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Using UPI in Singapore and UAE: A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers
For millions of Indians who travel abroad for work, tourism, or to visit family, UPI's international expansion has been a welcome development. Singapore and the UAE are two of the most visited destinations by Indian travellers and are also among the earliest countries to enable UPI-based cross-border payments. This guide explains how UPI works in these two countries, what you need to do before you travel, and what to expect when you pay at international merchants.
How Cross-Border UPI Works
Cross-border UPI payments are enabled through bilateral agreements between NPCI International Payments Limited and the payment networks of partner countries. In Singapore, UPI is linked with PayNow — Singapore's national real-time payment system. In the UAE, UPI is integrated with local payment infrastructure to enable Indian users to make payments at participating merchants. When you scan a QR code at a supported merchant in these countries, the transaction is routed through the UPI network, converted at the applicable exchange rate, and settled in the local currency on the merchant's end.
Using UPI in Singapore
Singapore was one of the first countries to enable UPI interoperability, through the UPI-PayNow linkage. Indian UPI users can make payments at merchants that accept PayNow QR codes in Singapore. To pay, simply scan the merchant's PayNow QR code using your Stashfin or other UPI app, enter the amount if not pre-filled, confirm the exchange rate, and authenticate with your UPI PIN. The amount is debited from your Indian bank account in rupees, and the merchant receives the equivalent in Singapore dollars. This eliminates the need to carry cash or use a travel forex card for small purchases.
Using UPI in the UAE
In the UAE, UPI acceptance has been growing steadily, particularly in areas with a high concentration of Indian expatriates and tourists such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Participating merchants display UPI acceptance signage or QR codes. The payment process is similar — scan, confirm the amount and exchange rate, and authenticate with your UPI PIN. The amount is debited in rupees from your Indian bank account and credited to the merchant in UAE dirhams.
What You Need Before Travelling
No special setup is required to use UPI internationally, as long as your UPI application is active and your linked bank account is in good standing. However, it is advisable to inform your bank before travelling abroad, as some banks flag international transactions as suspicious and may place a temporary hold. Ensure your UPI application is updated to the latest version, as international payment features may require recent app updates. Also confirm that your registered mobile number works on international roaming or on a local SIM, as some UPI authentication flows may require an SMS.
Exchange Rates and Charges
Cross-border UPI transactions involve a currency conversion, and the applicable exchange rate is determined at the time of the transaction. The rate may include a markup over the interbank rate, and some banks may charge a foreign transaction fee. These charges vary by bank and are separate from the payment amount. It is advisable to check with your bank before travelling to understand the exact charges applicable to international UPI transactions from your account.
Limitations of International UPI
Not all merchants in Singapore and the UAE accept UPI, and acceptance is still expanding. UPI international payments are currently designed for person-to-merchant transactions — sending money directly to another individual's UPI ID across borders may not be supported in the same way. Additionally, the daily transaction limits applicable to your Indian bank account still apply to international UPI transactions. If a transaction fails abroad, check your internet connectivity and try again, or use an alternative payment method.
Tips for Using UPI Abroad
Always confirm the merchant's UPI or PayNow QR code is legitimate before scanning. Check the exchange rate displayed in your app before confirming the payment. Keep a backup payment method — such as a forex card or international debit card — in case UPI acceptance is not available at a specific location. Monitor your linked bank account for all international debits to catch any discrepancies early.
UPI transactions are governed by NPCI guidelines. Stashfin is an RBI-registered NBFC. Please ensure transaction details are correct before confirming payment.
