Top UPI Apps for International Payments in 2025


Top UPI Apps for International Payments in 2025

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has completely revolutionized the digital payment landscape in India, and now in 2025, it’s stepping beyond borders. With India expanding UPI acceptance globally through partnerships with countries like Singapore, UAE, France, Sri Lanka, and others, international payments via UPI have become easier, safer, and more accessible.

If you’re someone who travels abroad, sends money to family, or receives international payments, knowing which UPI apps support international transactions is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore the top UPI apps that now enable seamless cross-border payments in 2025, how they work, and what makes them stand out.


1. PhonePe

PhonePe continues to dominate the UPI space in India and is one of the first apps to support international payments. In 2023, PhonePe launched its 'UPI International' feature, allowing users to make payments in foreign currencies at international merchant outlets using UPI. It supports countries like UAE, Singapore, Nepal, and Bhutan and is expected to expand into Europe in 2025.

Key features:

Pay directly via UPI QR codes at partner countries
Works with existing Indian bank accounts
Instant currency conversion with transparent charges
No need for an international credit card

PhonePe is a top choice for frequent travelers who want to make cardless payments abroad through Indian accounts.


2. Google Pay (GPay)

Google Pay has made UPI more global with its strong technology integration. In 2025, GPay supports international UPI payments in collaboration with NPCI International. It's especially useful in countries where Google Pay is already active, such as the US, Singapore, and Japan.

Google Pay allows:

UPI-linked Indian accounts to make international QR-based payments
Sending money to contacts globally (limited to supported corridors)
Secure tokenized payments via Google’s authentication systems

It’s a reliable option for users who want international reach with familiar GPay features.


3. Paytm

Paytm, once India’s most used wallet app, has now upgraded its UPI services to support international merchant payments. With tie-ups in countries like France, UAE, and Nepal, Paytm has added a feature where users can scan international QR codes and pay directly from their Indian accounts using UPI.

In 2025, Paytm's strengths include:

Seamless integration with Paytm Wallet and Paytm Bank
Smart forex card pairing with UPI for overseas travel
Support for Bharat BillPay International for remittance

This makes Paytm ideal for users who want a wallet plus UPI hybrid experience internationally.


4. BHIM UPI

BHIM, developed by NPCI, is the official UPI app and now supports cross-border payments via partner institutions. In 2025, BHIM users can make payments in selected countries through global UPI infrastructure. While its interface is simple, it’s reliable for international use.

Why choose BHIM for international payments:

Directly backed by the Indian government and NPCI
Supports peer-to-peer payments across borders
No hidden charges or markup
Real-time international payment tracking

BHIM is best for users who want a government-certified, no-frills UPI app with growing international acceptance.


5. Slice UPI

Slice, which started as a credit-focused app, has now integrated powerful UPI and international features. It’s popular among Gen Z and freelancers due to its instant setup, stylish UI, and now, international UPI support in key countries.

Highlights of Slice UPI International:

Smooth onboarding with instant KYC
UPI payments at global QR-enabled outlets
Rewards and cashback on international payments
Low forex conversion fees

If you’re a young user who loves aesthetics and speed, Slice UPI makes international payments cool and convenient.


6. Jupiter

Jupiter, the neo-banking app, has introduced UPI-based international transfers in collaboration with Visa and NPCI International. It gives users the power of UPI and debit card capabilities in one app, along with multi-currency wallet integration.

Features include:

International payments with built-in budgeting tools
Travel-focused UPI features like ATM access and global QR scanning
Expense analytics for global spends
Instant forex updates and charge visibility

This is a perfect choice for digital nomads or working professionals frequently traveling or dealing with overseas clients.


Countries Where UPI International Works in 2025

Thanks to collaborations between NPCI International and global payment networks, UPI is now accepted in:

UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Singapore
Nepal
Bhutan
Sri Lanka
France
Oman
Mauritius
UK (in pilot)
Malaysia (incoming integration)

India is also in talks with the US and Australia to expand UPI interoperability in 2025.


How UPI International Works

Making international payments using UPI is now as easy as domestic ones. Here's how it typically works:

  1. Activate “UPI International” in your app settings.

  2. Ensure your bank and app support international QR scanning.

  3. At a participating merchant, scan the QR code using your app.

  4. Confirm the payment and view the real-time currency conversion.

  5. Done. The amount is deducted from your Indian account and converted instantly.

All transactions are secured by UPI PIN and OTP, ensuring full control and safety.


Final Thoughts

The world is becoming more connected, and India’s UPI system is taking bold steps to go global. Whether you're a traveler, a student abroad, a freelancer, or someone who wants to send/receive money internationally, there’s now a UPI app that fits your needs.

In 2025, PhonePe, GPay, Paytm, BHIM, Slice, and Jupiter are leading the international UPI revolution, bringing convenience, affordability, and speed to global digital payments.