Indian Travellers can now make UPI payments in Cambodia

Mumbai : NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in partnership with ACLEDA Bank Plc. has
announced the launch of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Cambodia through
KHQR, Cambodia’s national QR code.
The launch was marked by a formal ceremony held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, attended by
H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC); and representatives
from the Reserve Bank of India. The event marked the official launch of the first phase of cross-
border QR payment linkage between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of India.
Indian users can now scan Bakong’s KHQR, Cambodia’s standard and interoperable QR code
system, at over 4.5 million merchant outlets to make secure and seamless QR-based payments
across tourist attractions, restaurants, retail outlets and other establishments using their UPI-
enabled apps. In the subsequent phase, Cambodian visitors to India will benefit from
acceptance at millions of UPI QR‑enabled merchant locations across the country, using their
Cambodian payment/Banking apps, thereby establishing a two-way interoperable payment
corridor between the two countries.
This initiative is expected to deliver smooth, realtime, and interoperable digital transaction
capabilities, strengthening efficiencies across payments in India and Cambodia Payment
Corridor. In the first phase, merchants in Cambodia will gain access to a large Indian customer
base, while benefiting from improved cash management and reduced dependence on physical
currency, enabling greater operational efficiency.
By facilitating trusted crossborder digital payment options, the collaboration will enhance
convenience for travellers while strengthening tourism and commercial engagement between
the two countries.
Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International, said, “At NPCI International, our aim is to
extend India’s digital payment innovations to global markets through trusted partnerships.
Enabling UPI acceptance in Cambodia marks a significant milestone in this journey. It ensures
that Indian travellers enjoy a familiar, secure and seamless payment experience abroad, while
Cambodian merchants gain access to millions of digital-first consumers. This collaboration not
only strengthens real-time payment connectivity between our two ecosystems but also lays the
groundwork for deeper tourism and commercial engagement.”
Dr. In Channy, President & Group Managing Director, stated: "ACLEDA Bank Plc. is proud
to launch Phase 1 of our cross-border interoperability initiative, enabling Indian travellers to
execute secure digital transactions via UPI-enabled applications across our extensive KHQR
merchant network. This partnership represents a significant achievement in our digital
transformation roadmap.
By integrating the payment gateways of Cambodia and India, we are removing transactional
friction and foreign exchange volatility for travellers. This synergy empowers local merchants by
providing direct access to a high-velocity digital market, optimizing liquidity management, and
enhancing operational throughput via secure, real-time settlement protocols. Ultimately, this
collaboration drives financial inclusion and strengthens the bilateral economic corridor through
robust, scalable technology."