How NRI Can Use UPI for Seamless India Transactions
The focus keyphrase “How NRI can use UPI” is now one of the most searched queries among overseas Indians. Thanks to RBI’s progressive steps and NPCI’s tech upgrades, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now enjoy the same UPI benefits as resident Indians — from splitting bills to paying vendors, all using their international mobile number.
Let’s break it down step by step.
RBI Notification That Changed It All
In January 2023, the RBI permitted UPI access to NRIs using their international numbers linked to NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts.
✅ Source: RBI Press Release, January 2023
How NRI Can Use UPI: Key Conditions
To access UPI as an NRI, you must fulfil the following:
- Have an NRE or NRO bank account in India
- Use a mobile number with country code from these approved countries:
🇺🇸 USA, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇺🇬 Uganda, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇦🇪 UAE, and more - Ensure your bank and UPI app support international mobile number onboarding
Step-by-Step Guide to Activate UPI for NRIs
Here’s a simplified guide to get started:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Open an NRE/NRO account with a UPI-enabled Indian bank |
| 2️⃣ | Register your international number with the bank |
| 3️⃣ | Download a UPI app like PhonePe, GPay, Paytm, BHIM |
| 4️⃣ | Complete UPI setup using your international number |
| 5️⃣ | Start transacting — QR scan, send/receive money, pay bills |
🔐 Note: International numbers must be verified through OTP or biometric, as per app’s protocol.
Which UPI Apps Currently Support NRIs?
As per Mint and NPCI data, some apps that support international onboarding for NRIs:
- PhonePe
- Google Pay (India version)
- BHIM
- Paytm (select banks only)
- Amazon Pay (limited)
📌 Check with your bank and app for latest compatibility.
Benefits for NRIs Using UPI
- 💰 No need to maintain local SIM for payments
- 🏦 Use NRO account to pay rent, school fees, utility bills
- 📱 Secure two-factor authentication for all transactions
- 🌍 One app for India payments – even from abroad
- 🤝 Send money to family or vendors in India instantly
Expert View: What Indian CAs Recommend
“For NRIs who manage family obligations or property in India, activating UPI with an NRO account is a game-changer. Just ensure FATCA/CRS compliance to avoid banking issues.”
— CA Prashanth Iyer, Chennai
Legal Compliance & Tax Note for NRIs
- NRE accounts are tax-free, but NRO accounts are taxable in India
- Ensure TDS on NRO income is properly tracked
- Transactions done via UPI are fully traceable by Indian authorities
- Link PAN to your bank to avoid higher TDS under Section 206AA
FAQs: How NRI Can Use UPI
Q1. Can NRIs use UPI with an international number?
Yes, if the bank and UPI app support the country code.
Q2. Is UPI available for NRE and NRO accounts?
UPI is available for both, with RBI and NPCI approval.
Q3. Is there a transaction limit?
Usually ₹1 lakh per day, but depends on bank & app policy.
Q4. Can I use UPI while living abroad?
Yes. As long as you have an eligible mobile number and bank account, you can transact remotely.
Final Thoughts
The UPI revolution is now global. How NRI can use UPI is no longer a question — it’s a reality. From grocery bills to school fees, NRIs can now transact confidently and legally in India, even with a foreign SIM.
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Summary
How NRI can use UPI: RBI now permits NRIs to link UPI with their NRE/NRO accounts and international mobile numbers. Apps like PhonePe and GPay support this feature for smooth India payments. Here’s how NRIs can activate UPI and start transacting.