NRIs Can Now Use UPI in India with Foreign Mobile Numbers

By mid-2025, NRIs can use UPI with international mobile numbers for secure payments in India, supported by major banks. This removes the Indian SIM requirement, enabling convenient digital transactions like bill payments, rent, and family money transfers across over 10 countries.

Key Takeaways

• NRIs can use UPI in India mid-2025 with foreign mobile numbers, no Indian SIM required.
• IDFC First Bank and ICICI Bank support UPI payments from 10+ countries using international numbers.
• NRIs can pay bills, send money, and shop in India through UPI apps like Google Pay.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in India 🇮🇳 with their foreign mobile numbers, without needing an Indian SIM card. This change, which took full effect in mid-2025, is a major step for the Indian diaspora. It allows NRIs to pay rent, send money to family, settle bills, and make purchases in India 🇮🇳 using popular UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe, just like residents. This new rule removes a big barrier for millions of Indians living abroad who want to stay connected to India’s digital economy.

Let’s break down what this means, how it works, and why it matters for NRIs, their families, and the Indian economy.

NRIs Can Now Use UPI in India with Foreign Mobile Numbers
NRIs Can Now Use UPI in India with Foreign Mobile Numbers

What’s Changed: UPI Access for NRIs Without Indian SIM Cards

Who: NRIs with NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts in Indian banks
What: Can use UPI in India 🇮🇳 with their international mobile numbers
When: Fully rolled out by mid-2025
Where: Across India 🇮🇳, with support for NRIs in countries like the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Australia 🇦🇺, Canada 🇨🇦, Singapore 🇸🇬, and more
Why: To make digital payments easier for NRIs and help them manage money in India 🇮🇳
How: By linking their foreign mobile number to their Indian bank account and using UPI-enabled apps

This change means NRIs no longer need to keep an Indian SIM card active just to use UPI. Instead, their foreign mobile number—registered with their NRE or NRO account—is enough.


How Banks and the NPCI Made This Possible

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) first announced in January 2023 that NRIs with NRE or NRO accounts could use UPI with international mobile numbers. Over the next two years, banks and payment service providers worked to make this a reality.

Key Bank Rollouts

  • IDFC First Bank:
    On June 25, 2025, IDFC First Bank launched UPI payments for NRIs using international mobile numbers. This service is free and available in 12 countries, including Australia 🇦🇺, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, United States 🇺🇸, Singapore 🇸🇬, and others. NRIs can link their NRE/NRO accounts to UPI apps without needing an Indian SIM card.

  • ICICI Bank:
    ICICI Bank has offered this feature since early 2024, supporting NRIs in 10 countries such as Australia 🇦🇺, Canada 🇨🇦, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore 🇸🇬, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, and United States 🇺🇸. Their iMobile app lets NRIs scan Indian QR codes, send money to Indian UPI IDs, mobile numbers, or bank accounts—all using their international mobile number.

The Role of NPCI

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs UPI, built the technology to support linking international mobile numbers to Indian bank accounts. NPCI’s work made it possible for banks to offer this service and for UPI apps to recognize foreign numbers as valid for Indian payments.

For the latest list of supported countries and banks, NRIs can check the official NPCI UPI for NRIs page.


What NRIs Can Do With UPI in India 🇮🇳

This new feature opens up many possibilities for NRIs:

  • Pay Rent and Bills:
    NRIs can pay rent, electricity, water, and other utility bills in India 🇮🇳 directly from their NRE or NRO account using UPI.

  • Send Money to Family:
    Money can be sent instantly to family members’ Indian bank accounts or UPI IDs, making it easier to support loved ones.

  • Shop and Pay Merchants:
    NRIs can scan any Indian UPI QR code at stores, restaurants, or online merchants and pay directly in Indian Rupees (INR).

  • No Need for Indian SIM:
    All these actions can be done using the NRI’s foreign mobile number, as long as it’s linked to their Indian bank account.

  • Use Popular Apps:
    Apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and bank-specific apps (such as ICICI iMobile and IDFC First Bank’s app) support this feature.

  • No Foreign Exchange Fees:
    Since transactions are in INR and from an Indian account, there are no extra currency conversion charges.


Step-by-Step: How NRIs Can Start Using UPI With a Foreign Mobile Number

Here’s a simple guide for NRIs who want to use UPI in India 🇮🇳 with their international mobile number:

  1. Open an NRE or NRO Account:
    Make sure you have an NRE or NRO account with an Indian bank that supports UPI for NRIs.

  2. Register Your International Mobile Number:
    Link your foreign mobile number to your Indian bank account. This usually means updating your contact details with the bank and making sure you can receive international SMS messages.

  3. Download a UPI-Enabled App:
    Choose an app that supports this feature. Options include Google Pay, PhonePe, or your bank’s own app (like ICICI iMobile or IDFC First Bank’s app).

  4. Set Up UPI:
    Register your international mobile number on the app. You’ll need to verify your number and create a UPI PIN, which is a secret code for making payments.

  5. Start Making Payments:
    You can now scan QR codes, send money to UPI IDs, Indian mobile numbers, or bank accounts instantly.

  6. Check Transaction Limits:
    Each bank may have its own limits on how much you can send or spend per day. Check with your bank for details.


Which Countries Are Supported?

