Indian travelers can now make UPI payments at over 4.5 million merchant outlets in Cambodia, thanks to a new partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and ACLEDA Bank Plc. The launch was announced at a ceremony in Phnom Penh attended by National Bank of Cambodia Governor Chea Serey and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India.
First Phase of Cross-Border QR Payment Linkage
The initiative marks the first phase of the cross-border QR payment linkage between India and Cambodia. Indian users can now make QR-based payments using their UPI-enabled applications by scanning Bakong's KHQR codes at more than 4.5 million merchant outlets across Cambodia, including tourist attractions, restaurants, retail stores, and other establishments.
Future Two-Way Interoperability
According to the announcement, the next phase will enable Cambodian visitors to make payments at millions of UPI QR-enabled merchant locations across India using their Cambodian banking and payment applications, creating a two-way interoperable payment corridor between the two countries. This initiative is expected to facilitate real-time and interoperable digital transactions while improving payment efficiency between India and Cambodia.
Statements from Key Officials
Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO of 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." He added, "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."
In Channy, President and Group Managing Director of ACLEDA Bank Plc., commented, "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." He added that integrating the payment systems of Cambodia and India would help remove transaction-related friction and foreign exchange volatility for travellers while providing local merchants access to a large digital consumer market. "Ultimately, this collaboration drives financial inclusion and strengthens the bilateral economic corridor through robust, scalable technology," he said.
Benefits for Merchants and Travelers
Merchants in Cambodia will benefit from access to a large Indian customer base, improved cash management, and reduced dependence on physical currency. The partnership is expected to enhance convenience for travellers while supporting tourism and commercial engagement between India and Cambodia through trusted cross-border digital payment infrastructure.
