-
No Indian SIM Needed
-
NRIs from 12 countries can now send money, pay rent, and settle bills in India via Google Pay, PhonePe, and more using their international numbers
In a landmark upgrade to India’s digital payments landscape, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in India with their international mobile numbers — no Indian SIM card required.
This change, implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and banks like IDFC First, opens the door to seamless cross-border convenience, reported businesstoday.in.
The update allows NRIs to send money to family, pay rent, clear bills, or scan merchant QR codes across India via UPI apps such as PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM, and Paytm. According to IDFC First Bank’s June 25, 2025 press release, the facility is live for NRI customers in 12 countries: the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, France, and Oman.
How it works
The move traces back to a January 2023 RBI directive, which enabled UPI access for NRIs holding NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank accounts. Banks and apps have now rolled out this functionality, allowing registration and UPI onboarding using foreign mobile numbers with country codes like +1 (USA) or +971 (UAE).
Eligibility checklist
To activate UPI with your foreign number:
-
Hold an NRE or NRO account in India
-
Use a supported international mobile number
-
Ensure your bank and UPI app allow onboarding via global numbers
Supported countries so far:
USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, France, Oman, UAE
More countries are expected to be added as banks expand capabilities.
How to activate UPI as an NRI
- Open an NRE/NRO account with a UPI-enabled bank like IDFC First
- Register your international number with the bank
- Download UPI apps such as PhonePe, Google Pay (India version), BHIM, or Paytm
- Complete onboarding via OTP or biometric authentication
- Start using UPI in India for daily payments
Apps currently supporting NRI UPI onboarding
- PhonePe
- Google Pay (India version)
- BHIM
- Paytm (select banks)
- Amazon Pay (limited rollout)
Compliance and tax implications
- NRE accounts are tax-exempt in India
- NRO income is taxable; TDS applies
- PAN linkage is required to avoid higher TDS (under Section 206AA)
- All UPI transactions are fully trackable by Indian authorities
For NRIs, this update means more than just convenience — it’s a powerful step towards financial integration with India’s booming digital economy.
