Cambodia and India have taken a major step forward in digital financial connectivity with the official launch of Phase 1 of their cross border QR payment initiative on June 2, 2026, at Rosewood Phnom Penh. The new system allows Indian travelers to scan and pay through Cambodia’s KHQR network using UPI enabled payment applications, creating a faster and more convenient payment experience across the Kingdom. The initiative aims to strengthen tourism, support business activities, and deepen economic ties between the two countries through seamless digital transactions.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Cambodia’s growing digital economy. Led by the National Bank of Cambodia, the Reserve Bank of India, ACLEDA Bank Plc., and NPCI International Payments Limited, the project introduces a modern payment bridge that makes spending easier for Indian visitors while opening new opportunities for Cambodian merchants. More importantly, it reflects the broader ASEAN vision of promoting regional digital integration and financial innovation.
A Historic Digital Partnership
The official launch ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, alongside representatives from the Reserve Bank of India. The event highlighted the growing cooperation between the two nations in advancing digital payment technologies and improving financial accessibility.
This collaboration goes beyond introducing a new payment method. It establishes a digital connection between Cambodia and India that enables secure, real time transactions across borders. By linking India’s UPI system with Cambodia’s KHQR network, both countries are creating a more connected financial ecosystem that benefits travelers, businesses, and consumers alike.
Making Travel and Payments Easier
One of the biggest advantages of the new system is convenience for Indian tourists visiting Cambodia. Travelers can now use their familiar UPI enabled mobile applications to pay directly at KHQR merchants throughout the country without needing cash or complicated currency exchanges.
Whether visiting tourist attractions, dining at restaurants, shopping at retail stores, or paying for services, Indian visitors can complete transactions instantly and securely. This simplified payment process is expected to enhance the visitor experience while encouraging greater tourism flows between the two countries.
The initiative also supports Cambodian businesses by providing access to a large and growing base of digital consumers from India. Merchants can receive payments more efficiently while reducing the challenges associated with handling foreign currency transactions.
Building a Digital Corridor Between Two Nations
ACLEDA Bank has been offering cross border QR payment services since 2020, connecting customers with payment networks across ASEAN and partner countries. The launch of Phase 1 between Cambodia and India represents the latest expansion of that strategy.
According to ACLEDA Bank, the project serves as more than a technological upgrade. It creates a modern digital corridor that promotes stronger tourism, trade, and economic cooperation. By reducing payment barriers, businesses can operate more efficiently while consumers enjoy secure and seamless transactions.
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 landmark 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.”
Expanding Opportunities for Tourism and Trade
The payment partnership is expected to generate benefits far beyond tourism. Easier transactions can support business travel, encourage cross border commerce, and help companies from both countries explore new opportunities.
By creating a reliable and affordable payment framework, Cambodia and India are laying the foundation for stronger commercial engagement. The initiative demonstrates how digital innovation can help remove traditional barriers to trade while fostering greater economic cooperation.
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.”
ACLEDA’s Growing Digital Leadership
As Cambodia’s first publicly listed commercial bank, ACLEDA Bank continues to play a leading role in advancing financial technology and digital banking services. The institution has steadily expanded its digital ecosystem through innovations that support both domestic and international transactions.
By the end of March 2026, ACLEDA Bank reported total assets of US$11.85 billion and total savings deposits of US$9.28 billion. The bank serves more than 6.20 million customers and has built a vast digital network that includes over 4.89 million ACLEDA Mobile subscribers and more than 0.79 million business partners.
Conclusion
The launch of cross border QR payments between Cambodia and India marks a major advancement in regional digital finance. By enabling Indian travelers to use UPI applications across Cambodia’s KHQR network, the initiative improves convenience, supports tourism growth, strengthens business connectivity, and promotes financial inclusion. As digital payment ecosystems become increasingly interconnected, this partnership positions both countries to benefit from deeper economic cooperation and a more seamless cross border experience.