As of 2025, the following countries are supported by major Indian banks for UPI payments using foreign mobile numbers:

  • ICICI Bank:
    Australia 🇦🇺, Canada 🇨🇦, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore 🇸🇬, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, United States 🇺🇸

  • IDFC First Bank:
    12 countries including Australia 🇦🇺, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, United States 🇺🇸, Singapore 🇸🇬, and others

NPCI continues to update the list of supported countries and banks. NRIs should check with their bank or the NPCI official website for the latest information.


Why This Matters: Impact on NRIs and Their Families

This change brings several benefits:

  • Convenience:
    NRIs no longer need to keep an Indian SIM card active, which was often costly and inconvenient.

  • Instant Payments:
    Money moves instantly, whether paying bills, sending money to family, or shopping in India 🇮🇳.

  • Cost Savings:
    No foreign exchange fees or hidden charges, since transactions are in INR and from Indian accounts.

  • Security:
    UPI is known for its strong security features, including two-factor authentication and UPI PINs.

  • Financial Inclusion:
    NRIs can participate more fully in India’s digital economy, helping their families and managing their Indian financial affairs with ease.


What Experts and Banks Are Saying

Ashish Singh, Head of Retail Liabilities at IDFC First Bank, explained, “Our vision has always been to simplify and enhance banking, making it accessible no matter where our customers are located. The launch of UPI services on international mobile numbers is a testament to our commitment to innovation and catering to the unique needs of the NRI diaspora.”

NPCI, the organization behind UPI, continues to expand UPI’s reach. Their goal is to make digital payments easy for all Indians, no matter where they live, and to explore new ways for NRIs to send money across borders.

Banks are also eager to attract and keep NRI customers by offering these digital payment solutions. They know that NRIs want simple, fast, and secure ways to manage money in India 🇮🇳.


Background: How UPI for NRIs Evolved

Before this change, NRIs needed an Indian mobile number to use UPI. This was a big problem for many, as keeping an Indian SIM card active while living abroad was often expensive and sometimes not possible.

In January 2023, the RBI announced that NRIs with NRE or NRO accounts could use UPI with their foreign mobile numbers. Over the next two years, banks and the NPCI worked to build the technology and update their systems. By mid-2025, most major banks had rolled out this feature.

This move fits with India’s larger goal of making digital payments easy and available to everyone, including the global Indian community.


What’s Next: The Future of UPI for NRIs

Looking ahead, several developments are expected:

  • More Countries and Banks:
    NPCI and banks plan to add more countries and financial institutions to the list of those supporting UPI for NRIs.

  • Cross-Border UPI Transfers:
    NPCI is working on allowing NRIs to send money from India 🇮🇳 to other countries using UPI. This could make international remittances faster and cheaper.

  • Better Features and Security:
    Banks and payment apps are expected to add more features and improve security, making UPI even safer and easier to use for NRIs.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are likely to make India’s digital payment system one of the most advanced and inclusive in the world, especially for its global diaspora.


What NRIs Should Know: Practical Tips

  • Check With Your Bank:
    Not all banks support UPI for NRIs with foreign mobile numbers yet. Contact your bank to see if they offer this service and what countries are supported.

  • Update Your Mobile Number:
    Make sure your foreign mobile number is registered with your Indian bank account and that you can receive SMS messages for verification.

  • Understand Transaction Limits:
    Each bank may have different daily or monthly limits for UPI transactions. Ask your bank for details.

  • Use Secure Apps:
    Only use trusted UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or your bank’s official app.

  • Stay Informed:
    The list of supported countries and banks is growing. Check the NPCI official website for updates.


Official Resources

For more information and the latest updates, NRIs can visit:


Conclusion: A New Era for NRIs and Digital Payments in India 🇮🇳

The ability for NRIs to use UPI in India 🇮🇳 with their foreign mobile numbers is a game-changer. It removes old barriers, saves money, and makes life easier for millions of Indians living abroad. NRIs can now pay bills, support family, and shop in India 🇮🇳 with just a few taps on their phone—no Indian SIM card needed.

This move also shows India’s commitment to including its global diaspora in its digital future. As more banks and countries join this system, and as new features are added, NRIs will find it even easier to stay connected to India 🇮🇳—no matter where they live.

If you’re an NRI, now is the time to check with your bank, update your details, and start using UPI for all your payment needs in India 🇮🇳. This is just the beginning of a more connected, digital future for Indians everywhere.

Learn Today

NRI → Non-Resident Indian, a citizen living outside India often with special banking privileges.
UPI → Unified Payments Interface, India’s instant real-time payment system for inter-bank transactions via mobile.
NRE Account → Non-Resident External account allowing NRIs to hold and remit foreign earnings in India.
NRO Account → Non-Resident Ordinary account manages income earned in India by NRIs, such as rent or dividends.
NPCI → National Payments Corporation of India, the organization managing UPI and digital payment infrastructure.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting mid-2025, NRIs can use UPI in India with international mobile numbers, bypassing Indian SIM cards. Supported by major banks, this eases digital payments, allowing rent, bills, and family transfers securely. UPI’s global reach expands India’s digital economy connection for millions abroad, simplifying transactions in real-time seamlessly.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Shashank Singh
Breaking News Reporter
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As a Breaking News Reporter at VisaVerge.com, Shashank Singh is dedicated to delivering timely and accurate news on the latest developments in immigration and travel. His quick response to emerging stories and ability to present complex information in an understandable format makes him a valuable asset. Shashank's reporting keeps VisaVerge's readers at the forefront of the most current and impactful news in the field.
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