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How To Use UPI In Sri Lanka ? An Easy Guide

autohr img By Sanskriti Saxena | Last Updated : 25 Dec, 2025

How To Use UPI In Sri Lanka
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NRIs living in Sri Lanka or Indian travelers traveling there can now use UPI services effortlessly. With the introduction of UPI services in Sri Lanka, it is now available in seven countries worldwide, including the UAE, France, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal.

This move has been aimed at making cross-border UPI payments smoother and more effective. So, if you are still wondering "how to use UPI in Sri Lanka?", this guide is precisely what you need.

We will discuss how UPI works abroad, which UPI apps work in Sri Lanka, the benefits, and more.

Key Takeaways
  • The Sri Lanka UPI scheme was rolled out in February 2024 along with Mauritius.
  • The Indian UPI service in Sri Lanka will be given under LankaPay.
  • The UPI services in Sri Lanka will make transactions easy for travelers to Sri Lanka and NRIs living there.
  • NRIs can use UPI services by simply linking their NRI bank account to their preferred UPI-enabled app.

How Does UPI Work Abroad For NRIs?

UPI Work Abroad For NRIs

Abroad, the Unified Payment Interface Services (UPI) is now available in seven countries. This all started in 2021 when Bhutan became the first foreign nation to adopt UPI services, followed by the UAE and other countries.

The counties with UPI services available have seen a boom in Indian tourists and travelers, thanks to easy payment features and the hassle-free option of avoiding long queues for currency exchange or carrying cash.

All you need to do is activate the international UPI payment feature and enter your UPI PIN to authenticate it. Once it is enabled, the international UPI payment method will remain active for 6 months.

How Does UPI Service Work in Sri Lanka For NRIs?

The Sri Lanka UPI scheme was rolled out in February 2024. India has partnered with its merchants in Sri Lanka to activate UPI services, providing smooth, streamlined UPI payment options to NRIs and Indian tourists or travellers.

The UPI service in Sri Lanka is available under the name LankaPay. The following are simple steps to use it.

  • Firstly, you need to activate UPI international in any UPI app you use. This lets you make QR code-based merchant payments in Sri Lanka.
  • Once you activate the international UPI, you can scan the LankaPay QR code to make a payment anywhere.
  • Enter the payable amount.
  • Then your UPI PIN
  • And voila, the payment will be done successfully.
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Which UPI Apps Work In Sri Lanka For NRIs?

For NRIs or travelers visiting Sri Lanka, several major Indian UPI apps support international UPI payments, making transactions effortless.

Such UPI apps are:

  • BHIM UPI
  • PhonePe
  • Google Pay
  • Paytm
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Benefits Of UPI Services In Sri Lanka

The National Payment Corporation of India has launched the UPI service, providing users with instant, real-time payment. This entire move is aimed at easing inter-bank transactions by using the mobile phone.

This service has an array of benefits, some of which are:

  • This makes payments easier for those living or traveling to Sri Lanka.
  • Since UPI payments are dependent on mobile phones, it enables a 24/7 payment facility.
  • The user can keep multiple bank accounts on their phone, making it easier to manage and track transactions across all accounts.
  • UPI service allows users to make merchant payments and exchange funds.
  • Since UPI facilitates cashless payments, it's easier, more convenient, and more effortless.

UPI Vs Cash Vs Cards In Sri Lanka

Let's look at which method is best for NRIs or travelers traveling to Sri Lanka. However, the decision is entirely up to personal preference. The following table provides a generalized view.

Method Of Payment Convenience Cost Best Applicable For
UPI High Low Daily expenses
Cash Medium Exchange Cost Small Vendors
Debit or Credit Card Medium Forex + Fees Hotels or the big stores.

The Bottom Line

The introduction of UPI for NRIs in Sri Lanka has simplified payments for NRIs. Whether sending money or receiving it, paying bills, investing, or making merchant-based payments, everything has been easier than ever.

However, beyond this, if you need help managing your NRE/NRO account or need expert-backed guidance on UPI international linking. Savetaxs is here to assist you. We have been helping NRIs from 90+ countries manage their NRI accounts and related activities.

Connect with us as we serve our clients 24/7 across all time zones.

Note: This guide is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this guide are personal and do not constitute the views of Savetaxs. Savetaxs or the author will not be responsible for any direct or indirect loss incurred by the reader for taking any decision based on the information or the contents. It is advisable to consult either a CA, CS, CPA or a professional tax expert from the Savetaxs team, as they are familiar with the current regulations and help you make accurate decisions and maintain accuracy throughout the whole process.

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Sanskriti Saxena (Tax Expert)

Miss Sanskriti is a certified Tax Expert. She has her expertise in US GAAP, Taxation, SOX, IRS, Accounting, and Auditing standards. Miss Saxena is an intellectual blend of a high-end auditor, tax consultant, and accountant

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Frequently Asked Questions

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PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and HIM are some of the major UPI apps that support LankaQR payments. Just ensure the app is up to date and linked to an active Indian bank account.

An Indian number is not required for standard UPI apps; NRIs with active NRE/NRO accounts linked to the UPI can also use it. However, first activate international payments in the app.

Open your UPI app (e.g., PhonePe), then scan the LankaQR code at the merchant. Enter the amount in LKR, which will be automatically converted to INR Enter the UPI PIN. The merchant receives LKR, and your INR account is debited instantly for the amount paid.

LankaQR is available at major transaction points, tourist spots, airports, shops, and taxis in Colombo and other cities.

Usually, there are no extra fees from the banks or the app; however, each application sets a daily UPI transaction limit, and the currency is automatically converted at NPCI rates.

As an NRI, you pay the amount in INR; LankaPay handles the LKR settlement with the merchant at real-time forex rates.

Yes, in real-time UPI is relatively safer than cash or cards, as it is PIN-secured, so there is no hassle of carrying cash around. Additionally, you can also track your transactions in the applicable account.