UPI Tourist Guide
The definitive guide for international visitors to India
🎉 Major Update
Since 2023, tourists from G20 countries can now use UPI in India without an Indian bank account!
G20 Countries That Can Use UPI
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
Germany
France
Italy
Japan
Singapore
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Argentina
Brazil
South Korea
Indonesia
Mexico
South Africa
Turkey
and more — Russia with limitations
How G20 Tourists Register for UPI
- 1
Have your passport ready
- 2
Get your international SIM working in India (roaming or local SIM)
- 3
Download PhonePe or Paytm
- 4
Register with your international phone number
- 5
Complete KYC with a passport photo
- 6
Set your UPI PIN
- 7
Start paying!
✅
PhonePe
Supports international numbers
✅
Paytm
Supports international numbers
⚠️
Google Pay
Usually requires an Indian number
❌
BHIM
Requires an Indian bank account
Limits for Tourist UPI Accounts
| Feature | Tourist UPI | Regular UPI |
|---|---|---|
| Max per transaction | ₹10,000 | ₹1,00,000 |
| Daily limit | ₹10,000 | Bank-defined |
| Monthly limit | ₹1,00,000 | Bank-defined |
| Bank required | ❌ | ✅ |
| Indian SIM required | ❌ | ✅ |
Non-G20 Tourists – Alternatives
- 1.💳 Wise card (best for India – low fees)
- 2.💳 Revolut card
- 3.💳 International Visa/Mastercard
- 4.🏧 ATM (SBI, HDFC, ICICI widely available)
- 5.💵 Cash (exchange at banks or authorised dealers)
Note: Avoid airport exchange counters — rates are poor.
City-Specific Tips
Mumbai
- • Metro: Token or card
- • Local trains: Season pass or QR ticket
- • Taxis: Ola/Uber (international cards)
- • Street food: Mostly UPI
Delhi
- • Metro: Smart card (buy at station)
- • Auto-rickshaw: Ola auto or negotiate + UPI
- • Markets: UPI everywhere
Bangalore (Tech Hub)
- • Most cashless city in India
- • UPI literally everywhere
- • Namma Metro: QR tickets
Goa
- • Tourist areas: cards + UPI
- • Beaches: mix
- • Markets: UPI growing
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