 Step-by-Step:
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Update your UPI app to the latest version (e.g., PhonePe, GPay, Paytm)
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Link your NRE/NRO bank account or Indian account enabled for international UPI
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Enable international UPI activation within the app settings
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Accept local country terms (like linking with PayNow or Mashreq Bank)
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Start scanning QR codes or entering recipient UPI IDs
🔔 Tip: Ensure your mobile number is active for OTPs and alerts.
🛠 Supported Apps and Platforms
As of mid-2025, here are some apps and platforms supporting international UPI payment options:
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PhonePe (UAE, Singapore)
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Google Pay (Singapore, UK pilot testing)
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Paytm (in early adoption phase for UAE)
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Bhutan’s Tashi Bank (already linked with UPI for inbound payments)
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Mashreq Neo (UAE) and Liquid Group (Singapore) are key NPCI partners
More countries and apps are being onboarded monthly as per NPCI’s roadmap.
📊 Benefits of Using UPI for Cross-Border Payments
Let’s quickly recap why UPI is a game-changer for international payments:
🟢 For Indian Consumers:
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No need for forex cards or physical cash
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Simple and intuitive user experience
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Transparent transaction tracking and receipts
🟢 For NRIs and Students:
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Easy remittance to India
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No high remittance charges like Western Union or SWIFT
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Fast settlements, usually within minutes
🟢 For International Merchants:
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Access to millions of Indian users
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Low transaction fees and faster settlements
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Real-time payment confirmations
📈 The Bigger Picture: Digital India Going Global
With the NPCI UPI international plan, India is not just exporting technology—it’s exporting a philosophy of digital inclusivity.
Just like Aadhaar revolutionized identity and DigiLocker made documentation paperless, UPI is becoming India’s soft power tool on the global fintech stage.
This move is also aligned with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative and G20 commitments to build interconnected, interoperable global financial systems.
❓ FAQs: UPI for International Payments
1. Can I use UPI to pay in Dubai or UAE?
Yes, NPCI has partnered with local players in the UAE to enable UPI payments at select merchants. Use apps like PhonePe or Paytm if international UPI is enabled.
2. What are the UPI international transfer limits?
Depending on your bank and app, you can typically send up to ₹2–₹5 lakh per day. However, daily limits may vary by destination country and purpose (personal vs. merchant).
3. Is there any fee for UPI transactions outside India?
Fees are minimal—often less than ₹100 for large transactions. It’s significantly cheaper than traditional wire transfers or SWIFT.
4. How do I activate international UPI payments?
Update your UPI app, link a valid Indian account, enable international payments in settings, and follow country-specific guidelines (like PayNow linking in Singapore).
5. Which countries support UPI right now?
As of 2025, UPI works in the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, and the UK (in rollout). More countries like France, Australia, and the US are expected soon.
6. Can foreign users send money to India using UPI?
Yes, select platforms allow foreign bank UPI transactions via NPCI’s global partners. However, it requires linking compatible apps and verifying credentials.
7. Is UPI safe for cross-border transactions?
Absolutely. UPI uses bank-grade encryption, 2FA, and follows strict NPCI UPI international security protocols compliant with local regulations.
🚀 Final Thoughts: The Future of Global Payments Is Indian
The NPCI UPI international plan is setting new benchmarks for global digital payments. Whether you’re shopping in Singapore, dining in Dubai, or studying in the UK, UPI will soon be just as common abroad as it is in India.
This isn’t just innovation—it’s financial empowerment at scale. And as more countries adopt UPI, India’s fintech influence will only grow stronger.
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NPCI UPI International Plan: UAE, Singapore & UK Expansion Explained
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Explore NPCI’s UPI international plan to expand UPI services in UAE, Singapore, and the UK. Learn about international UPI payments, limits, apps, and benefits.
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