Countries Accepting UPI Payments

Bhutan

Butan is the first foreign country to adopt UPI.

• UPI was introduced in Bhutan on July 13, 2021, through the Royal Monetary Authority.

• Bhutan was the first to accept UPI using the BHIM app.

Nepal

Nepal is the first country outside India to deploy UPI as a core payment infrastructure.

• Fully operationalized in early 2024 through a partnership with Gateway Payments Service and Manam Infotech.

• Enables seamless P2M (Person-to-Merchant) transactions for Indian travelers using local QR codes.

Sri Lanka 

In Sri Lanka, UPI was launched simultaneously with Mauritius to ease regional travel.

• Introduced on February 12, 2024, through a partnership with LankaPay.

• Usage is concentrated in tourist hotspots, hotels, and retail chains across the island.

Singapore

In Singapore, UPI is integrated with Singapore's payment system called PayNow.

• Users with Indian UPI can make payments to PayNow merchants and individuals in Singapore via mobile numbers, QR codes, or virtual accounts.

• Indian tourists can make payments at merchant locations using UPI.

Mauritius

In Mauritius, UPI was introduced to boost tourism and financial connectivity.

• Launched on February 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Bank of Mauritius.

• Supports both UPI QR payments and the use of RuPay cards at local ATMs and POS terminals.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

UAE is a major hub for UPI expansion in the Middle East.

• Launched in April 2022 through NEOPAY (a subsidiary of Mashreq Bank).

• Indian travelers can scan and pay at over 60,000 merchant locations and major retail outlets across the UAE.

Qatar

UPI was introduced in Qatar to facilitate payments during major international events and for the large Indian diaspora.

• Launched in 2024-2025 through partnerships with Qatar National Bank (QNB).

• UPI is accepted at Lulu Hypermarkets and other major retail hubs in Doha.

France

France is the first European country to accept UPI.

• Introduced in February 2024 through a partnership with Lyra Network.

• Usage is currently focused on high-traffic tourist spots, such as the Eiffel Tower and major department stores like Galeries Lafayette.

How to Use UPI Global/UPI International in Other Countries

To scan a QR code and make a payment using UPI in a foreign country, you need to activate the UPI Global/UPI International service for your bank account through a UPI-powered app like Google Pay, Phonepe, or the BHIM UPI app.

To turn on UPI International, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a UPI-powered app (GPay, Phonepe, BHIM UPI).

Step 2: Tap Scan QR code.

Step 3: Scan an international merchant’s QR code.

Step 4: Enter the money you want to send in the right foreign currency.

Step 5: Select the bank account you want to pay from.

Step 6: A screen appears to activate "UPI International." Tap Activate UPI International.

Please note that you can only use this for bank accounts that support UPI International.

How to Make a Payment Using UPI International

Here are the steps to make a payment using UPI International:

Step 1: Look for BHIM UPI or network partner acceptance QR code and ask whether the merchant accepts UPI-based payments.

Step 2: Scan the QR code with your UPI-powered application and make the payment.

Step 3: Verify your payment details. Check the applicable exchange rates or fees.

Step 4: Enter your UPI PIN to authorize the payment. Both you and the merchant will get a payment notification once the transaction is successful.

Conclusion

Gone are the days of struggling with high-interest forex cards or carrying large amounts of physical cash. As more countries like Japan and Malaysia join the network in 2026, the dream of a borderless payment experience is becoming a reality. However, while UPI offers unmatched convenience, always remember to:

• Activate international roaming or secure a local SIM for data.

• Enable the "International" toggle in your UPI app.

• Verify the INR conversion on your screen to stay on top of your budget.