UAE-Based Indians Can Now Use UPI Without Indian Mobile Number
Indian expats in the UAE can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) without needing an Indian mobile number, marking a major step in digital financial inclusion for the global Indian community. Thanks to a recent development following an agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024, NRIs can now link UPI to their UAE mobile numbers.
This upgrade allows seamless money transfers from Non-Resident External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts with participating Indian banks, including HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI, and others. NRIs can now effortlessly pay for domestic expenses such as utility bills, school fees, and other Indian transactions from abroad—without switching SIM cards or juggling platforms.
Key Features of UPI for NRIs in UAE:
- No need for an Indian phone number
- Works with UAE-issued mobile numbers
- Requires a KYC-compliant NRE/NRO account
- Payments via QR codes, UPI ID, or mobile number
- 24/7 instant transfers without entering bank details
List of Banks Supporting UPI for International Numbers:
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Federal Bank
- State Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Canara Bank
- IndusInd Bank
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- IDFC First Bank
- AU Small Finance Bank
- Equitas Small Finance Bank
- City Union Bank
- South Indian Bank
- Yes Bank
- DBS Bank Ltd
Supported Apps for NRIs Using UPI:
- FedMobile (Federal Bank)
- iMobile (ICICI Bank)
- BHIM Indus Pay (IndusInd Bank)
- SIB Mirror+ (South Indian Bank)
- BHIM AU (AU Small Finance Bank)
Daily Transaction Limit:
Most banks have a daily UPI transaction limit of ₹100,000 (approx. AED 4,400), though higher limits may apply depending on the bank and use case.
What UAE-Based Indians Can Do with UPI:
- Send money to Indian bank accounts or mobile numbers
- Pay Indian merchants directly
- Scan QR codes while abroad
- Pay select international merchants where UPI is accepted
With this expansion, banks like HDFC and ICICI confirm that NRIs in the UAE can now manage all their India-based payments with ease. This update bridges a significant gap for global Indians, improving convenience, speed, and financial connectivity with their home country.
