Cambodia promotes new tourism debit card to boost cross border payments

PHNOM PENH, Mar 19, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has launched the Cambodia–China Tourist Debit Card, a digital payment tool designed to make cross border transactions easier for local, Chinese and international visitors.

The card was unveiled Wednesday at the launch of the Cambodia–China Cross Border Payment Service, presided over by Tourism Minister Huot Hak and organized by Bank of China. The event gathered senior officials, including Zhong Jie, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Sun Yu, Executive Director of Bank of China, and representatives from the National Bank of Cambodia.

The card marks a step forward in digitalizing tourism and financial services, allowing users to pay seamlessly via QR code systems. The initiative falls under the Cambodia–China “Diamond Cooperation” framework and supports the “Cambodia–China Tourism Year” campaign, which includes a visa free policy for Chinese tourists from June 15 to October 15, 2026.

Hak said the new payment solution will modernize services, promote cashless transactions and improve the travel experience, particularly for Chinese visitors, while boosting tourism and investment.