UPI Goes Global: The New Cross-Border Push
India’s homegrown payment network, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), is no longer limited to domestic transactions. With the rise of Cross-Border UPI, Indian travelers can now scan foreign QR codes and pay directly from their Indian bank accounts — without swiping cards or carrying cash.
According to Upi International Rollout, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with multiple countries and payment networks to expand UPI’s reach globally. These collaborations let users make payments in local currencies, while funds are deducted from their Indian bank accounts in INR, with transparent forex conversion.
This global expansion aligns with RBI’s vision of building a “borderless payments layer” that serves both travelers and small exporters. It’s a step towards making UPI the “Indian Rupee everywhere” brand.
Insight: UPI abroad means no more currency exchange counters — your Indian bank balance now travels with you.Where Can You Use UPI Abroad?
Cross-Border UPI is already live or being rolled out across several destinations popular with Indian travelers and workers. These partnerships are handled by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), which signs tie-ups with regional payment systems and banks.
As per Npci Cross Border Partnerships, the current and upcoming list includes:
- Singapore: Integrated with PayNow for two-way transfers between Indian and Singaporean accounts.
- UAE: Accepted across select Dubai and Abu Dhabi merchants via Mashreq Bank and Network International.
- Nepal: Linked with Himalayan Bank and Gateway Payments Service for direct UPI QR payments.
- Bhutan: In collaboration with Royal Monetary Authority for tourism payments.
- France & UK: Pilots under discussion with Worldline and PayXpert for 2025 rollout.
NPCI’s roadmap aims to cover 10+ countries by 2026, focusing on corridors with strong Indian travel and remittance traffic. For instance, UPI transactions for students in Singapore or tourists in Dubai are now almost instant — processed via NPCI’s global partner gateways.
Tip: Always look for the “UPI accepted here” logo at foreign merchants before scanning the QR — conversion happens automatically.How Cross-Border UPI Works Behind the Scenes
At its core, Cross-Border UPI uses the same foundation as local payments — only with an added layer of forex conversion and settlement. When you scan a QR abroad, your payment goes through an intermediary network that links your UPI ID with the partner country’s local payment system.
Based on Upi Forex Settlement Model, the behind-the-scenes flow works like this:
- You scan a foreign merchant’s QR code via your UPI app.
- The app displays the equivalent INR and foreign amount.
- NPCI’s global settlement layer handles real-time conversion through authorized forex partners.
- The foreign merchant gets paid in their local currency instantly.
UPI’s back-end partnerships with Mastercard Cross-Border Services and local banks ensure compliance with both countries’ AML and KYC rules. The exchange rate used is displayed upfront, ensuring transparency — something traditional card networks often hide in fine print.
This architecture makes UPI’s cross-border version faster, cheaper, and more transparent than card-based international transactions.
Insight: Cross-Border UPI removes hidden conversion fees — what you see in your app is exactly what you pay.Tips for Travelers Using UPI Overseas
Before traveling, check if your bank and UPI app support international QR payments. Many leading apps like PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, and Google Pay are gradually enabling the feature through select partner banks such as SBI, Axis Bank, and ICICI.
Under Upi Safety And Limits Abroad, RBI has capped international UPI transactions at ₹1 lakh per day, though partner countries may have their own local limits. For added safety, users must explicitly enable the “International UPI” option in their app settings before traveling.
Tips to ensure smooth cross-border UPI use:
- Activate “International Payments” in your UPI app before departure.
- Check merchant compatibility — look for UPI or PayNow QR signs.
- Keep mobile data active; most apps need minimal connectivity for QR verification.
- Confirm currency rates displayed before confirming a payment.
- Disable international mode after your trip to avoid unauthorized access.
Cross-Border UPI isn’t just convenient — it’s a strategic move that positions India as a fintech exporter. It gives travelers an Indian alternative to cards and cash while showcasing the scalability of UPI as a global standard.
Tip: UPI abroad is still expanding — always keep a backup card, but try the QR for a faster, cheaper experience.In 2025, Cross-Border UPI stands where UPI was in 2018 — small, promising, and growing fast. As RBI and NPCI build more partnerships, the dream of paying in rupees anywhere in the world is getting closer to reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Cross-Border UPI?
It allows Indian users to make payments abroad directly from their bank accounts using UPI apps, through international tie-ups managed by NPCI.
2. Which countries currently support UPI abroad?
UPI is live in Singapore, UAE, Nepal, Bhutan, and expanding to France and the UK soon.
3. How does UPI handle currency conversion?
Payments are auto-converted through NPCI’s forex partner network, showing exact exchange rates before confirmation.
4. Is there a transaction limit for Cross-Border UPI?
Yes. RBI currently caps it at ₹1 lakh per day, though partner countries may set their own lower limits.
5. Do I need to activate Cross-Border UPI before traveling?
Yes. You must enable “International Payments” in your UPI app settings and ensure your bank supports the feature.