UPI transactions possible for NRIs with international phone numbers: Follow these simple steps

In what can be termed a significant boost to India’s online payment system, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have also been provided with the service. NRIs can use the UPI facility with their international mobile numbers linked to their Indian bank accounts. This step will ensure seamless transactions, allowing NRIs to maintain smooth financial connections with their home country. In this story, we outline the steps to use UPI with an international number.  

The UPI service is available in various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Singapore, the UAE, and Australia. Several banks, such as ICICI, HDFC, the State Bank of India, and others, offer the UPI service for NRIs. However, it should be noted that the transfer of funds between NRE (Non-Resident External) to NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) is permitted, while NRO-to-NRE transactions are yet not allowed. 

To use UPI with an international number, NRIs need to ensure their international number is linked to an Indian bank account, either an NRE or NRO account.

Follow these simple steps to activate UPI 

- Link your international number with your bank account (NRE/NRO account).

- Install an app which is compatible with UPI, such as BHIM UPI or others. 

- Follow the instructions, necessary for onboarding, within the app. 

- Verify your international number. 

- Generate a unique UPI ID for the bank account being used.

- Choose the linked bank account and submit.

In just a few moments, the process gets completed, granting NRIs a range of facilities, including: 

- Transferring money in Indian denominations to Indian bank accounts or UPI IDs.

- Undertaking transactions without needing to re-register when in India

- Making bank-to-bank transfers, even if the receiver does not have a UPI ID.

- Make payments for goods and services via the QR code. 

Nonetheless, there are some restrictions, such as UPI transactions can only be carried out in INR, and only primary account holders can generate UPI ID, while joint account holders cannot access this feature.