UPI International Payment Activation: How to Pay Abroad Using Your Indian Bank Account

Published on: 26th Jul 2026

For years, traveling abroad meant dealing with the hassles of carrying physical foreign currency, managing forex cards, or paying exorbitant markup fees on international credit cards. However, India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has crossed borders. Today, Indian travelers can make seamless, cashless payments directly to international merchants using their existing Indian bank accounts. To leverage this feature, you must complete the UPI international payment activation process on your preferred UPI app. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to activate this feature, where you can use it, and key things to keep in mind before you board your flight. Scroll down to read more

What is UPI International and How Does It Work?

UPI International is a feature developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) through its international arm, NIPL (NPCI International Payments Limited). It allows Indian bank account holders to scan QR codes at enabled foreign merchant locations and make payments instantly.

When you make a payment abroad using UPI, the transaction amount is debited from your Indian bank account in Indian Rupees (INR). The merchant, however, receives the payment in their local currency. The conversion happens in real-time based on prevailing foreign exchange rates, making it incredibly convenient and transparent.

Step-by-Step Guide for UPI International Payment Activation

Activating UPI international payments is a quick and straightforward process. Most major UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay (GPay), and BHIM support this feature. Here is how you can activate it:

• How to Activate on PhonePe:

  1. Open the PhonePe app and tap on your Profile Picture in the top-left corner.
  2. Under the 'Payment Settings' section, select UPI International.
  3. Choose the bank account you wish to activate for international payments.
  4. Tap on Activate and enter your UPI PIN to confirm.

• How to Activate on Google Pay (GPay):

  1. Open Google Pay and tap on your Profile Icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Select Pay Abroad or look for the 'UPI International' option under your linked bank accounts.
  3. Select the bank account and tap Activate.
  4. Enter your UPI PIN to complete the activation.

• How to Activate on BHIM UPI:

  1. Open the BHIM app and navigate to your linked bank accounts.
  2. Tap on the bank account you want to use abroad.
  3. Select the UPI International option and toggle it on.
  4. Enter your UPI PIN to authorize the activation.

Note: For security reasons, UPI international activation is temporary. Most apps automatically deactivate the feature after 90 days, but you can manually deactivate it sooner once you return to India.

Where Can You Use UPI Internationally?

The global footprint of UPI is expanding rapidly. As of 2026, Indian travelers can use UPI payments in several popular international destinations, including:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Widely accepted across retail stores, supermarkets, and tourist attractions via partner networks like NEOPAY.
• Singapore: Accepted at select merchants through the PayNow-UPI linkage.
• Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Nepal: Seamlessly integrated into local merchant QR codes.
• Bhutan: Widely accepted across the country.
• France: Accepted at iconic tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and select retail outlets.

Before traveling, look for the UPI logo or partner network logos at merchant checkout counters to confirm acceptance.

Transaction Charges and Key Considerations

While UPI international payment activation offers unmatched convenience, it is essential to understand the associated costs:

• Foreign Exchange Fees: Just like credit cards, transactions made via UPI international are subject to a foreign exchange markup fee. This fee varies depending on your bank but is generally highly competitive compared to traditional credit cards.
• Daily Limits: Your standard daily UPI transaction limits set by your bank will still apply to international transactions.
• Internet Connectivity: Since UPI transactions require real-time authentication, you must have an active international roaming data pack or access to secure Wi-Fi to complete payments abroad.

The UPI international payment activation feature is a game-changer for Indian globetrotters, offering a secure, cashless, and highly convenient way to manage expenses abroad. By activating this feature on your smartphone before you travel, you can bypass the stress of currency exchange counters and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Activate UPI international on your app today and step into the future of global travel payments!