Living abroad and missing the availability of scanning a UPI or QR in seconds? I know UPI is crucial, and all you want is to pay instantly using UPI, just like during odd times. But then a twist comes—your Indian number doesn’t work anymore. Here’s something exciting: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now use UPI with their foreign mobile numbers.
In a move that is changing the game for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), India’s digital payments network has advanced significantly. NRIs can now use their foreign mobile numbers to make UPI payments in India without an Indian SIM card, according to recent updates from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and private banks like IDFC First.
This implies that, like any resident Indian, NRIs can now use apps like Google Pay and PhonePe to pay their rent, send money to family, or settle bills in India.
What’s The Difference?
NRIs with NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts connected to foreign mobile phones were granted access to UPI by the RBI in January 2023. In the months that followed, banks and payment applications further implemented this regulation.
One of the first private banks to entirely implement this feature was IDFC First Bank. The bank announced in a press release on June 25, 2025, that NRI customers from 12 countries—including the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore—can now use their foreign mobile phones to link their accounts to UPI apps.
Who Is Eligible To Use A Foreign Number With UPI?
- It’s either a Non-Resident Ordinary account or a Non-Resident External account in India.
- Make use of an international number with a country code that is allowed.
- Verify that international onboarding is supported by your app and bank.
How Do I Connect My Foreign Mobile Phone Number To UPI?
- Connect your bank account and international mobile number.
- Download an app that uses UPI and accepts international mobile numbers, then finish the onboarding process.
- According to the bank’s guidelines and conditions, the transactions must be approved, as per UPI’s official website.
Which Nations Receive Assistance?
The following nations currently allow NRIs to utilize UPI with their international numbers:
The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, France, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Process Is As Follows:
- Open an NRE or NRO account with a participating bank.
- Give the bank your international mobile number.
- Get an app that supports UPI and connect your account.
- Generate a secure PIN and create a UPI ID.
- As Banks Increase Their Support, More Nations Might Be Added In The Future.
The following banks are listed as supporting the linking of international mobile numbers:
Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, State Bank of India, Yes Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, Canara Bank, City Union Bank, DBS Bank Ltd, Equitas Small Finance Bank.
Which Apps Are NRI-Friendly?
The apps listed below presently facilitate UPI onboarding for overseas numbers, according to data from Mint and NPCI:
- PhonePe
- Google Pay (version for India)
- BHIM
- Paytm (only for certain banks)
- Amazon Pay (limited availability)
This is a financial upgrade for NRIs, not merely a convenience.
The inclusion of NRIs through support for international mobile numbers is an important step as India’s digital payments system grows. This update is a step towards genuinely connecting India with its global citizens, not just a feature. NRIs no longer have to feel disconnected from India’s technological advancements. You can now join the UPI system with just your foreign mobile number—no extra requirements or difficulties.
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