From splitting a restaurant bill to paying for souvenirs, UPI can make overseas spending more convenient for Indian travellers. But a familiar QR code does not guarantee that every merchant will accept it and a payment in a foreign country may involve currency conversion charges and different transaction limits.
Before relying on UPI on your next international trip, check where it works, what it costs and how to protect your money.
Where can you use UPI abroad?
According to the Ministry of Finance, UPI-based merchant payments are accepted at participating locations in Singapore, the UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece.
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) has also partnered with Uzbekistan’s national payment system to enable Indian travellers to pay merchants by scanning its UZQR code.
So, you should check the latest availability through payment app and NPCI before travelling, as acceptance depends on the service, app and participating payment network.
It is important to distinguish merchant payments from cross-border money transfers. For instance, UPI is linked with payment systems in Greece and the Maldives for specific remittance services; that does not automatically mean every shop in those countries accepts UPI.
Six things to keep in mind before paying
Check whether your app and bank support international UPI
UPI acceptance abroad is not universal. Before departure, check whether your payment app and linked bank account support international payments in your destination. You may also need to activate the international payment feature separately.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) advises users to look for the BHIM UPI or partner-network acceptance logo and confirm with the merchant before making a payment.
Check the exchange rate and charges
A purchase priced in a foreign currency is converted into Indian rupees before the amount is debited from your bank account. The final cost can depend on the exchange rate and applicable bank or service-provider fees.
Rohit Mahajan, Founder and CEO of plutos ONE, advises travellers to check the applicable exchange rate, transaction limits and any additional charges before making a payment abroad.
Review the foreign-currency amount, rupee equivalent and applicable fees on the payment screen before authorising the transaction. Do not assume that overseas UPI payments will cost the same as domestic transactions.
Know your transaction limits
International payment limits and eligibility conditions may differ from those applicable to domestic UPI transactions. Your bank or app may also impose its own limits.
Check the permitted transaction amount and any restrictions before travelling, particularly if you expect to make large purchases. Do not assume that your usual domestic UPI limit applies overseas.
Verify the QR code before authorising payment
Scanning a QR code should not become an automatic action. Check the merchant’s name, the amount and the currency displayed on the payment screen before entering your UPI PIN.
Mahajan cautions users to be especially careful when scanning QR codes at unfamiliar locations. Never share your UPI PIN with anyone, including a person offering to help you complete a transaction.
Keep a card or another payment option handy
Even in a country where UPI is supported, you may encounter shops that do not accept it. Connectivity problems, app restrictions or a declined transaction could also leave you unable to pay.
Mahajan recommends carrying an alternative payment method because UPI acceptance varies by country. A card or some local currency can help ensure that you are not dependent on a single payment option.
Check the status of a failed or pending payment
If a transaction appears pending or your account is debited but the merchant has not received confirmation, check the payment status in your app before trying again. An immediate repeat payment could result in a duplicate debit.
Keep the transaction reference and confirmation until the payment is settled. If the transaction fails or the amount is debited incorrectly, raise a complaint through your payment app or bank’s official support channel.
UPI international payments: FAQs for Indian travellers
Can I use UPI at every shop in a country where it is available?
No. International UPI acceptance depends on participating merchants and payment networks. Check for the relevant acceptance logo and confirm with the merchant before paying.
Will I pay in rupees or the local currency?
The merchant may quote the price in local currency, while the amount debited from your Indian bank account is converted into rupees. The final cost depends on the applicable exchange rate and fees. Check the amount shown by your app before authorising payment.
Should I carry cash or a card if UPI is available?
Yes. UPI may not be accepted everywhere, and technical issues can interrupt payments. Carrying a backup payment method can help you avoid being stranded without a way to pay.