Paytm, operated by One97 Communications Ltd., on Monday enabled Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 12 countries to use international mobile numbers for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, expanding India’s digital payment network to a global audience.
The service, powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), covers users in Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, France, and Malaysia.
A Paytm spokesperson said, “We started Paytm with the dream of building technology made in India, for India, and now for every Indian around the world. Enabling NRIs to use Paytm UPI with their international mobile numbers is another step in that journey. It keeps Indians connected to India’s growing mobile payments ecosystem, no matter where they live.”
The feature allows NRIs to link their international numbers with NRE or NRO accounts and use the Paytm app to send money or make purchases across India—without requiring a local SIM card.
For context, an NRE account holds foreign income in rupees, allows free repatriation, and offers tax-free interest. An NRO account handles income earned in India, with taxable interest and limited repatriation. In effect, NRE links NRIs to their overseas earnings, while NRO manages their Indian income.
“With this launch, NRIs can use Paytm UPI for everyday payments and money transfers to friends and family in India,” the company said in a statement. Users can “pay at shops, restaurants, and local businesses across the country by simply scanning a UPI QR code or shop online on Indian apps and websites.”
Paytm said the move eliminates the need for international payment gateways or currency conversions, enabling instant transfers between accounts and avoiding remittance delays or forex fees. The rollout, currently in beta, will expand to all eligible users in the coming days.
