Can You Use UPI for International Payments? What’s Possible in 2025

Unified Payments Interface has revolutionised how India pays. It’s fast, free (or low-cost), secure, and incredibly convenient. From splitting dinner bills to paying rent or shopping online, it has become the country’s favourite way to send money instantly. However, one question keeps arising: Can you use this system for international payments? And what might change by 2025?

If you’re someone who uses a UPI app daily, understanding the scope and limitations of UPI for cross-border payments is important. In this post, let’s examine the current state of international use, the emerging partnerships, and what is likely to be possible in 2025.

What Is UPI and Why Is It So Popular?

UPI is India’s real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It enables instant fund transfers 24/7 using smartphones. The app allows users to link multiple bank accounts, generate a UPI ID, and make payments or request money with just a few taps.

Key reasons for its popularity include:

• Ease of use

• Instant transactions

• Interoperability across banks

• Zero or minimal transaction fees

• High security with PIN and 2FA

UPI has quickly become the preferred method for making everyday payments, paying bills, and conducting business transactions.

UPI’s Expanding Global Footprint

Yes, UPI is increasingly usable for international payments in 2025. India’s NPCI is actively working to globalise it, aiming for seamless cross-border transactions for Indian travellers and potential international remittances.

• Expanding Global Footprint:

1. As of mid-2025, this payment system is live in several countries: Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and the UAE.

2. Indian travellers can use their existing UPI App linked to their Indian bank account to make payments in these countries.

3. NPCI has ambitious plans to expand this to 4-6 more countries by the end of 2025, targeting nations like Qatar, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries.

4. This expansion is driven by bilateral agreements (through NIPL) and multilateral initiatives, such as Project Nexus by BIS, which aim to connect instant payment systems globally.

• How International UPI Works (for Indian Residents Abroad):

1. Use your existing app connected to your Indian bank account.

2. Transactions are processed in the local currency, with the equivalent Indian Rupee amount debited from your account.

3. Real-time currency conversion makes the process transparent.

• UPI for NRIs:

1. Many apps and banking applications now allow NRIs to link their international mobile numbers to their NRE/NRO accounts.

2. This enables NRIs to use this payment system for domestic Indian transactions (e.g., bill payments, merchant payments) with their international numbers.

What’s Possible in 2025?

• Ongoing discussions for integrating UPI with other global payment systems.

• Exploration of central bank-to-central bank transfers using this payment system infrastructure.

• Focus on facilitating easier international remittances.

• UPI’s domestic success (over 18 billion transactions in May 2025) highlights its potential for global scalability.

Benefits of UPI for International Payments

If these trends hold, using UPI internationally could transform personal finance for Indians:

• Lower Fees: Cheaper than traditional remittance or card-based FX charges.

• Instant Transfers: No waiting for days for cross-border SWIFT transactions.

• User-Friendly: Same familiar app interface for domestic and international payments.

• Transparent Exchange Rates: No hidden markups or surprises.

Conclusion

The future of UPI is undeniably global. While you can’t yet pay every international merchant or send money to any country with your app, 2025 promises exciting new possibilities. More country partnerships, easier travel payments, and low-cost remittances could become the norm.

If you want a smooth, user-friendly experience to check balance, track payment history, pay bills, or pay contacts easily, Bajaj Finserv’s UPI-powered services make managing your finances simple, safe, and efficient. Get ready to embrace the future of payments—both in India and around the world.