UPI for NRIs: How Non-Resident Indians can make payments in India with Paytm

Paytm has enabled Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 12 countries to make UPI payments in India using their international mobile numbers.

“...Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 12 countries can now log in with their international mobile numbers to our app for seamless UPI payments through NRE or NRO accounts,” Paytm said on Monday, October 27, 2025.

NRIs will be able to use Paytm UPI for everyday payments and money transfers to friends and family in India at shops or while shopping online. Users can simply scan QR codes or send money instantly to any UPI ID or UPI-linked mobile number. This will remove any payment delays and high forex charges.

“This seamless experience is now possible without international payment gateways or currency conversions,” Paytem said.

UPI will be available to NRIs, whether they live in India or abroad, without the need for a local Indian SIM card.

How NRIs can use Paytm for UPI payments

If you're an NRI who wants to make UPI payments in India through Paytm:

• Download and open the Paytm app
• Log in with your mobile number
• Verify the number via SMS
• Link your bank account and start making payments instantly

NRIs can link their NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank accounts to the Paytm app without needing an Indian SIM card.

“We started Paytm with the dream of building technology made in India, for India, and now for every Indian around the world. Enabling NRIs to use Paytm UPI with their international mobile numbers is another step in that journey. It keeps Indians connected to India’s growing mobile payments ecosystem, no matter where they live,” said Paytm.

Which are the 12 countries?

Indians residing in these 12 countries can access this service (powered by NPCI):

• Singapore

• Australia

• Canada

• Hong Kong

• Oman

• Qatar

• United States of America (USA)

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• United Kingdom (UK)

• France

• Malaysia

Other Paytm features

Features available for Paytm users:

• Downloading UPI statements in PDF or Excel format

• Automatic spend classification and detailed spend analysis

• Option to hide specific payments for privacy

• Viewing the total balance across all bank accounts linked with Paytm UPI

• Generating an AI rap song based on recent spending activity through Playback on the app

• Other innovative features that enhance convenience and user experience

International UPI usage

Last month, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) went live in Qatar, enabling Indian travellers to make UPI payments seamlessly at major tourist attractions and Qatar Duty Free outlets.

Qatar National Bank (QNB), in collaboration with NPCI International Payments (NIPL), enabled UPI access across point-of-sale (POS) terminals in Qatar.

• Bhutan
• Mauritius
• Nepal
• Sri lanka
• France
• Singapore
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar

UPI is widely used around India, and is one of the most significant technological advancements in the finance space, enabling financial inclusion by offering real-time, low-cost and highly secure digital transactions. As of August 2025, UPI processed over 20 billion transactions with a value of as much as ₹25 lakh crore.