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UPI for NRIs: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Paying in India with a Foreign Number

Rajarshi Guha
May 12
2 min read

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), maintaining a separate Indian SIM card just for UPI access has long been a cumbersome financial chore. Fortunately, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) now allows you to link your international mobile number directly to your Indian bank accounts.


Who Is Eligible?

To use UPI with an international number, you must meet three primary requirements:

  • Account Type: You must hold an active NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account.

  • Supported Countries: This facility is currently active for mobile numbers from 12 countries:

    • USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and France.

  • Participating Banks: Major banks like SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank have enabled this feature.


Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Setting up your account is straightforward and does not require an Indian phone number:

  1. Register Your International Number: Contact your bank or log into their NRI online portal to ensure your international mobile number (including the country code) is updated as the primary contact for your NRE/NRO account.

  2. Download a Compatible App: Use an NPCI-approved app that supports international onboarding. Popular choices include PhonePe, Paytm, and the official BHIM app.

  3. Onboard with Your Foreign Number: Open the app and enter your international number. The app will send an automated SMS for verification—ensure you have international roaming or SMS services active on your foreign SIM to receive this.

  4. Link Your Bank & Set PIN: Select your Indian bank from the list. The app will automatically fetch your account details. You will need your Debit Card details (last 6 digits and expiry) to set your secure UPI PIN.


Important Rules and Limits

  • Currency & Compliance: All transactions are processed in Indian Rupees (INR) and must comply with FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) guidelines.

  • Daily Limits: The standard daily transaction limit is generally ₹1,00,000.

  • Cooling Period: For the first 24 hours after setting up a new UPI ID, there is a lower transaction limit of ₹5,000 for security reasons.

  • Usage Scope: You can scan any Indian QR code, pay utility bills from abroad, or transfer money to family members' bank accounts in India. Note that fund transfers from NRO to NRE accounts are typically not permitted via UPI.


For any help regarding your NRO or NRE account , Shares, DMAT. Feel free to write to us https://wa.me/message/2KGAATYMDLUPN1 or reach out at +91 9810915147.

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