Imagine travelling abroad without carrying a large amount of foreign currency or using your credit card for every small purchase. You arrive at a restaurant, scan a QR code, check the amount in Indian rupees and the local currency, enter your UPI PIN, and complete the payment.
This is becoming possible for Indian travellers as UPI continues to expand internationally.
In 2026, UPI is operational in 11 foreign countries for UPI acceptance and/or cross-border remittances. The current list includes the United Arab Emirates, France, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, Mauritius, Qatar, Cambodia, Greece and Maldives.
But there is an important point to understand: UPI availability abroad does not mean that every shop, website or merchant in those countries accepts UPI. International UPI functionality depends on the country, merchant, participating banks, payment app and the specific UPI Global arrangement.
This guide explains how UPI international payments work, where they are available, how to use them safely and what you should check before making a payment abroad.
What Are UPI International Payments?
UPI International Payments allow eligible Indian users to use UPI-enabled applications for certain payments outside India.
For international merchant payments, NPCI’s UPI Global Acceptance facility allows users to make QR-code-based payments at participating international merchant locations directly from their eligible Indian bank accounts through supported UPI-powered applications.
The basic process is similar to making a QR payment in India:
Open UPI App → Scan International QR → Check Amount & Exchange Rate → Authorise Payment → Receive Confirmation
However, international payments can involve currency conversion and applicable charges, so checking the payment details before authorising the transaction is particularly important.
Is UPI Available Outside India in 2026?
Yes.
According to the Government of India’s latest August 2026 information, UPI is currently operational in 11 foreign countries for UPI acceptance and/or cross-border remittances.
These countries are:
- United Arab Emirates
- France
- Bhutan
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Singapore
- Mauritius
- Qatar
- Cambodia
- Greece
- Maldives
The international footprint has expanded during 2026. Cambodia launched UPI acceptance through KHQR in June 2026, while Greece and Maldives also became part of the expanding cross-border UPI ecosystem.
Does UPI Work at Every Shop Abroad?
No.
This is one of the most important things travellers should understand.
Just because a country supports UPI does not mean that every merchant accepts it.
International UPI payments depend on:
- Participating merchants
- Local QR/payment networks
- Partner banks
- Supported UPI applications
- Country-specific arrangements
- The type of UPI service available in that country
NPCI advises users to look for a BHIM UPI or network-partner acceptance QR standee/sticker and confirm with the merchant that UPI-based payment is accepted.
Therefore, travellers should always keep an alternative payment method available.
How to Pay Abroad Using UPI
The exact process can vary depending on your UPI application and bank, but the general process is straightforward.
Step 1: Check Whether Your Bank and UPI App Support International Payments
Before travelling, check whether your bank account and UPI application support UPI Global/UPI International for the destination you are visiting.
NPCI provides information about participating countries, banks and UPI-powered applications through its UPI Global platform.
Do this before your trip rather than waiting until you reach the merchant.
Step 2: Activate UPI Global/International
If required by your bank or UPI application, activate the international-payment functionality for your eligible bank account.
The activation process can differ between applications and banks.
Check your application’s official settings and instructions.
Step 3: Find a Participating Merchant
Look for a merchant displaying:
- BHIM UPI acceptance
- Network-partner QR acceptance
- An appropriate international QR/payment acceptance sign
You can also ask the merchant:
“Can I pay using UPI?”
Do not assume that a QR code automatically supports UPI.
Step 4: Scan the QR Code
Open your supported UPI application and scan the merchant’s QR code.
Make sure you are scanning the merchant’s official payment QR.
Avoid scanning QR codes received through suspicious messages, emails or unknown websites.
Step 5: Check the Payment Details Carefully
This is especially important for international payments.
Before authorising the transaction, check:
- Merchant name
- Amount in local currency
- Amount in INR
- Exchange rate
- Applicable fees
- Total amount being debited
NPCI specifically advises users to review the final amount in both foreign and Indian currency along with applicable exchange rates or fees before authorising an international payment.
Step 6: Enter Your UPI PIN
Once you have verified the payment details, enter your UPI PIN to authorise the transaction.
