Countries Where UPI Is Accepted: What Travellers Should Know

Scanning a QR code to pay has become second nature in India. But what happens when you travel abroad?

UPI has gradually moved beyond Indian borders, making it possible to use the familiar payment method in select international locations. But which are the countries that accept UPI, and how does it work outside India?

Let’s see!

UPI Is Available in How Many Countries?

As of 2026, UPI is live in 11 foreign countries for UPI acceptance and/or cross-border remittances. 

Here is the UPI countries list for 2026 –

Note: Being included among UPI international countries does not necessarily mean UPI QR payments are available at every merchant in that country. The type and availability of UPI services can differ by country.

Which Was the First Country to Adopt UPI?

Bhutan was the first country to adopt UPI standards for QR-based merchant payments outside India. Its UPI-based merchant acceptance went live in July 2021.

The expansion was an early step in taking India’s real-time digital payment infrastructure beyond the domestic market.

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How Do UPI Payments Work Abroad?

UPI Global Acceptance enables users to make QR-based payments at select international merchant locations directly from their Indian bank accounts. 

How to Use UPI at International Merchant Locations

You can use UPI abroad at select merchants that support UPI Global Acceptance. Check for UPI acceptance before scanning the merchant’s QR code. 

1. Activate UPI International: Enable UPI Global or UPI International for your specified bank account through your UPI-powered application.
2. Check UPI acceptance: Look for any UPI or supported network partner acceptance logo and confirm that the merchant accepts UPI payments.
3. Scan the QR code: Open your UPI-powered application and scan the merchant’s QR code.
4. Review the payment: Check the final amount in both foreign currency and Indian rupees, along with the applicable exchange rate or fees.
5. Enter your UPI PIN: Verify the details and enter your UPI PIN to authorise the transaction.
6. Check confirmation: After a successful transaction, both you and the merchant should receive a payment notification. 

Also explore: UPI ID vs UPI Number: What’s the Difference?

Do All Merchants Accept UPI in These Countries?

No. UPI being available in a country does not mean that every shop, restaurant or merchant will accept it. UPI Global Acceptance works at select international merchant locations that support the facility. 

Before making a purchase:

• Look for the BHIM UPI or supported network partner acceptance logo.
• Ask the merchant whether UPI payments are accepted.
• Check the amount and currency before paying.
• Review the applicable exchange rate and fees.
• Keep an alternative payment method available when travelling.

Are International UPI Payments Made in Indian Rupees?

When using UPI Global Acceptance, you can review the transaction amount in both the foreign currency and Indian currency before authorising the payment. The applicable exchange rate and any fees should also be displayed as part of the payment details. 

This allows you to check the amount that will be debited before entering your UPI PIN.

Is UPI International the Same in Every Country?

No, UPI’s international availability can work differently depending on the country and the arrangement in place. International expansion currently includes both UPI acceptance and cross-border remittance connections. 

For example:

• Merchant acceptance can allow eligible Indian users to scan supported QR codes and pay overseas.
• Cross-border remittance linkages can enable eligible users to transfer money between India and another country’s payment system.
• The participating banks, applications and availability can vary by country.

UPI’s international expansion is continuing, so the number of countries that accept UPI and the services available in each country may change over time.

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