Everything Indian
For Australians with ties to India, managing finances across borders can be difficult.
But what if a simple solution existed, letting your Aussie number open a world of digital payments in India?
Well, that’s why the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India’s revolutionary payment system, and the recent game-changer for NRIs have come to the rescue.
But can you truly use UPI with your Australian phone number and bank account? Well, that’s what we are here for!
In this blog, we will address this burning question and understand the mystery of UPI for Australians step-by-step.
So let’s begin!
Current Scenario – Whether UPI Is Available In Australia Or Not?
You might remember those days when sending money to India felt like a slow-motion train ride, filled with paperwork and big fees.
Well, those days are officially over for many people with a little something called UPI!
UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface, and it’s India’s super-fast, super-convenient way to send and receive money on your phone. You can consider it like an Australian PayID but for rupees!
But the exciting part is – if you have an Australian number and an Indian bank account called an NRE or NRO, you can now use the UPI!
You can send and receive cash instantly, right from your Aussie phone, with just a few clicks.
But before you start imagining yourself paying and using UPI right from your phone, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- NRE/NRO Accounts are Important: These are special bank accounts for non-resident Indians, to manage your Indian rupees. So, if you don’t have one, you can’t use UPI just yet.
- UPI has just started:Not all UPI apps are available in Australia yet, but some big ones like PhonePe and Paytm are working on it.
- UPI still under construction:While the future looks bright for UPI, there might be some issues along the way as things get set up.
The current scenario for the Aussies and UPI is full of promise, with a few twists and turns to keep things interesting.
How Do You Set Up UPI with an Australian Number?
So are you ready to forget the cash and start using UPI with your Australian phone? Now understand the setup, step-by-step:
#1 Choosing a UPI App
These UPIs are apps that can help you do transactions. While not many are usable currently in Australia, some big names like PhonePe and Paytm are on their way. You can check out their websites or app stores for more updates. But remember choosing an app available in both Australia and India is key.
#2 Verifying Your NRE/NRO Account
Once you’ve chosen your app, it’s time to prove you’re the rightful owner of that Indian rupee reserve. The app will ask you to link your NRE/NRO account. Follow the instructions carefully, entering details like your account number and IFSC code. Be prepared for some verification steps, like OTPs or document uploads. Remember, this is to keep your rupees safe and sound!
#3 Linking Your Australian Number
In this step, you must connect your Australian number to your UPI account. Again, the app will guide you through the process, usually involving entering your number and receiving a verification code. It’s just like adding a phone number to any other app but with the exciting benefit of instant rupee transfers!
#4 Setting Your UPI PIN
Well, this might be a four-digit/six-digit password that guards your transactions. It’s also referred to as UPI PIN! Choose a strong one you can remember but nobody can guess. Don’t share it with anyone!
Now that you are done with the setup, you might face issues such as app availability, verification problems, etc. For this you must contact the app’s customer support, they’re there to help.
CONCLUSION:
To conclude, yes, you can use UPI with your Australian phone number and bank account if you have an NRE/NRO account in India.
While some UPI apps are not widely available in Australia yet, options like PhonePe and Paytm are making progress.
Setting up UPI involves choosing a compatible app, verifying your NRE/NRO account, linking your Australian number, and setting up a secure UPI PIN.
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