India’s digital payment system has made a significant advancement that benefits NRIs.

NRIs can now use international mobile numbers to make UPI payments in India without needing an Indian SIM card.

NRIs Can Now Use UPI in India Without an Indian SIM: A Major Leap in Digital Payments

They can use UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe to send money, pay rent, or settle bills, similar to residents.

In January 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed NRIs with NRE or NRO accounts to access UPI using international mobile numbers.

Banks and UPI apps began implementing this policy in the following months.

IDFC First Bank was one of the first to fully enable this service for NRIs.

A press release from June 25, 2025, confirmed IDFC First Bank supports UPI linkage for NRIs from 12 countries, including the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore.

To use UPI as an NRI, you must have an NRE or NRO account with an Indian bank.

You must use a mobile number with a country code from the approved list (e.g., +1 for the USA, +971 for the UAE).

Your bank and UPI app must support international number registration.

The currently supported countries are:

USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, France, Oman, UAE.

More countries may be added as banks extend this support.

How To Set Up UPI As An NRI?

To set up UPI as an NRI, follow these steps:

Open an NRE or NRO account with a UPI-enabled Indian bank (e.g., IDFC First)

Register your international mobile number with the bank

Download a UPI app such as PhonePe, Google Pay (India), BHIM, or Paytm

Complete UPI registration using your international number via OTP or biometric verification

Begin making payments in India through QR codes, bill payments, or money transfers

The apps that currently support UPI registration with international numbers include:

Phonepe

Google Pay (India version)

BHIM

Paytm (for select banks)

Amazon Pay (in a limited rollout)

This development is not just convenient for NRIs — it significantly enhances their ability to manage finances in India.

NRE accounts are exempt from Indian taxes.

NRO accounts are subject to taxation in India.

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) applies to earnings in NRO accounts.

Linking your PAN is necessary to avoid higher TDS under Section 206AA.

All UPI transactions are traceable by Indian tax authorities.