NRI UPI Payments in India (2026): How to Link International Mobile Numbers Without an Indian SIM
Set up UPI with your US, UK, UAE, Canada, Singapore or Australia mobile number: eligible countries, supported banks and apps, daily limits and OTP fixes.
Table of contents
UPI for NRIs: what changed
For years, NRIs had to keep an Indian SIM active just to use UPI. NPCI now allows NRE and NRO account holders to use UPI with mobile numbers from a list of approved countries. Once set up, you can scan any UPI QR code in India, pay family members, pay bills and even use UPI in countries that accept Indian UPI QR codes.
You do not need to be in India to set it up. The bank must have your international mobile number registered on your NRE or NRO account, and the UPI app must support international numbers.
Eligible countries
| Region | Countries with international number support | Country code |
|---|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada | +1 |
| Europe | United Kingdom, France | +44, +33 |
| Gulf | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain | +971, +966, +974, +968, +973 |
| Asia-Pacific | Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong | +65, +61, +60, +852 |
The list grows
NPCI added countries in phases. If your country is not listed, check your bank's NRI UPI page; some banks support additional codes.
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Supported banks and apps
| Bank | NRE UPI | NRO UPI | Apps that work |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Bank | Yes | Yes | iMobile Pay, Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM |
| HDFC Bank | Yes | Yes | HDFC PayZapp, Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM |
| Axis Bank | Yes | Yes | Axis Mobile, Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM |
| State Bank of India | Yes | Yes | BHIM SBI Pay, YONO, BHIM |
| IDFC First Bank | Yes | Yes | IDFC First app, Google Pay, BHIM |
| Federal Bank | Yes | Yes | FedMobile, Google Pay, BHIM |
Bank apps usually work most reliably because they already know your account. Google Pay and PhonePe support depends on the app version and your country; BHIM generally supports all eligible codes.
Step-by-step setup
- Update your international mobile number with your Indian bank through net banking, the app, email from your registered address, or a branch. It must be the number on your NRE/NRO account.
- Wait 24–48 hours for the update to reach NPCI systems.
- Install the UPI app and choose your country code during registration.
- Insert the SIM with the registered number in your phone (slot 1 if dual-SIM) and allow the app to send an SMS.
- The app sends an encrypted verification SMS from your phone to the bank's long code; international SMS charges may apply.
- Select your bank and account (NRE or NRO).
- Set a UPI PIN using your debit card's last 6 digits and expiry, or Aadhaar-less OTP verification.
- Make a small test payment to a family member.
Use NRE for everyday spending
Payments from NRE are from repatriable funds, so the account stays clean. Receiving money into NRE through UPI is restricted; incoming credits from residents should go to NRO.
Limits and rules
| Item | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| Daily UPI limit | ₹1 lakh per day (some banks lower for new devices) |
| First 24 hours after setup | Often ₹5,000 total |
| Transactions per day | Around 20 |
| Merchant payments (specified categories like tax, insurance, education) | Up to ₹5 lakh where the bank allows |
| Credits into NRE via UPI | Generally blocked unless from another NRE/FCNR account |
Banks set their own limits within NPCI rules. Check your app's settings for the current limit.
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Troubleshooting OTP and SMS problems abroad
- Enable international outgoing SMS with your carrier; many US and UK plans block premium or short-code SMS by default.
- Turn off Wi-Fi calling during verification if your carrier routes SMS over Wi-Fi only.
- Put the registered SIM in slot 1 and set it as the default for SMS.
- Make sure the number format in your bank record has no leading zero after the country code.
- eSIM users: confirm the eSIM line supports SMS (some data-only eSIMs do not).
- If the bank OTP (for net banking) is not arriving, ask the bank to enable email OTP for NRIs.
- Reinstall the app and clear cache if verification hangs.
Never share your UPI PIN
No bank or app will ask for your UPI PIN by phone. Fraudsters target NRIs with fake KYC update calls. Only enter your PIN to send money, never to receive it.
Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer: This guide is educational and reflects rules as understood in November 2026. Tax, FEMA and citizenship rules change frequently. Confirm with a qualified CA/CPA or lawyer and the official source before acting. Read full disclaimer.