UPI Goes Global: NRIs Can Now Use International SIMs for Instant Payments

In a game-changing move for India’s diaspora, IDFC FIRST Bank has enabled Non‑Resident Indians (NRIs) in 12 countries to use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with their existing international mobile numbers. No Indian SIM required.

This feature, rolled out on June 25, 2025, empowers NRIs with NRE or NRO accounts to initiate real-time UPI transactions from abroad using the bank’s app or any UPI-enabled platform, including Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.

Countries Covered & Key Features

NRIs in the following 12 countries can now use UPI seamlessly: Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.

Highlights of the service include:

No Indian SIM needed: Activate UPI using your local international mobile number.
Zero transaction fees: All transactions in INR from NRE/NRO accounts are fee-free.
Instant payments: Send money, pay bills, or scan QR codes. All in real time.
Robust security: Protected by UPI’s standard two-factor authentication and encryption methods.

What the Bank Says

Ashish Singh, Head of Retail Liabilities at IDFC FIRST Bank, emphasized the initiative’s intent: “Our vision has always been to simplify and enhance banking, making it accessible no matter where our customers are located… a testament to our commitment to innovation and catering to the unique needs of the NRI diaspora.”

Why It Matters for NRIs

This development marks a significant leap for the NRI community in several ways:

Streamlined convenience: No longer must NRIs juggle Indian SIMs or use costly remittance services to manage everyday expenses, from utility bills to groceries.
Closer ties to India: UPI’s fast, secure, and familiar interface strengthens the financial bridge between NRIs and loved ones back home.
Level playing field: NRIs now enjoy UPI parity with Indian residents, opening up a world of digital banking convenience.

How to Get Started

Enabling UPI with an international number is easy:

Open your IDFC FIRST Bank app.
Link your NRE/NRO account to an international mobile number.
Generate a UPI ID and PIN, then begin transactions using any UPI app or QR code.

A Step Amid Wider UPI Expansion

This initiative aligns with the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) policy to extend UPI functionality to NRIs via international numbers, a rollout that began in April 2023. IDFC FIRST Bank joins other major Indian banks like SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Axis in this push .

Together with NPCI’s UPI One World wallet for foreign tourists, this marks a globalizing of what was once a strictly domestic payments system.

Bottom Line

UPI access via international SIMs removes one more barrier for NRIs managing finances in India. With no additional cost, strong security, and widespread platform compatibility, it’s a welcome development for a diaspora seeking frictionless financial connectivity.