Never share your UPI PIN with the merchant or anyone else.
Your PIN should be entered only on your own trusted UPI application.
Step 7: Check the Confirmation
After the payment is completed, check the transaction confirmation.
Both the customer and merchant should receive payment confirmation for a successful transaction under the UPI Global process described by NPCI.
Keep the transaction record until you are certain that everything is correct.
How Does Currency Conversion Work With UPI Abroad?
When you make a payment in another country, the merchant may display an amount in the local currency.
For example:
Restaurant bill: AED 100
Your UPI application may show the corresponding INR amount before you authorise the payment.
The actual conversion depends on the applicable exchange-rate arrangement.
Therefore, don’t look only at the local-currency amount.
Before pressing the final payment button, check:
Foreign Currency Amount + INR Equivalent + Exchange Rate + Applicable Fees
This can help you understand how much will actually be debited from your Indian bank account.
Are There Extra Charges for UPI International Payments?
Potentially, yes.
This is different from asking whether domestic UPI payments in India are free.
International transactions can have applicable charges or currency-conversion costs depending on the particular international UPI arrangement, bank, payment application and transaction.
NPCI’s UPI Global guidance specifically tells users to review applicable exchange rates and fees before authorising an international payment.
So, don’t assume:
“UPI is free in India, therefore every international UPI payment will have zero cost.”
Always check the amount shown by your UPI application before confirming.
UPI International Payments vs UPI in India
There are some important differences.
| Feature | UPI in India | UPI International |
|---|---|---|
| Location | India | Participating foreign markets |
| Currency | Usually INR | Local currency + INR equivalent |
| QR payment | Widely available | Only participating merchants/networks |
| Bank account | Indian bank account | Eligible Indian bank account |
| Exchange rate | Generally not relevant | Important |
| International fees | Not applicable in the same way | May apply depending on arrangement |
| Availability | Broad domestic ecosystem | Country and partner dependent |
| Alternative payment | Usually optional | Recommended while travelling |
Which Countries Support UPI International Payments?
The current 2026 UPI international footprint includes 11 countries, but the type of service is not necessarily identical in every country.
United Arab Emirates
UPI has been integrated with payment acceptance arrangements in the UAE, helping Indian travellers make digital payments at participating merchants.
France
France became one of the early European destinations for UPI acceptance, particularly relevant for Indian tourists.
Bhutan
UPI has expanded payment connectivity with Bhutan, making digital payments more convenient for eligible users.
Nepal
India and Nepal have also developed cross-border payment connectivity involving UPI.
Singapore
UPI-related payment and payment-system connectivity with Singapore has expanded India’s cross-border digital-payment ecosystem.
Mauritius
UPI has also been introduced into the Mauritius payment environment.
Qatar
UPI is available through participating arrangements in Qatar.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is another destination where Indian travellers can use UPI through participating payment acceptance arrangements.
Cambodia
In June 2026, NPCI International partnered with ACLEDA Bank to launch UPI acceptance in Cambodia through KHQR, Cambodia’s national QR code.
Greece
The latest Government information identifies Greece as part of the 2026 UPI international ecosystem, including cross-border remittance connectivity.
Maldives
On 30 July 2026, cross-border remittances between the Maldives’ instant payment system, Favara, and India’s UPI went live.
Important: The availability and functionality of UPI can differ by country. Some arrangements focus on merchant acceptance, while others involve cross-border remittances.
What Is UPI Global Acceptance?
NPCI describes UPI Global Acceptance as a facility that enables QR-code-based payments at selected international merchant locations using supported UPI-powered applications and eligible Indian bank accounts.
The concept is simple:
Indian Bank Account → Supported UPI App → International Merchant QR → Payment
This means travellers can potentially pay merchants abroad without having to exchange cash for every small purchase.
However, the facility is not equivalent to universal UPI acceptance worldwide.
Benefits of Using UPI Abroad
1. Convenient Payments
You can use a familiar payment method instead of learning a completely new payment process.
2. Less Dependence on Cash
QR-based payments can reduce the need to carry large amounts of physical currency.
3. Easy Transaction Records
UPI applications generally provide transaction history, allowing you to review your payments.
