11:30PM: UPI has taken a significant step toward global use. Paytm and PhonePe have introduced a new “International UPI” section inside their UPI settings. It allows users to enable payments outside India using the same Indian bank account and UPI PIN.
This is the first time Indian apps have offered a built-in international toggle, giving users direct control over cross-border UPI payments. The rollout is being accepted across more regions, such as the UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and France; the newest addition, Bahrain, will soon. The new update brings a full self-activation model directly within Paytm and PhonePe. In short, UPI is no longer domestic-only; it’s becoming globally usable.
UPI Goes Global: What the New Option Means
The new International UPI toggle enables:
- Merchant payments abroad
- Peer-to-peer transfers (country dependent)
- Receiving money from abroad (PhonePe)
- Payments from the same linked Indian bank account
Unlike this, India’s older international payment methods—forex cards, international debit cards, and wallet-based QR systems—required separate charges, activation steps, or currency conversions.
International UPI, on the other hand, keeps the process pure UPI, with instant settlement and a familiar interface.
PhonePe Goes One Step Ahead: Receive Money From Abroad
PhonePe has added a new capability: receiving money from Singapore, with Bahrain support coming soon.
How it works:
- Go to Profile & Payments
- Open Permissions
- Enable Receive Payments Outside India
- Done!
Currently live only in Singapore, this marks the first time major inbound remittances are flowing through UPI rails. Once active, the user can share their UPI ID with contacts abroad to receive money directly in their Indian bank account.
PhonePe is also offering up to ₹1,000 cashback for the first three international UPI payments done from the UAE, Singapore or Sri Lanka — accelerating user adoption.
Countries Where UPI Is Active
| Country | Status | What Works |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | Live | Scan NeoPay QR at 1,000+ outlets (such as -Tim Hortons, Crocs, malls & landmarks) |
| Singapore | Live | PayNow–UPI transfers + LiquidPay/NETS QR payments |
| Sri Lanka | Live | QR payments under LankaPay |
| Nepal | Live | QR payments through integration with Nepal’s Fonepay network. |
| Bhutan | Live | QR payments for tourists; first country outside of India to accept UPI via the BHIM app. |
| Mauritius | Live | Tourism & merchant QR support |
| France | Live | QR payments available for Indian tourists, starting with the Eiffel Tower and expanding to other tourist spots. |
| Bahrain | Rolling out | Real-time remittances through the Fawri+ corridor |
| Qatar | live | Indian travellers can use UPI at airports, malls, and hospitality outlets; accepted at all Lulu Hypermarket outlets as of October 2025. |
| Cyprus | Active | Integration through a partnership with Eurobank Cyprus. |
| India | Base network | Full domestic UPI ecosystem |
UPI’s global footprint is expanding steadily. Some countries support retail payments, while corridors like Singapore and Bahrain now enable actual person-to-person money transfers.
How to Activate International UPI (Paytm & PhonePe)
user can enable it –
- Open Paytm or PhonePe
- Go to Profile
- Tap UPI & Payment Settings
- Select International UPI
- Choose the bank account
- Tap Activate
- Send verification SMS (it goes under 30 seconds)
- Select validity such as – 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month or 3 months
- Enter UPI PIN
- All done, now it’s active.
Supported Banks:
- SBI
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Kotak (coming soon)
Are There Any Charges?
Banks apply standard forex fees on international UPI transactions. the basic rate is 2% to 3% of the amount converted.
Domestic UPI remains free, but cross-border payments follow international settlement rules, which carry charges similar to card-based foreign payments.
Why This Update Matters
This rollout marks an important shift for India’s digital payments network for three key reasons:
1. UPI enters its global phase
For the first time, the two largest UPI apps now include a permanent section for international payments.
This signals UPI’s transition from a domestic tool to a multi-country payments system.
2. Bahrain strengthens UPI’s remittance network
With over 3.2 lakh Indians living in Bahrain, the new UPI–Fawri+ corridor will enable faster and cheaper transfers.
Traditional remittance costs of ₹300–₹700 per transaction could fall sharply as instant UPI-based transfers roll out.
3. Apps get ready for peak travel season
UAE, Singapore and Sri Lanka are among India’s top travel destinations. The new toggle lets users activate international payments before travelling, without depending on bank visits or international card settings.
UPI topic – UPI Limit Increased: Now Pay Up to ₹5–6 Lakh on PhonePe, Google Pay & Paytm — Check Your Bank’s Limit
