The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a widely used digital payment system in India, has expanded its reach internationally, allowing millions of Indian users to make payments abroad. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella body dedicated to promoting retail payments in India, has collaborated with local networks in several countries, including Singapore, UAE, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Bhutan, to accept UPI QR code payments.
Users can now use UPI apps like BHIM, PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm for international transactions. For example, in France, a UPI user can book a visit to the Eiffel Tower by scanning a QR code on the booking website.
Activating international UPI transactions is similar to domestic transactions. Users need to select the UPI International option in their app settings, activate it for their bank account, and enter their UPI PIN to complete the activation.
It’s important to note that international UPI transactions are subject to bank fees and foreign exchange conversion rates. Users should check with their banks for details on these charges.
To activate international UPI on PhonePe, users should:
- Open the PhonePe app and select their profile image.
- Select UPI International from the Payment Settings section.
- Click the Activate button next to the bank account they want to use for international UPI transactions.
- Enter their UPI PIN to complete the activation.
To make international payments with Google Pay, users should:
- Launch the Google Pay app and select Scan QR code.
- Scan the overseas merchant’s QR code.
- Enter the amount payable in foreign currency.
- Choose the bank account they want to use for the payment.
- Enable “UPI International” when prompted on the screen by tapping Activate UPI International.