4. Quick QR Payments
At participating merchants, scanning and authorising a QR payment can be quick and convenient.
5. Direct Bank Account Payment
For supported UPI Global merchant payments, the payment can be made directly from the eligible Indian bank account through the supported UPI application.
6. Useful for Indian Travellers
For travellers who already use UPI regularly in India, the familiar interface can make international QR payments easier to understand.
What Are the Limitations of UPI Abroad?
UPI international payments are useful, but travellers shouldn’t depend on them as their only payment method.
Limited Merchant Acceptance
Not every merchant accepts UPI.
Country-Specific Availability
The services available in one country may not be identical to those available in another.
Exchange Rate Considerations
Your final INR debit depends on the applicable conversion arrangement.
Possible Fees
Depending on the arrangement, bank or payment service, applicable fees may exist.
Internet Connectivity
Your phone generally needs suitable connectivity to complete an online payment.
Bank/App Compatibility
Your bank account and UPI application need to support the relevant international service.
UPI International Payment Safety Tips
International payments require the same security precautions as domestic payments—with additional attention to currency and merchant details.
Never Share Your UPI PIN
Your UPI PIN is private.
No merchant, hotel employee, travel agent or customer-support representative should need to know it.
Verify the Merchant Name
Before authorising the payment, verify that the displayed beneficiary/merchant information matches the business you intend to pay.
Check the Currency Conversion
Don’t blindly approve a payment.
Check the foreign-currency amount and INR equivalent.
Don’t Scan Unknown QR Codes
A QR code itself does not mean that money will be received.
Scanning a QR code and authorising a UPI transaction can result in a payment leaving your account.
Only scan legitimate merchant QR codes.
Don’t Install Unknown Apps
If someone tells you that you need a special application to receive a refund or complete a payment, verify the request through official channels first.
Keep Your Phone Secure
While travelling:
- Use a screen lock.
- Keep your phone updated.
- Avoid installing unknown applications.
- Don’t share your UPI credentials.
- Use secure internet connections where possible.
What Should You Do If UPI Payment Fails Abroad?
If an international UPI payment fails, don’t immediately attempt the transaction repeatedly.
Follow these steps:
1. Check Your Bank Account
Verify whether the amount was actually debited.
2. Check Your UPI Transaction History
Look at the transaction status in your UPI application.
3. Check the Merchant’s Payment Status
Ask the merchant whether they received the payment.
4. Save the Transaction Reference
Keep the transaction ID/reference number.
5. Contact Your Bank if Necessary
If your account was debited but the merchant did not receive the money, contact your bank through its official customer-care channel.
6. Don’t Share Your PIN
Customer support should never require your UPI PIN to process a legitimate complaint.
Example: Paying at a Restaurant Abroad Using UPI
Suppose you are visiting Dubai and have dinner at a participating restaurant.
Your bill is:
AED 150
The restaurant displays an eligible QR code.
You:
- Open your supported UPI application.
- Scan the QR code.
- Check the merchant name.
- Review the AED amount.
- Check the INR equivalent.
- Review the applicable exchange rate/fees.
- Confirm the payment.
- Enter your UPI PIN.
- Receive the payment confirmation.
- Save the transaction record.
The important point is that you should check the final INR amount before authorising the transaction.
Should You Carry Cash or a Card Even If UPI Works Abroad?
Yes.
UPI international payments can be convenient, but travellers should maintain a backup.
Consider carrying:
- Some local currency
- A debit/credit card
- A backup payment method
- Your bank’s customer-care details
- Your UPI transaction records
Why?
Because a merchant may not accept UPI, your bank may temporarily decline the transaction, your phone may lose connectivity, or the international payment service may not be available for that particular merchant.
A backup payment method can be extremely useful during international travel.
How to Prepare UPI Before an International Trip
A few minutes of preparation can prevent payment problems later.
Before leaving India:
1. Check your UPI app
Make sure it is updated.
2. Check international-payment availability
Confirm that your bank/app supports the destination.
3. Check your bank account
Make sure the account linked to UPI is active and has sufficient balance.
4. Check your mobile number
Make sure your registered mobile setup is working correctly.
