UPI Abroad (2026 Guide) – Countries, Charges, How It Works & Best Practices
📲 UPI Abroad (2026 Guide) — How Indian Users Can Pay Overseas
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transformed digital payments in India. Now, with expanded international support in 2026, Indians can use UPI in select countries for:
✔ In-store payments
✔ App/merchant payments
✔ Transport & travel services
✔ Bills and bookings abroad
This guide explains:
✔ Which countries support UPI abroad
✔ How UPI works internationally
✔ Charges & limits
✔ Supported banks & wallets
✔ Benefits & drawbacks
✔ Frequently asked questions
🌍 Which Countries Support UPI Abroad in 2026?
UPI use abroad has expanded but is not yet everywhere. As of 2026, Indians can use UPI in the following regions:
Supported Countries with Live UPI Support:
- 🇦🇪 UAE — UPI accepted in many retail stores & metro
- 🇸🇬 Singapore — UPI accepted at stores, transit, F&B
- 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka — wide UPI acceptance (immediately)
- 🇳🇵 Nepal — UPI / NPCI interoperable
- 🇰🇼 Kuwait — some merchants test support
- 🇹🇭 Thailand — partial UPI acceptance in select cities
📍 Planned / Expanding in 2026
- 🇺🇸 USA (pilot programs online only)
- 🇬🇧 UK (select merchants)
- 🇪🇺 Europe (QR pilots)
- 🇨🇦 Canada (limited acceptance)
Note: Global UPI acceptance depends on local banks/infrastructure adoption.
📍 How UPI Abroad Works (Step–by–Step)
- Enable UPI International Payments
- Open your UPI app (PhonePe / Google Pay / Paytm / BHIM / others)
- Go to Settings → UPI International Payments
- Enable function (may require KYC proof)
- Link with International Merchant
- Use UPI QR at checkout
- Scan QR
- Authorize payment via PIN
- Conversion + Settlement
- INR ⇄ Local foreign currency conversion happens during payment
- Bank or payment processor applies a conversion rate (close to market)
💰 Charges & Forex Markup
UPI abroad uses foreign exchange. Typical cost components:
✔ Currency Conversion Fee — charged by banks or payment networks
✔ Markups — some providers apply a small percentage
Typical 2026 Range (approx):
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| UPI conversion | ~0.5%–1.5% markup |
| Bank FX spread | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Total cost | ~1%–3% per transaction |
| Cash withdrawal via UPI | Not usually supported |
Comparison — Travel Payments:
| Payment Method | FX Markup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UPI Abroad | 1%–3% | Best for small expenses |
| Forex Card | 0%–2% | Best for daily spending |
| Credit Card | 2%–4% | Good for hotels/booking |
| Cash | Varies | Avoid large amounts |
📌 Supported UPI Apps (2026)
Most major Indian UPI apps support international UPI where available:
✔ Google Pay
✔ PhonePe
✔ Paytm
✔ BHIM UPI
✔ Bank UPI apps (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis)
📌 Ensure your app is updated to the latest version before travel.
🧠 Where You Can Use UPI Abroad
✔ Retail stores with QR acceptance
✔ Transport & metro payments
✔ Food restaurants & cafés
✔ Hotel billings (if supported)
✔ Online bookings with local merchants
Example:
In Singapore, you may scan a local UPI QR via merchant backhaul systems (varies by bank).
🛂 UPI vs Other Payment Methods — When to Use What
| Purpose | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Small in-store payments | UPI Abroad |
| Daily expenses | Forex Card |
| Hotels & Flights | Credit Card |
| Emergency cash | Forex Card / Local ATM |
| Online international subscriptions | Credit Card / eSIM payment |
🧠 Advantages of UPI Abroad
✔ Simple & fast
✔ No extra app installations in many locations
✔ Lower fees than cards
✔ No carrying cash
✔ Tied to Indian bank account
⚠ Limitations of UPI Abroad
✔ Not accepted everywhere
✔ Requires local merchant adoption
✔ Some apps may block certain transactions
✔ UPI to UPI abroad may not work (only merchant UPI QR)
🪙 Important Safety Tips
✔ Do NOT share UPI PIN
✔ Use only trusted merchant QR
✔ Check conversion rate before approval
✔ Avoid public/untrusted QR codes
✔ Enable transaction notifications
🧠 Bank Rules & Requirements
To enable UPI abroad:
📍 Your bank must support UPI international switching
📍 App must have UPI International Payments toggle
📍 Sufficient balance must be present
📍 Two-factor auth (UPI PIN) required
If feature is missing, update KYC or check with your bank.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I use UPI in the USA?
📍 Not universally yet — some online pilots exist.
Best used in UAE, Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka currently.
Q2. Does UPI work without internet?
❌ No — needs internet / eSIM / roaming.
Q3. Are there limits on UPI abroad?
Yes — limits vary by bank and RBI rules.
Q4. Does UPI show dynamic currency conversion?
✔ Yes — you’ll see both INR equivalent and local currency.
Q5. Is it safe to use UPI internationally?
✔ Yes — if you use trusted merchants and secure apps.