Indian fintech leader Paytm has introduced a game-changing update for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) — now, NRIs from 12 countries can use their international mobile numbers to access UPI payments in India via the Paytm app, without the need for an Indian SIM card. Paytm+2Business Today+2
What’s new?
- NRIs holding an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank account in India can now link that account to the Paytm app using their foreign mobile number — this applies for users residing in any of the 12 eligible countries. CIOL+2IndianWeb2+2
- With this capability, they can carry out everyday UPI transactions — paying at neighbourhood shops, scanning UPI QR codes, shopping online on Indian apps/websites, or transferring money to friends/family. All in Indian rupees. Upstox – Online Stock and Share Trading+1
- The feature is currently in beta rollout for the eligible countries. News9live+1
- The rollout builds on Paytm’s earlier international UPI initiative — where Indian users could make payments abroad in UPI-enabled destinations like UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius and others. The Indian Express+1
Which countries are eligible?
The eligible list of 12 countries includes (but may not be limited to):
United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France, Malaysia. Upstox – Online Stock and Share Trading+1
Why this matters
- Greater convenience for NRIs — No longer do NRIs need a +91 Indian mobile number linked to make UPI transactions via Paytm. This removes a major friction point of needing an Indian SIM or switching numbers.
- Fee- and gateway-free home payments — The new service highlights that the transactions do not attract foreign exchange conversion or costly international payment gateway fees. Business Today+1
- Stronger global connect with India’s payments ecosystem — Through this launch, Paytm is reinforcing the idea that Indians living abroad can stay financially connected with domestic spending, remittances, and lifestyle payments in India. Paytm+1
- Strategic focus on payments business — The update comes at a time where Paytm has been repositioning itself around its core payments-business strengths and international reach. The global UPI push underscores this strategy.
How NRIs can get started
Here’s how you can set it up:
- Download and open the Paytm app on your device. Upstox – Online Stock and Share Trading+1
- Log in with your international mobile number (from one of the supported countries). The number is verified via SMS. News9live
- Link your Indian bank account (NRE or NRO account) which is already under your name. Once linked, you can create your UPI ID and start transacting. Paytm+1
- You’re ready to scan UPI QR codes, send money to UPI IDs or linked mobile numbers, shop online on Indian platforms — all in Indian rupees. CIOL
Key things to keep in mind
- The feature is beta, so availability may vary by bank, region, and your specific circumstances (e.g., whether your Indian bank supports international number onboarding). IndianWeb2
- Your bank account must be an NRE or NRO account in India, and your international mobile number should be registered/linked accordingly. Business Today+1
- Even though Paytm is enabling the framework, actual transaction success may depend on your bank and the UPI app’s backend support for foreign numbers.
- Keep your documentation and KYC up to date as required for NRIs linking accounts and activating UPI.
