UPI Goes Global: Complete List of Countries Now Accepting Indian Digital Payments

From Singapore to France, UPI is rapidly expanding worldwide. Here's everything you need to know about using your Indian payment apps abroad.

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has evolved from a domestic success story to a global payment phenomenon. With over 12 billion monthly transactions domestically, UPI is now being adopted by countries worldwide. Here's your complete guide to using UPI internationally.

UPI's Global Footprint in 2026

UPI is now accepted in 12 countries with 15 more in various stages of implementation.

Countries Where UPI is Fully Operational

1. Singapore

Status: Fully operational since 2021 How it works: UPI-PayNow linkage Accepted at: All PayNow merchants, hawker centers, malls Transaction limit: ₹1 lakh per transaction Apps supported: PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm

2. United Arab Emirates

Status: Fully operational since 2023 Partners: Mashreq Bank, NPCI International Accepted at: Major retail chains, gold souks, malls Transaction limit: ₹2 lakh per transaction QR codes: NEOPAY terminals

3. France

Status: Operational since 2024 Partners: Lyra Network Accepted at: Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette, tourist spots Special: First European country with UPI

4. Bhutan

Status: Operational since 2023 Coverage: Nationwide, including rural areas Partners: Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan Usage: Perfect for Indian tourists

5. Nepal

Status: Operational since 2022 Partners: Nepal Rastra Bank Accepted at: Major cities, tourist areas Limit: NPR 1 lakh per transaction

6. Sri Lanka

Status: Operational since 2024 Partners: LankaPay Accepted at: Colombo, tourist destinations Growing rapidly: 500,000+ transactions monthly

7. Mauritius

Status: Operational since 2023 Partners: Bank of Mauritius Accepted at: Hotels, shopping centers, restaurants

8. Oman

Status: Operational since 2025 Partners: Oman Banks Association Focus: Large Indian expat community

Countries Launching UPI in 2026

Countries in Discussion

• United Kingdom - Talks with UK Finance
• Australia - RBA exploring integration
• Canada - Pilot program discussions
• Germany - EU regulatory framework review
• United States - FedNow compatibility study

How to Use UPI Abroad: Step-by-Step

Before Travel:

1. Update your UPI apps to latest version
2. Enable international transactions in settings
3. Link cards with international enabled
4. Check daily limits (vary by country)
5. Inform your bank about travel plans

At Merchant Location:

1. Open your UPI app (PhonePe/GPay/Paytm)
2. Select "Scan QR" or "Pay"
3. Scan merchant's QR code
4. Enter amount (auto-converts to INR)
5. Enter UPI PIN
6. Done! Receipt in seconds

Exchange Rates and Fees

Tip: Compare rates across apps before large transactions

Transaction Limits by Country

Benefits of Using UPI Abroad

1. No forex cards needed - Direct bank debit
2. Real-time transactions - Instant confirmation
3. Better rates - Often cheaper than cards
4. Familiar interface - Same app you use daily
5. No currency carrying - Reduced theft risk
6. Transaction history - Easy expense tracking

Limitations to Know

• Not accepted everywhere - Still limited to partnered merchants
• Internet required - Unlike NFC cards
• Daily limits - Lower than credit cards
• Currency fluctuation - Rate locked at transaction time
• Disputes - Cross-border resolution can be slow

UPI International vs Credit Card vs Forex Card

Success Metrics

Global UPI Statistics (Jan 2026):

• International transactions: 15 million/month
• Value: $800 million/month
• Growth: 180% YoY
• Most used corridor: India-UAE
• Average transaction: ₹3,500

Popular Use Cases Abroad:

1. Restaurant bills
2. Shopping
3. Transportation (taxis, metro)
4. Tourist attractions tickets
5. Hotel incidentals

Government's Vision

NPCI International aims to:

• Reach 30 countries by 2028
• Process $5 billion/month internationally
• Become top 3 global real-time payment network
• Enable remittances via UPI

Tips for Travelers

1. Backup payment: Always carry a credit card
2. Test before trip: Do a small transaction locally
3. Save merchant QRs: Screenshot for offline reference
4. Check coverage: Research UPI acceptance at destination
5. Monitor limits: Track daily usage to avoid blocks
6. Enable notifications: Stay updated on transactions

The Bigger Picture

UPI's global expansion represents India's growing soft power in fintech. What started as a domestic initiative to promote digital payments is now becoming a template for real-time payments worldwide. Countries like Brazil (PIX) and Singapore (PayNow) have adopted similar systems, and UPI's interoperability is connecting these networks.

For Indian travelers, this means increasing convenience. For India, it means establishing itself as a global leader in digital payments innovation.