With the rising demand for global transactions—whether for education, freelancing, or family support—international payments are no longer the domain of banks alone. In 2025, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has evolved to support cross-border payments in select countries, making it easier than ever to send money internationally.
If you’re wondering which app is best for international UPI payments, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the best UPI app for international payments from India – July 2025, based on features, exchange rates, countries supported, and ease of use.
🔄 UPI Goes Global – What’s New in 2025?
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) have expanded UPI’s reach. As of July 2025, UPI is accepted in over 10 countries, including:
- UAE 🇦🇪
- Singapore 🇸🇬
- France 🇫🇷
- Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
- Bhutan 🇧🇹
- Nepal 🇳🇵
- Mauritius 🇲🇺
- UK 🇬🇧 (pilot stage)
- Oman 🇴🇲
- Malaysia 🇲🇾 (selected merchants)
This makes it easier for Indians traveling or working abroad—or even transacting online—to use their UPI-linked bank accounts securely and instantly.
📲 Top 10 Best UPI Apps for International Payments from India – July 2025
1. PhonePe (International UPI Beta)
One of the best UPI app for international payments from India in 2025, PhonePe has launched its beta version for international payments in UAE and Singapore.
- Supported Currencies: AED, SGD
- Limit: ₹2,00,000 per transaction
- Conversion Charges: Mid-market + 1.5%
- Requires: UPI Global activated from your bank
📌 Best for travelers and freelancers in UAE/Singapore.
2. Google Pay (GPay Global UPI)
Google Pay remains a go-to app for seamless international transfers.
- Supported Countries: UAE, Singapore, UK
- Cross-border Transfer: Partnered with Western Union and Wise
- Conversion Fees: Depends on partner
- Bonus: Instant mobile payments at international merchant QR terminals
GPay continues to rank among the best UPI app for international payments from India due to its ease and global tie-ups.
3. Paytm UPI (Global QR Enabled)
Paytm supports UPI payments in Bhutan, UAE, and Nepal through Global QR scanning.
- Use Cases: Hotel, retail payments, fuel stations
- Currency Handling: Auto conversion at terminal
- Charges: ₹0 to ₹50 depending on FX provider
📌 Great for students and tourists.
4. BHIM UPI App
Developed by NPCI, the BHIM app is one of the first apps to support UPI Global.
- Direct integration with RBI-compliant banks
- Works for QR-based international merchant payments
- No middleman like Western Union
- You need to activate “UPI International” through your bank
For official cross-border support, BHIM is among the best UPI app for international payments from India in 2025.
5. Wise (Formerly TransferWise) + UPI
Wise now supports receiving money into UPI-linked accounts.
- Send money from 40+ countries to India via UPI
- Transparent fees
- Currency Conversion: Real-time mid-market rates
- Fastest Delivery: UPI transfer in seconds
📌 Use Wise + UPI for receiving funds easily from clients or family abroad.
6. Nium Pay
A fintech partner of NPCI, Nium Pay allows payments from India to Singapore and UAE using UPI rails.
- Use Case: B2B payments, freelancer payouts
- Linked with Indian fintech apps like Jupiter and Fi
- Low charges, quick settlement
For professionals and startups, Nium is considered one of the best UPI app for international payments from India.
7. IndusInd UPI (Bank App)
Some banks like IndusInd and SBI support UPI Global natively in their apps.
- Bank-led International UPI
- Security: Dual-layer OTP + Biometric
- Great for: Business travelers and remitters
📌 Check with your bank to enable UPI Global first.
8. SBI YONO Lite App (with UPI Global)
State Bank of India offers UPI international QR scanning for selected destinations.
- Countries: Nepal, UAE, Singapore, France
- Needs Activation: UPI Global via branch or net banking
- Good for: Students and regular remitters
SBI’s YONO Lite is rising among the best UPI app for international payments from India.
9. Amazon Pay UPI (Under Testing)
Currently in pilot with UAE and France.
- Tested by select users in metro cities
- Potential tie-up with Amazon Global Store
- Expected rollout: Q4 2025
📌 Watch this space.
10. Fi Money + UPI International
Neobank Fi is testing UPI cross-border features through Nium and Wise.
- Targeted Users: Freelancers, global nomads
- Smart FX calculation & zero hidden fees
- Offers: Cashback on international spends
Fi is fast emerging as one of the best UPI app for international payments from India among Gen Z professionals.
🔍 Key Features to Compare
| App | Countries | FX Fees | Daily Limit | Payment Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhonePe | 3 | 1.5% | ₹2L | Merchant + P2P |
| Google Pay | 5+ | Partner-based | Varies | Merchant + P2P |
| Paytm | 3 | Low | ₹1L | Merchant QR only |
| BHIM | 10+ | Bank FX | ₹1L–2L | Direct Merchant Pay |
| Wise + UPI | 40+ | Low | Based on sender | UPI receive only |
| Fi + Nium | 4 | Real rate | ₹50K–1L | Business/Freelance |
🛠️ How to Enable UPI Global on Your App
To use these best UPI app for international payments from India, you must activate UPI Global first:
- Login to your UPI-enabled app (like PhonePe or BHIM)
- Go to: Settings → UPI → Enable UPI International
- Select your linked bank (e.g., HDFC, SBI, ICICI)
- Authenticate via OTP or net banking
- Set a global payment limit
🧠 Pro Tip: Not all banks support UPI Global yet. Use banks like SBI, HDFC, Axis, IndusInd for best compatibility.
💡 Benefits of Using UPI App for International Payments
- ✅ Real-time processing – no 3–5 day delays like banks
- ✅ Lower fees compared to traditional SWIFT/NEFT
- ✅ No intermediary banks
- ✅ Works on mobile easily
- ✅ Instant alerts & confirmation
These benefits explain why users prefer the best UPI app for international payments from India over older bank channels.
🚧 Limitations to Keep in Mind
- ❌ Not all countries are UPI-enabled
- ❌ P2P (person-to-person) may not work—only merchant payments
- ❌ You need to activate UPI Global manually
- ❌ UPI doesn’t allow large remittances (over ₹2L)
📢 Upcoming UPI Global Features in 2025
- 🔄 Peer-to-peer international transfers being tested
- 📱 Integration with RuPay Credit Cards for abroad spends
- 🌐 More countries onboarding UPI with NPCI tie-ups
🧾 How to Use a UPI App for International Payment
- Enable UPI Global in your app
- Scan an international merchant’s UPI-compatible QR
- Enter amount in local currency or INR (converted automatically)
- Confirm via UPI PIN
- Get instant confirmation & receipt
That’s how simple it is to use the best UPI app for international payments from India in July 2025.
🔚 Final Thoughts
UPI’s global journey is just beginning, and Indian users now enjoy fast, affordable, and secure international payments right from their smartphones.
Whether you’re shopping in Singapore, sending funds to a loved one in Nepal, or receiving freelance payments in India—these apps give you the power of global banking at your fingertips.
So next time you travel or transact globally, trust one of these best UPI apps for international payments from India to do the job.
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