India’s Unified Payments Interface has become the default way to pay at home, and the obvious question from the diaspora is simple: Can an international mobile number be used to pay in India through UPI? The short answer is that banks in India now enable the onboarding of certain non-resident accounts with foreign numbers from select countries.
In this article, you will explore current country coverage for international numbers and a step-by-step guide to activating UPI for NRIs.
Where is UPI currently supported for NRIs?
After the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) established a framework for non-resident onboarding, often referred to as UPI for NRI, banks have begun offering UPI registration for NRE or NRO accounts, which are allowed to operate with international mobile numbers registered in a set of countries. As of mid-2025, 16 banks including IDFC FIRST Bank are enabling UPI for international numbers from 12 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Different banks have different levels of coverage, and their apps may or may not support UPI. Older versions of reports may show a shorter list; thus, it is always advisable to confirm with your bank and the UPI app. These rollouts build on NPCI operating circulars that permit onboarding of non-resident account types with international numbers, provided the bank follows applicable RBI and FEMA norms. In practice, this means only eligible account categories, appropriate verification, and risk checks are allowed.
How to Activate UPI on Your NRI Account
The steps are straightforward for your NRI account however, exact screens differ by app and bank. Ensure your bank confirms support for your country code and international number before you begin.
Confirm eligibility: Hold an active NRE or NRO savings account with a bank that supports onboarding with an international number. The mobile number on the bank’s records should be your current foreign number.
Update KYC if required: If your bank asks for refreshed KYC or proof of overseas address, complete those checks first. This prevents errors during mobile verification.
Install a supported UPI app: Use a UPI app that recognises international numbers for your bank. Availability differs by institution and app, so verify compatibility on the bank’s site or help centre before setup.
Register with your international number: Open the app, choose the country code for your foreign number, and start registration. Keep your number active to receive the one-time code. Some banks also use device binding checks during this step.
Link your bank account: Select your bank, fetch your account, and link it to UPI. The app will match your registered international number to your NRI account before allowing linkage.
Set your UPI PIN: Create or reset the UPI PIN using your debit card details or as guided by the app. Keep this confidential and avoid sharing screenshots or codes.
Test a small payment: Try a low-value payment to a trusted contact or a verified merchant in India. Review daily and per-transaction limits, and check any fees set by your bank or app.
Practical Checks Before You Start
Here are the practical checks before you start:
Your country code must be on your bank’s list of supported countries. Coverage can change.
The international number must be the one on your bank profile; update it first if needed.
Keep roaming or message reception active to receive verification codes.
Conclusion
UPI access for NRIs has expanded through bank-led support for select international numbers, with a clear path to activation once an eligible NRE or NRO account is established. The countries currently seen across many bank rollouts include Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, NRIs should confirm the latest coverage with their own bank and the app they choose. For product specific features or charges, you can visit the official websites of established banks like IDFC FIRST Bank.