How Can NRIs Actually Use UPI In The UAE Without The Hassle?

Travelling from India to the UAE just got easier for many. Indian visitors can now make payments using UPI, right from their bank accounts back home. That means no more panic about carrying enough dirhams or fiddling with currency exchange counters at the airport. But not everything’s smooth sailing just yet for NRIs in the UAE in terms of UPI.

Indian Tourists Can Now Use UPI in the UAE, But NRIs Still Face Roadblocks

While the idea sounds simple, the process isn’t. Many Indian expats in the UAE are still struggling to register for UPI because of its complex sign-up rules. Most NRI accounts, like NRE and NRO, do not link easily unless they’re connected to an Indian mobile number. That requirement alone cuts out a large portion of UAE-based users.

Industry experts in the UAE believe this can change if UPI registration becomes more user-friendly. They are calling for a new system that lets expats onboard using basic documents like an Emirates ID or their passport. They also suggest allowing UPI to link with UAE bank accounts or debit cards. This would open the doors to real two-way use between India and the UAE.

Some Progress Has Already Been Made

There’s a bit of good news, though. Local remittance apps have started sending alerts to Indian users saying they can now transfer money directly from UPI-linked NRE/NRO accounts. They can do this using their UAE mobile numbers. This change allows Indians in the UAE to make UPI transfers to India without needing their India-registered mobile numbers. While this step helps, many believe more needs to be done to truly unlock UPI’s potential for Indian expats.

How UPI Will Help Indian Tourists in the UAE

Resident Indians visiting the UAE can also benefit from UPI in a big way. The Indian Consul-General has confirmed that UPI will soon be integrated with the UAE’s local payment system. Once that’s done, tourists can shop, dine or book services using just their smartphones.

That means no more credit cards or cash, and definitely no stress over card declines or high forex fees. Visitors will simply scan a code and pay directly in rupees from their Indian bank accounts.

Also Read: Google Pay Is Now Available In UAE

But Most Tourists Still Prefer Credit Cards

Even with these updates, credit cards remain the go-to for most Indian travellers in the UAE. Why? Convenience and reward points. Credit cards often come with benefits like cashback, air miles and lounge access. Unless UPI offers something similar, many visitors may continue to swipe rather than scan.

Also, UPI payments currently work only at partner outlets in the UAE. So unless a store is already linked to UPI, that option is off the table.

Other Payment Methods That Work for Indian Visitors

If you’re visiting the UAE from India, UPI isn’t your only option. Several other modes work well and are widely accepted across shops, restaurants, and hotels.

• International Debit Cards
  Indian banks issue Visa and Mastercard-backed debit cards that work globally, including in the UAE.

• Vishwa Yatra Cards
  These are preloaded travel cards that support multiple currencies. You can pay in AED and withdraw from specific ATMs.

• Credit Cards
  The most commonly used payment method. They offer ease of use and plenty of perks.

• Rupay Global Cards
  These can be used internationally, but only at select merchants who support Rupay payments.

• Payment Links and Digital Wallets
  Merchants sometimes generate custom payment links or use digital wallet integrations to help travellers pay without cards or cash.
  

Also Read: Good News! UPI To Soon Be Integrated With Digital Payments In The UAE; Here’s How It Benefits Indians

So, What’s the Verdict?

UPI is making its way into the UAE, slowly but surely. For tourists, it’s a promising new tool that could soon become the default way to pay. For NRIs living here, it’s still a work in progress. Until the registration process becomes easier and offers expand, most will likely continue using cards.

But the good news is that the shift has already started. And if the right changes come through, UPI could completely change how Indians pay, both in the UAE and back home.

Cover Image Courtesy: Paytm/Website