In a significant move to strengthen India’s digital payment ecosystem, Paytm has launched a new service that allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 12 countries to make UPI payments in India using their international mobile numbers — without requiring an Indian SIM card. This groundbreaking feature represents a major step in expanding UPI accessibility and boosting the global adoption of digital payments.
UPI Payments for NRIs Without Local SIM Card
The service connects UPI payments to NRE (Non-Resident External) and NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank accounts, enabling seamless transactions just like regular Indian users. NRIs can now:
- Send money to family and friends in India
- Pay Indian merchants by scanning UPI QR codes
- Shop online on Indian e-commerce platforms
- Make instant and secure domestic transactions
By eliminating the need for currency conversions, international card networks, or remittance delays, this feature brings faster, cheaper, and more secure digital payments to millions of NRIs worldwide.
Supported Countries for NRI UPI Payments
The new Paytm feature is currently available for NRIs residing in the following 12 countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
These nations host some of the largest overseas Indian communities, making the rollout highly impactful.
How NRI UPI Payments Will Transform Global Digital Finance
The move comes at a time when Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is increasingly recognized as a global fintech innovation. By allowing international users with active overseas mobile numbers to transact within India, Paytm has opened new pathways for:
- Cross-border financial inclusion
- Strengthened NRI economic participation
- Simplified remittances and gifting
- Boost to tourism and business travelers
- Higher merchant acceptance and digital footprint
For NRIs who frequently send money home, pay for services during India visits, or manage shared expenses with family, this enhancement is a major convenience upgrade.
Strengthening India’s Digital Payment Leadership
The introduction of this feature underscores India’s ambition to position UPI as a universal payment solution. With ongoing collaborations between the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and global payment networks, UPI adoption is expanding into international markets, including countries like France and the UAE.
Paytm’s NRI UPI payment service reflects the growing demand for digital-first financial solutions that are fast, secure, and interoperable. As more countries come onboard, UPI is poised to take a leading role in the future of global digital payments.
