List of Countries Accepting UPI Payments Outside India

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed how we pay for things, making transactions fast, secure, and easy with just a smartphone. What started as a game-changer in India is now going global, allowing Indian tourists, students, and businesses to use UPI in several countries. In 2025, Cyprus became the latest nation to adopt UPI, joining others like France, Bhutan, and more. This article explains in simple language which countries accept UPI, why it matters, and how it’s making life easier for Indians abroad.

What Is UPI and Why Is It Awesome?

UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is a digital payment system created by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It lets you send or receive money instantly using apps like BHIM, PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm. You scan a QR code or enter a UPI ID, and the payment is done in seconds—no cash, no cards, no hassle.

Now, UPI isn’t just for India. It’s spreading worldwide, helping Indian travelers pay for things like shopping, dining, or even tickets abroad without needing foreign currency or worrying about high fees. It’s also a cheaper way for Indian workers overseas to send money back home.

Full List of Countries Accepting UPI Payments in 2025: Where to Use It Now

As of late 2025, UPI is live in 10+ countries for merchant payments (that’s paying at stores abroad). We’ve pulled the latest from official sources like NPCI and recent news. Here’s the simple breakdown in a table—check it out before your next trip!

Benefits of Using UPI Abroad: Save Time, Money, and Stress

Why switch to UPI on your travels? It’s beginner-friendly:

• Zero Hassle: One scan, done. No currency conversion worries.
• Low Costs: Fees are pennies compared to forex cards.
• Safe & Secure: PIN-protected, just like in India.
• Eco-Friendly: Go paperless—no receipts needed.

For the Indian diaspora, it’s a boon for sending money home quickly. Governments love it too, as it cuts remittance costs and boosts trade. In 2025 alone, UPI’s global transactions have jumped 50%, showing how it’s changing the game.

How to Use UPI Abroad

Using UPI in these countries is simple:

1. Check Your App: Make sure your UPI app (like BHIM, PhonePe, or Google Pay) is updated and linked to your Indian bank account.
2. Look for QR Codes: Merchants in these countries will have UPI-compatible QR codes at their stores or online.
3. Scan and Pay: Open your UPI app, scan the QR code, enter the amount, and confirm with your PIN.
4. Verify the Merchant: Ensure the merchant is part of the UPI network (e.g., check for BHIM or NPCI logos).

For international payments, you may need to activate UPI for global transactions in your app or bank settings. Contact your bank if you’re unsure.

What’s Next for UPI?

The NPCI’s international arm, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), is working hard to bring UPI to more countries. Plans are in place to expand to Southeast Asia (like Thailand and Vietnam) and the Middle East. There’s also talk of linking UPI with payment systems in Japan and even the United States, though these are still in discussion.