Does UPI work outside India

The demand for seamless and instant payment methods has grown globally, with businesses and consumers alike seeking efficient solutions. One such platform, Stripe, is popular for its easy-to-integrate payment processing services.

While Stripe is widely used, there is frequent confusion about its compatibility with UPI (Unified Payments Interface) outside India. Businesses looking to leverage UPI must understand its functionality across borders and explore options to manage international transactions effectively.

What is UPI and how does it work

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows instant money transfers between bank accounts using a mobile device. UPI integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering features like peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers and merchant payments with minimal friction.

Unlike traditional bank transfers requiring account numbers and IFSC codes, UPI operates using virtual payment addresses (VPAs) or mobile numbers linked to bank accounts. This simplification reduces the need for extensive account details and offers a user-friendly interface for seamless transactions.

Key highlights of UPI include:

Ease of use: Users can initiate transactions through apps like Bajaj Pay or their preferred digital wallet without needing extensive banking details.

Security: Two-factor authentication makes UPI a safe and reliable payment method.

Interoperability: It connects multiple banks, making it suitable for diverse banking customers.

UPI’s growth has transformed payment ecosystems within India, and efforts are underway to expand its reach internationally.

Can UPI be used outside India

Using UPI abroad depends on several factors. The following points highlight its current scope:

International availability: UPI is operational in selected countries that have partnerships with Indian payment systems.

Partner banks and applications: Not all UPI-enabled apps or banks allow cross-border payments. It is essential to check app compatibility before travelling.

Limitations on transactions: Some UPI services may restrict transaction amounts or impose additional authentication steps for international payments.

Currency support: UPI payments made outside India are generally processed in Indian Rupees (INR), which may incur currency conversion charges.

Understanding these aspects can help users plan transactions more effectively while travelling.

Countries supporting UPI payments

The adoption of UPI is expanding as global partnerships continue to evolve. Several countries have integrated UPI into their payment infrastructure to facilitate easier transactions for Indian travellers and residents.

Singapore: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and NPCI have collaborated to allow UPI payments within the region.

UAE: Indian tourists and expatriates in the UAE can use UPI at supported merchant locations.

Bhutan: UPI is available through the Bhutanese Rupee payment system.

Nepal: Nepal adopted UPI as part of its domestic and cross-border payment solutions.

Ongoing efforts aim to make UPI accessible across more regions, bringing convenience to global payments.

How to use UPI while travelling abroad

Step	Details
Ensure compatibility	Check if the UPI app and linked bank account support international payments.
Update UPI app	Use the latest version of your UPI-enabled app for better security and functionality.
Activate roaming	Ensure your mobile number linked to the UPI account has international roaming activated for seamless operation.
Check charges	Be aware of potential foreign exchange or transaction fees applicable for international payments.
Secure your account	Use a strong UPI PIN and follow safety guidelines to protect your transactions from fraud.

Benefits of UPI for international transactions

Using UPI for cross-border payments comes with several advantages:

Instant transactions: Payments are processed in real-time without long delays.

Lower costs: Transaction charges for UPI are typically lower compared to traditional remittance services.

Seamless integration: UPI links bank accounts directly, eliminating the need for intermediaries.

Ease of access: Users can rely on apps like Bajaj Pay for smooth transactions abroad.

Security: Advanced encryption and two-factor authentication protect users from fraud.

These benefits make UPI a competitive solution for businesses and consumers managing payments while travelling.