Cambodia, India Launch Cross‑Border QR Payment System

PHNOM PENH, June 3, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and India have launched a cross‑border QR code payment system to strengthen tourism, digital financial connectivity and economic cooperation, officials said Tuesday.

Phase 1 of the initiative allows Indian visitors to scan Cambodia’s KHQR codes using Indian mobile banking applications. The launch ceremony in Phnom Penh was presided over by National Bank of Cambodia Governor Chea Serey, Indian Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, and Saswat Kumar Mahapatra, General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India.

Around 190 participants attended, including representatives from Cambodia’s tourism sector, financial institutions, fintech associations and Indian business communities. Officials said the system responds to rising Indian tourist arrivals and will simplify retail payments for travelers.

Indian users can now make digital payments by scanning KHQR codes at some 4.5 million merchant locations across Cambodia using UPI‑enabled apps. Serey said the project marks a major step toward improving payment convenience, financial innovation and regional integration, while supporting trade, investment and tourism flows.

The linkage was developed through cooperation between NPCI International Payments Limited — operator of India’s national payment network — and ACLEDA Bank, which served as Cambodia’s sponsoring bank. ACLEDA President In Channy called the launch a “historic milestone” for financial interoperability.

Cambodia has expanded QR payment interoperability since 2020 through partnerships with ASEAN and other markets as part of efforts to promote financial inclusion and a cashless economy. Officials said the new system will deepen Cambodia‑India ties and facilitate greater digital, cultural and commercial integration.