UPI for NRIs: How NRIs can use UPI with their International mobile numbers

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If you live overseas and were so far unable to make UPI payments using your international mobile number, here’s a step-by-guide on how you can now do so.

So far, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) had to use an Indian mobile number and keep it active in order to make UPI transactions, which was a nuisance for many. But now, thanks to a recent update from the National Payments Corporation of India, NRIs residing in 10 countries can use UPI through their Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts, linked to their international mobile numbers.

What’s New for NRIs Using UPI?

Previously, NRIs needed an Indian mobile number to set up UPI on any payment app. The app would verify the mobile number with a bank account by sending an SMS, which required NRIs to keep their Indian mobile numbers active—incurring regular maintenance costs. Now, NRIs can bypass this requirement by using their overseas mobile numbers, eliminating those additional costs.

How Can NRIs Use UPI with ICICI Bank?

ICICI Bank offers UPI access to its NRI customers through its iMobile Pay app, enabling them to make payments using their international mobile numbers linked to NRE/NRO accounts.

What Can You Do with UPI?

• NRIs can use UPI to:
• Pay for utility bills, merchant transactions, and online purchases.
• Transfer money by scanning any Indian QR code.
• Send money to UPI IDs, Indian mobile numbers, or directly to Indian bank accounts.

• Log in to the iMobile Pay app.
• Click on ‘UPI Payments’.
• Verify your mobile number.
• Navigate to Manage -> My Profile.
• Create a new UPI ID (choose from the suggested options).
• Select the account number and click Submit.

UPI is available to NRIs in the following 10 countries: USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Conditions for Using UPI with International Mobile Numbers:

NRIs must link their international mobile numbers to their NRE or NRO accounts.

The NRE or NRO accounts must be Know Your Customer (KYC) compliant, and banks need to ensure compliance with regulations like the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

FAQs for NRIs Using UPI

How does UPI work for NRIs?
UPI allows NRIs to send and receive money using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) linked to their international mobile numbers from select countries. Transactions are done in Indian Rupees (INR) and can be used to:

• Send money to UPI IDs or Indian mobile numbers.
• Scan UPI QR codes for payments.
• Transfer money to Indian bank accounts.

How can NRIs set up a UPI ID?
NRIs can create a UPI ID through their ICICI Bank’s iMobile Pay app by following these steps:

• Log in to the iMobile Pay app.
• Click on UPI Payments.
• Verify your mobile number via SMS.
• Go to Manage -> My Profile.
• Create a UPI ID, select your NRE/NRO account, and you're ready to use UPI!