UPI for International Payments: Supported Countries, Charges & Limits

UPI has become part of everyday life in India.

By August 2025, people made 20 billion payments through UPI in just one month, showing how widely it is used in everyday life. What’s interesting now is how this familiar way of paying is gradually becoming available outside the country as well.

More destinations are beginning to support UPI for small and routine transactions, which helps travellers and NRIs avoid currency exchanges or having to carry multiple cards. This guide walks you through the countries that currently accept UPI, how payments work once you are there, and the limits you should keep in mind.

What Is UPI International Payment?

UPI began in 2016 as a simple way for people in India to connect their bank accounts and send money quickly through apps they already knew, such as PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm. Today, the same system also works in a growing number of countries.

If a merchant supports UPI abroad, users can pay through the very apps they rely on at home. The payment happens through QR codes or linked identifiers, and the amount is converted into the local currency.

How to Make UPI International Payments from India

Here is a simple walkthrough of how the process works and how people in the USA can send money to India through UPI-friendly channels.

1. Enable International Payments in Your UPI App

Open your UPI app and go to its payment settings. Select the account you want to use, turn on the feature, and confirm it with your UPI PIN.

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2. Use UPI at Stores Abroad

In countries that support UPI, some shops and service providers display international QR codes that can be paid through Indian UPI apps. Open your app, scan the code and enter the amount.

The app shows the converted total in the local currency. Check the details and complete the payment using your UPI PIN.

3. Send Money from the USA to India Through UPI-Linked Services

You cannot send money directly from a US bank account to India using a UPI app, since UPI is not enabled for outbound transfers from the USA. However, some international remittance companies offer UPI as a payout method in India.

With these services, you can enter the recipient’s UPI ID or linked mobile number, and the transferred amount is deposited into their bank account in India.

4. Review Charges Before Confirming

Look at the final amount shown in your app before completing the payment. Some banks or apps may apply forex conversion fees or platform charges.

Supported Countries and Platforms for UPI International Payments

UPI is now accepted in several countries through partnerships created by NIPL. Below is a clear list of countries where UPI has gone live.

Availability may differ across cities and merchants. Check for UPI signage or confirm with the merchant before relying on it.

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Fees and Charges for UPI International Payments

The main cost usually comes from currency conversion. When you pay abroad through a UPI app, your bank applies a forex rate and may add a conversion fee.

Some banks also include a small service charge. Most UPI apps do not add their own fee, but the exchange rate can still affect the final amount you pay.

Many services that send money to UPI IDs add a standard transfer fee along with the currency conversion rate. Platforms like Wise usually show these charges clearly before you pay, which makes it simpler to see how the costs stack up against other options.

Limits and Regulations for UPI International Transfers

UPI international payments follow RBI guidelines and are rolled out through partnerships handled by NPCI International Payments Limited. There isn’t a separate set of rules only for international UPI use.

Instead, banks apply the same checks they use for regular UPI payments, taking into account factors such as your account type, KYC status, and how the account is used. For most people, regular UPI payments are capped at about ₹1,00,000 per day, similar to the domestic UPI limit.

In certain approved cases, such as specific merchant or institutional payments, UPI allows higher limits up to ₹2,00,000. These higher UPI limits are not available for every transaction and depend on how the bank or app treats the payment.

If you need to transfer more than what UPI allows, it is usually better to use a direct bank transfer or a licensed remittance service. These options are designed for higher-value international transfers and are better suited to meet foreign exchange and compliance requirements.

Tips for Safer and Cost-Effective UPI International Transfers

These tips apply when paying at overseas merchants as well as when receiving money through UPI-supported services.

1. Verify QR Codes before Scanning: Only scan QR codes that are clearly displayed by the merchant or generated inside your own app.
2. Check Recipient Details and the Final Amount: Before you enter your UPI PIN, look over the merchant name, UPI ID, and amount shown on your screen.
3. Review Currency Conversion Charges: Banks may add a conversion fee or a small markup, so it helps to check the converted amount before approving the transaction.
4. Use Official and Trusted UPI Apps: Download your UPI apps only from trusted app stores. Installing them from unfamiliar sources can put your phone at risk and may expose your payment details to security issues.
5. Keep Your Phone and UPI App Secure: Use a screen lock, enable biometric login and keep transaction alerts switched on.

Prepare for Travel and Cross-Border Payments the Smart Way

UPI is now a practical option for payments in several countries, and this wider acceptance is making travel and day-to-day spending abroad a lot simpler for many people.

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Frequently Asked Question

Can I use UPI to send money internationally from the USA to India?

Not directly. You can’t use UPI to move money out of a US bank account. However, a few international transfer services can send your payment to India and place it in a bank account connected to a UPI ID.

What currencies does UPI support for international payments?

UPI settles all payments in INR. When you pay abroad, you see the amount in the local currency first, then your bank converts it to INR.

How do UPI international fees compare with wire transfers?

UPI payments usually cost less. You may still be charged a forex conversion fee or a small markup, but these are often lower than the fees for wire transfers.

Are UPI international payments secure and regulated by RBI?

Yes. UPI follows RBI rules, and international transactions are processed through approved partner banks and payment networks.

Can I increase my UPI international limit?

Limits depend on your bank and the UPI app you use. If you need to transfer a larger amount, a bank transfer or remittance service is usually a better option.

What happens if a UPI international payment fails or is delayed?

Most failed payments are reversed automatically. If a payment is delayed or the status is unclear, reach out to your bank or the UPI app’s support team for help.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is based on research and opinions available at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Readers are advised to independently verify any details mentioned here, such as specifications, features, and availability, before making any decisions. Hero FinCorp does not take responsibility for any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or changes that may occur after the publication of this blog. The choice to rely on the information presented herein is at the reader's discretion, and we recommend consulting official sources and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the featured products.