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How to Link NRE/NRO Account with International Mobile Number on PhonePe

Kanishka Sarin|4 min read|23 May, 2025

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Are you an NRI who’s tired of the hassle of managing payments during your visits to India? We’ve all been there – running around to arrange a local SIM card just to make UPI payments, or relying on cash because your international number doesn’t work with Indian payment apps. Well, those days are officially behind you!

The Game-Changing Solution for NRIs

Just as UPI revolutionized digital payments in India, PhonePe’s latest feature is set to transform how NRIs handle their transactions. Now, you can seamlessly link your NRE/NRO bank account with your international mobile number on PhonePe, giving you instant access to India’s powerful UPI ecosystem – no Indian SIM card required!

This innovative solution makes it easier than ever to make hassle-free UPI transactions directly from your NRE/NRO account, no matter where you are! Experience the convenience that NRIs worldwide are already enjoying – set up your account today.

Why Link Your International Number to PhonePe?

Let’s break down the three key benefits that make this feature a must-have for every NRI:

No Need for an Indian SIM Card

Remember those frantic trips to telecom stores upon landing in India? Or asking relatives to arrange a local SIM card before your arrival? Those days are now a thing of the past!

With this feature, your international mobile number becomes your key to India’s UPI ecosystem. No more juggling multiple phones or SIM cards, and no more disconnection from your financial services when you need them most.

How it helps: Need to send money to family in India? Or pay bills for your property in India? Do it instantly using UPI with your international number, whether you’re sitting in your office abroad or visiting India without scrambling for a local SIM.

Global UPI Access: Pay Anywhere, Anytime

Use your international mobile number for shopping, bill splitting, or sending money to loved ones in India. Whether in New York, Dubai, London, or Sydney, your UPI capabilities travel with you.

PhonePe’s international number linking offers the same seamless experience as local users, providing a direct connection to India’s payment ecosystem worldwide.

How it helps: Planning a trip to India? Book domestic flights and pay at local shops and restaurants effortlessly with your international number for all UPI transactions. Shop online on Indian websites or apps without the complexities of international payment gateways or currency conversions.

Secure & Instant Transactions – Peace of Mind with Every Payment

When it comes to handling your money, security is non-negotiable. PhonePe’s international number linking feature is RBI-approved and comes with robust security measures to protect your transactions.

Every payment is authenticated and protected, giving you complete peace of mind while enjoying the convenience of instant UPI transactions.

How it helps: Transfer funds between your accounts or to others in India instantly, without waiting for traditional banking hours or dealing with complex international transfer processes. All transactions happen in real-time and securely.

Six Ways This Feature Simplifies Your Financial Life

Here’s how linking your international number transforms everyday financial tasks into effortless experiences.

  1. Seamless Payments in India: Scan UPI QR codes to pay merchants for cabs, dining, hotels, shopping, and medical needs.
  2. Instant P2P Transfers to India: Send money directly to family via UPI IDs or phone numbers, avoiding remittance delays and high forex fees.
  3. Remote Bill Payments in India: Cover utility bills (electricity, gas, water), mobile/DTH recharges, and insurance premiums from abroad.
  4. Manage Indian Investments & Property: Handle property maintenance, rent, society dues, and transfer funds to property managers. Use UPI for mutual fund investments (bank permitting).
  5. Shop on Indian Platforms: Pay on Indian e-commerce sites like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra using PhonePe UPI, eliminating international card use and currency conversion.
  6. Effortless NRE/NRO Account Transfers: Easily move funds between your NRE/NRO accounts across Indian banks.

How to Link Your International Number to PhonePe in 4 Simple Steps

Getting started is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the PhonePe App

Download the latest version of PhonePe from your app store and navigate to your Profile Settings. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to complete the basic registration first.

2. Login with Your International Mobile Number

Enter your international number with the correct country code. PhonePe will send you a verification code via SMS to authenticate your number.

3. Select Your NRE/NRO Bank Account

Once verified, you’ll see a list of your eligible NRE/NRO accounts. Select the account you want to link with your PhonePe profile. The system will verify your account details with your bank.

4. Start Using UPI Anywhere!

That’s it! Your international number is now linked to your PhonePe account, giving you full access to UPI payments both in India and from abroad.

Growing Global Network: Countries and Banks Supporting This Feature

The beauty of this feature lies in its expanding reach. Currently, PhonePe supports international number linking for users from 11 countries, including:

  • United States
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Canada
  • Qatar
  • Singapore
  • Australia
  • Oman
  • Hong Kong
  • India (for returning NRIs)

What’s more, we’ve partnered with India’s leading banks to ensure you have maximum flexibility with your NRE/NRO accounts. Our partner banks include:

  • State Bank of India
  • HDFC Bank
  • ICICI Bank
  • Axis Bank
  • Punjab National Bank
  • Canara Bank
  • IDFC First Bank
  • Indian Bank
  • IndusInd Bank
  • South Indian Bank
  • Yes Bank
  • Federal Bank
  • City Union Bank
  • DBS Bank
  • ESAF Small Finance Bank

The Future of Global UPI Access is Here

PhonePe’s international number linking feature represents a significant advancement for the millions of NRIs who maintain strong financial ties with India. This innovation eliminates the need for an Indian SIM card while providing secure, instant access to India’s robust UPI ecosystem.

Just as UPI transformed payments in India, this feature makes financial transactions simpler for NRIs, whether they’re visiting India or managing their finances from abroad.

With PhonePe, your international number now serves as your key to India’s digital payment landscape – simple, secure, and seamless.

Ready to experience the convenience of UPI payments with your international number? Download PhonePe today and link your NRE/NRO account in just a few taps. Start enjoying global UPI access right away!

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