WhatsApp UPI Payments: Is International Transfer Supported? [2024]

Aditya Shrivastava

Want to send and receive money internationally using WhatsApp UPI? It's a common question for Indians, especially since WhatsApp Pay is so handy for everyday payments within India.

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Can You Use WhatsApp UPI for International Transfers?

No, as of now, WhatsApp UPI does not support international transfers. WhatsApp UPI is great for sending and receiving money within India, but it doesn't work for international transactions. WhatsApp Pay for Indian users is only for domestic INR transfers in India for now.

There has been some news coverage about WhatsApp planning to launch UPI payments to international businesses — but that feature has not yet been launched (as of publishing this article).

So, How To Send Money Abroad from India?

Since WhatsApp UPI does not support international transfers, you'll need to explore alternatives such as foreign remittance through banks or money transfer agencies.

As you're comparing alternatives to WhatsApp Pay for international transfers from India, be sure to review the complete fee structure and the currency conversion exchange rate. Most providers add a hidden fee to the mid-market exchange rate you usually see on Google — and the one used by Wise.

Meet Wise: A Convenient Alternative for International Money Transfers

Wise offers an alternative for sending money from India to other countries, and also for receiving money in India from abroad. Here's why it's a great choice:

  • Wise gives you the mid-market exchange rate on currency conversions. No hidden markups!
  • Wise transparently shows the transfer fees upfront before you send any money.
  • Easy to Use: Everything is done online or through their app.
  • You can send money directly to bank accounts overseas, or receive money to your Indian bank account or UPI ID from abroad.

Send Money Abroad with Wise 🚀


How WhatsApp UPI Works

WhatsApp UPI payments operate through India's (UPI) system. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:

  1. Linking Your Bank Account: To use WhatsApp Pay, you must link your bank account that has UPI enabled. This is done through the WhatsApp app itself. WhatsApp verifies your phone number with the bank to ensure security.
  2. Setting up Your UPI PIN: If you haven't already, you'll need to create a UPI PIN for your bank account. This PIN is essential for authorizing transactions.
  3. Sending Money: To send money, simply open a chat with the recipient, tap the attachment icon (paperclip), select "Payment," enter the amount, and confirm with your UPI PIN. The money is instantly transferred from your bank account to the recipient's bank account.
  4. Receiving Money: Receiving money is just as simple. When someone sends you money, you'll receive a notification in your WhatsApp chat.

Is WhatsApp UPI Safe?

Safety and security are paramount concerns when dealing with digital payments. WhatsApp Pay employs several security measures to safeguard your transactions:

  • UPI PIN: Every transaction requires your unique UPI PIN, ensuring that only you can authorize payments from your account.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: WhatsApp uses two-factor authentication to verify your identity when you set up or change your payment settings.
  • Encryption: WhatsApp chats, including payment details, are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that only you and the recipient can see the content.
  • Partnerships with Reputable Banks: WhatsApp Pay partners with major Indian banks, adding another layer of security and reliability.

However, it's crucial to remember that users also play a role in maintaining security. Avoid sharing your UPI PIN with anyone, be wary of phishing attempts, and only make payments to trusted individuals or businesses.

Conclusion

WhatsApp UPI is fantastic for payments inside India, but it's not an option for international transfers. For sending money abroad or receiving funds from overseas, Wise is a transparent, affordable, and user-friendly solution that gives you the mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees.

Send money with Wise


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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विदेश पैसे भेजने के आसान तरीके सीखें। नकद, बैंक ट्रांसफर, और Wise जैसे ऑनलाइन विकल्पों की जानकारी। फीस और एक्सचेंज रेट समझें।

Aditya Shrivastava
23.12.24 Read time 3 minutes

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