5. Understand the exchange rate
Know that the amount you pay in local currency will be converted before the corresponding INR debit.
6. Save customer-care details
Keep your bank’s official support information available.
7. Carry a backup
Don’t rely entirely on one payment method.
UPI International Payments and Indian Travellers
The expansion of UPI beyond India is particularly useful for Indian travellers.
The Government reported in August 2026 that UPI is now operational in 11 foreign countries, demonstrating how India’s domestic real-time payment infrastructure is increasingly being connected to international payment ecosystems.
For travellers, the biggest advantage is familiarity.
Instead of learning an entirely different QR-payment process, eligible users can use supported UPI applications where international acceptance has been enabled.
However, the most important word is:
Supported.
Always check the destination, bank, application and merchant before relying on UPI for an international payment.
UPI’s Growing Global Role
UPI has evolved significantly since its launch in 2016.
The Government’s latest August 2026 information says UPI has become a global cross-border payment platform and is operational in 11 countries.
The expansion includes both:
- International merchant payments
- Cross-border remittances
This distinction is important because paying a foreign merchant and sending money across borders are not necessarily the same UPI service.
The exact functionality depends on the country’s payment arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use UPI abroad in 2026?
Yes. UPI is currently operational in 11 foreign countries for UPI acceptance and/or cross-border remittances. However, availability depends on the specific country, participating bank, application and merchant.
Which countries accept UPI internationally?
As of the latest Government information, the 11-country footprint includes the UAE, France, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, Mauritius, Qatar, Cambodia, Greece and Maldives.
Can I use UPI at every shop in these countries?
No. UPI international acceptance is available only through participating merchants and payment networks.
Do I need to activate UPI International?
Depending on your bank and UPI application, you may need to activate UPI Global/International functionality before making an eligible international payment. NPCI advises users to activate the service for the relevant bank account through a supported UPI-powered application.
Does UPI automatically convert foreign currency into INR?
The payment process can show the foreign-currency amount and its INR equivalent. The applicable conversion depends on the relevant international payment arrangement. Always check the amount and exchange rate before authorising the transaction.
Are UPI international payments free?
Not necessarily. Applicable fees or currency-conversion costs may depend on the specific bank, application and international arrangement. Check the payment screen before confirming.
Is UPI safer than carrying cash abroad?
UPI can reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash, but no payment method is completely risk-free. Use UPI only through supported applications, verify merchants and never share your UPI PIN.
What happens if my UPI payment fails abroad?
Check whether your bank account was debited, review the transaction status and save the transaction reference. If money was debited without successful merchant confirmation, contact your bank through its official support channel.
Can I use UPI for international shopping websites?
Not necessarily. International UPI availability does not mean every foreign website supports UPI. Check whether the particular merchant offers a supported UPI payment option.
Can I send money from India to another country using UPI?
Certain UPI international arrangements support cross-border remittances, but this is different from ordinary international merchant QR payments. Availability depends on the participating countries, banks and authorised payment arrangements.
Final Thoughts
UPI International Payments are making digital payments more convenient for Indian travellers in 2026.
With UPI now operational in 11 foreign countries, India’s payment ecosystem is becoming increasingly connected to international markets.
But travellers should remember that international UPI is not the same as domestic UPI.
Before making a payment abroad:
Check the merchant → Scan the correct QR → Verify the local-currency amount → Check the INR equivalent → Review exchange rate and fees → Authorise with your UPI PIN.
And always carry a backup payment method when travelling internationally.
As UPI’s global network continues to grow, Indian travellers may find QR-based payments increasingly familiar even outside India.
How Khatriji Can Fit Into Your Digital Payment Journey
Khatriji provides digital services designed to make everyday payments and services more convenient.
For users who regularly manage digital payments, the Khatriji App can be a convenient way to access supported Khatriji services from a mobile device.
For international UPI payments specifically, however, always verify whether your bank, UPI application and destination merchant support the required international UPI facility.
Tags: digital payments, International Payments, khatriji, Online Payments, Payment Safety, Travel Payments, UPI, UPI Abroad, UPI Global, UPI International