NPCI International launches UPI acceptance in Cambodia via KHQR
New Delhi, June 2
NPCI International Payments Limited -- the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India -- in partnership with ACLEDA Bank Plc., on Tuesday launched Unified Payments Interface acceptance in Cambodia through KHQR, the country's national QR code system.
The launch was marked by a formal ceremony in Phnom Penh attended by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), along with representatives from the Reserve Bank of India.
In addition, the initiative is the first phase of cross-border QR payment linkage between India and Cambodia, enabling Indian travellers to make seamless QR-based payments using UPI-enabled applications at over 4.5 million merchant outlets across Cambodia, including tourist attractions, restaurants and retail stores.
In the next phase, Cambodian visitors to India will be able to make payments at millions of UPI QR-enabled merchant locations across the country using their domestic banking or payment applications, creating a two-way interoperable payment corridor between the two nations.
NPCI International said the collaboration is aimed at delivering real-time, secure and interoperable digital transactions, improving payment efficiency and enhancing convenience for travellers while strengthening tourism and commercial ties between India and Cambodia.
In the first phase, Cambodian merchants are expected to gain access to a large base of Indian digital payment users, along with benefits such as improved cash management, reduced reliance on physical currency and greater operational efficiency.
Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International, said the initiative marks a key milestone in the global expansion of India's digital payment ecosystem.
"Enabling UPI acceptance in Cambodia is a significant step in this journey. It ensures Indian travellers get a familiar and seamless payment experience abroad, while Cambodian merchants gain access to millions of digital-first consumers," he said.
ACLEDA Bank Plc. President and Group Managing Director Dr In Channy said the partnership reflects a major step in Cambodia's digital transformation and cross-border payment interoperability efforts.
He said the integration helps remove transactional friction and foreign exchange challenges for travellers while enabling local merchants to access a wider digital market.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive to see India's digital payment infrastructure going global! But I wonder how the interoperability will work for Cambodian tourists visiting India—will they need special apps or can they use their existing banking apps? That's the real test.
Great news! As someone who travels to Southeast Asia often, this is a game-changer. The next phase where Cambodians can pay in India will boost tourism too. Modi ji's digital India vision is truly taking wings now. 🚀
While this sounds promising, I hope NPCI has addressed security concerns thoroughly. Cross-border digital payments can be vulnerable to fraud. Need to ensure that Indian users' data and money are protected when transacting through Cambodian merchant systems.
Thoda credit bhi dena chahiye ACLEDA Bank ko—they've been pioneers in Cambodian digital banking. But I worry about rural merchants in Cambodia who may not have reliable internet. Hope NPCI has offline solution plans too.
This is exactly the kind of soft power diplomacy India needs—exporting technology rather than just importing it. UPI is becoming the global standard for real-time payments. Well done NPCI! Now please also get it working in Europe and North America.
R Rohit L