Indian expats in the UAE have long relied on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) during visits to India for quick, seamless payments. Now, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) no longer need an Indian mobile number to access this service. UPI can now be linked to international phone numbers, including those issued in the UAE. UPI allows for instant money transfers 24/7, without the need to enter bank details. Payments can be made simply by scanning a QR code or entering the recipient’s phone number or UPI ID.
Who Can Use UPI?
To access UPI services, NRIs must hold either a Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account with a participating Indian bank. The international phone number linked to this account must also be registered with the bank and the account’s KYC completed. This development follows an agreement signed in February 2024 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE, expanding UPI access to overseas Indians.
Banks That Support UPI on International Numbers
Several Indian banks have enabled UPI services for NRIs using international mobile numbers. These include:
-
HDFC Bank - ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Federal Bank
- State Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Canara Bank
- IndusInd Bank
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- IDFC First Bank
- AU Small Finance Bank
- Equitas Small Finance Bank
- City Union Bank
- South Indian Bank
- Yes Bank
- DBS Bank Ltd
How to Use UPI from the UAE
To transfer funds from a UAE-linked Indian bank account to an Indian recipient using UPI, users can:
- Use the UPI feature available in their bank’s mobile app
- Use approved digital payment apps like honePe or BHIM
Some of the bank apps that support UPI from abroad include:
- FedMobile (Federal Bank)
- iMobile (ICICI Bank)
- BHIM Indus Pay (IndusInd Bank)
- SIB Mirror+ (South Indian Bank)
- BHIM AU (AU Small Finance Bank)
Registration Process
- Ensure your NRE/NRO account is KYC-compliant
- Link your UAE mobile number to the account
- Download a participating bank app or UPI app
- Complete registration with your international mobile number
- Start sending money using UPI ID or QR code
According to most banks, the standard UPI daily transaction limit is ₹100,000 (approx. Dh4,400). Higher limits may apply to specific use cases depending on the bank.
What Can You Pay For?
NRIs using UPI can:
- Pay Indian merchants directly
- Scan Indian QR codes while abroad
- Transfer money to Indian bank accounts or mobile numbers
- Pay international merchants in supported countries (like UAE)
Banks like ICICI and HDFC have confirmed that these features are available for their NRI customers. UAE-based Indians can now conveniently pay utility bills, school fees, or any domestic expenses in India without juggling multiple platforms or SIM cards. This is a significant step in financial inclusion and ease of access for the global Indian community.
