UPI International Payments: How to Use in UAE, Singapore, France (2025 Guide)

UPI International Payments: Learn how to use UPI International in UAE, Singapore, and France in 2025. Step-by-step setup, supported banks, limits, charges, eligibility, and travel tips. The ultimate guide for Indians traveling abroad. Focus Keyword: France UPI International.


UPI International Payments

Table of Contents

Indiaโ€™s digital payment revolution has stepped beyond borders with the launch of UPI International, allowing Indians to pay seamlessly in countries like UAE, Singapore, and France. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, education, business, or work, you can now use familiar apps like PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, and Google Pay to make instant payments at international stores accepting UPI.

The growing global acceptance of UPI is a significant step in strengthening Indiaโ€™s digital footprint worldwide. Countries such as Singapore (via NETS), UAE (via Mashreq/NEOPAY), and France (via Lyra Network) have officially partnered with NPCI to enable cross-border QR payments. This means you can scan merchant QR codes abroad and pay directly from your Indian bank account without needing a forex card or high-fee credit card.

In this guide, youโ€™ll learn exactly how to activate, use, and troubleshoot UPI International in these countries. Weโ€™ve also added transaction limits, charges, supported apps, security tips, and FAQs to make your travel smoother and stress-free.
For constant fintech updates, join us on Telegram: https://t.me/FinbankingTech


Quick Overview Tableย 

Feature UAE Singapore France
Status Live Live Live (Lyra Network)
Supported UPI Apps PhonePe, BHIM, Paytm PhonePe, BHIM PhonePe (initial), others expanding
Pay via Merchant QR Code NETS QR Lyra QR / UPI QR
Currency Conversion Yes Yes Yes
Daily Limit โ‚น1,00,000 โ‚น1,00,000 โ‚น1,00,000
Works for Tourists Yes Yes Yes

Important Links Table

Platform Link
Official Website https://finbankingtech.com
Telegram Channel https://t.me/FinbankingTech
WhatsApp Support 7905455959
NPCI UPI Global Page https://www.npci.org.in
UPI App Support (PhonePe) In-app Help Section

Eligibility Criteria

To use UPI International in UAE, Singapore, and France, ensure:

  • You are an Indian citizen with an active bank account

  • Your UPI app supports UPI International (UPI Global)

  • Your bank is in the NPCI-approved list

  • You have an Indian phone number linked to UPI

  • You have enabled UPI International inside your app settings

  • KYC is completed in your app (mandatory for PhonePe, BHIM)


Quick Summary Table

Requirement Needed?
Indian Bank Account โœ”
KYC Completed โœ”
International Enablement โœ”
Local SIM in UAE/Singapore/France โœ– Not Needed
Forex Card โœ– Not Required
Internet โœ” Required

Understanding UPI International (UPI Global)

UPI International is an NPCI initiative allowing Indians to make payments abroad by scanning partner-country merchant QR codes.

Key Features

  • Instant payments

  • No physical foreign currency needed

  • Lower transaction cost compared to cards

  • Safe & secure NPCI system

  • Works with INR-to-foreign-currency conversion


How UPI Works in Singapore (NETS Partnership)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Where You Can Pay in Singapore

  • Retail stores

  • Restaurants

  • Public transport partners

  • Tourist spots

  • Supermarkets

How to Use

  1. Open PhonePe/BHIM

  2. Enable UPI International

  3. Scan the NETS QR code

  4. Pay in SGD

  5. Amount auto-converted from INR


How to Use UPI in UAE (Mashreq & NEOPAY)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Payment Locations

  • Dubai malls

  • Petrol pumps

  • Restaurants

  • Grocery stores

  • Entertainment centers

Step-by-Step

  • Enable UPI International

  • Scan NEOPAY QR

  • Confirm the rate

  • Pay instantly


How to Use UPI in France (Lyra Network) โ€“ 2025 Update

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท Partnership Explained

NPCI partnered with Lyra, a French payment giant, enabling UPI acceptance at thousands of merchant terminals.

Where You Can Use UPI in France

  • Tourist shops

  • Hotels

  • Museum gift stores

  • Restaurant chains

  • Retail stores

  • Souvenir & fashion outlets

How to Use It (France UPI International)

  1. Open PhonePe or BHIM UPI

  2. Scan the Lyra partner QR code

  3. Confirm amount in EUR

  4. Pay securely via UPI


Supported UPI Apps for International Payments (2025)

App UAE Singapore France
PhonePe โœ” โœ” โœ”
Paytm โœ” Coming Soon Coming Soon
Google Pay Limited Limited Coming Soon
BHIM UPI โœ” โœ” โœ”

UPI International Transaction Limits & Charges

Daily Limit

  • Up to โ‚น1,00,000 per user (NPCI guidelines)

Charges

  • Most apps charge zero to minimal forex markup

  • Conversion rate depends on partner bank

  • No hidden fees compared to credit cards


Benefits of Using UPI Abroad

  • No need for local currency

  • Cheaper than debit/credit cards internationally

  • Real-time exchange rates

  • Highly secure

  • Perfect for tourists, students, and business travelers


UPI vs Credit Card vs Forex Card (Comparison Table)

Feature UPI International Credit Card Forex Card
Forex Fee Very Low 3โ€“5% Medium
Ease of Use Instant QR PIN/Swipe Load & Use
Currency Issue Auto-converted Auto-converted Must preload
Safety Very High Medium Medium

Troubleshooting: Common Errors & Solutions

  • UPI International not available โ†’ Update app

  • Domestic UPI working but not international โ†’ Enable UPI Global

  • QR not scanning โ†’ Ensure itโ€™s NETS/NEOPAY/Lyra partner QR

  • Payment failed โ†’ Check data/Wi-Fi or daily limit


20 FAQs (With Answers)

1. What is UPI International?

A feature that lets Indians pay abroad using UPI apps.

2. Which countries currently support UPI?

UAE, Singapore, France, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and more expanding.

3. Is UPI accepted in France?

Yes, via Lyra Network merchants.

4. Which apps support UPI in France?

PhonePe initially; BHIM support expanding.

5. Do I need a France SIM card?

No, your Indian number works globally.

6. Can I pay in Euros using UPI?

Yes, INR is auto-converted to EUR.

7. Does UPI charge extra for international payments?

Usually very minimal; cheaper than cards.

8. Can I withdraw cash abroad using UPI?

No, only merchant payments.

9. Is UPI safe abroad?

Yes, backed by NPCI security systems.

10. Do all shops accept UPI in France?

No, only Lyra-partner merchants.

11. How to enable UPI International?

Inside PhonePe/BHIM โ†’ Settings โ†’ UPI International.

12. Are there transaction limits?

Yes, typically โ‚น1L per day.

13. Is UPI cheaper than credit card abroad?

Yes, significantly due to low forex markup.

14. Can NRIs use UPI International?

Yes, if they have Indian bank-linked UPI.

15. Is roaming required?

Only for internet, not SMS OTP.

16. Can students studying in France use it?

Absolutely โ€” ideal for daily payments.

17. How is conversion rate decided?

By the partner bank at the moment of transaction.

18. Can I use UPI for hotel bookings?

Yes, if the merchant uses a supported QR.

19. Is UPI International enabled by all banks?

Many major Indian banks support it; list growing.

20. Where to get updates about UPI International?

Join Telegram: https://t.me/FinbankingTech


Final Notes

For latest fintech updates, visit our website: https://finbankingtech.com
For support or collaboration: WhatsApp โ€“ 7905455959

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