In a significant milestone for India’s digital payments ecosystem, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, has partnered with ACLEDA Bank Plc. to launch Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Cambodia.
The initiative enables Indian travelers to make seamless QR-code payments across Cambodia using UPI applications, marking the first phase of a broader cross-border digital payments corridor between India and Cambodia.
UPI Integrated with Cambodia’s KHQR System
The launch was formalized during a ceremony held in Phnom Penh, attended by:
- Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)
- Senior representatives from the Reserve Bank of India
The partnership connects India’s UPI network with Bakong’s KHQR, Cambodia’s national QR code payment system.
This marks the successful completion of Phase 1 of the India–Cambodia cross-border QR payment linkage.
What Does Phase 1 Offer?
Under the first phase:
- Indian travelers can use UPI-enabled apps in Cambodia.
- Payments can be made by scanning KHQR codes.
- UPI payments will be accepted at over 4.5 million merchants across Cambodia.
- Transactions can be completed instantly through familiar Indian payment applications.
The initiative eliminates the need for carrying large amounts of cash or exchanging currency for day-to-day purchases.
Two-Way Payment Corridor Planned
The collaboration is designed to evolve into a fully bi-directional payment corridor.
Future Phase
In the next phase:
- Cambodian citizens visiting India will be able to use their domestic banking and payment applications.
- They will be able to scan and pay through millions of UPI QR codes across India.
- Payments will be routed through Cambodia’s Bakong KHQR system and India’s UPI infrastructure.
This will create one of the most advanced interoperable cross-border digital payment networks in the region.
Benefits of the Partnership
Enhanced Convenience for Travelers
The system allows travelers to:
- Avoid carrying cash.
- Eliminate currency exchange hassles.
- Reduce foreign exchange-related costs.
- Make real-time payments using familiar mobile applications.
Increased Business Opportunities
Cambodian merchants gain access to:
- A rapidly growing Indian tourist market.
- Faster digital transactions.
- Increased sales opportunities.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Merchants will benefit from:
- Reduced cash handling costs.
- Better cash-flow management.
- Secure and instant settlements.
- Lower operational risks.
Strengthening Digital Financial Connectivity
The initiative reflects the growing internationalization of India’s digital public infrastructure and demonstrates the increasing global acceptance of UPI as a reliable cross-border payment solution.
The collaboration also supports deeper economic, tourism, and financial ties between India and Cambodia.
UPI’s Growing Global Footprint
With Cambodia joining the network, UPI is now accepted in nine countries.
Countries Accepting UPI
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- France
- Mauritius
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Qatar
- Sri Lanka
- Cambodia
The expansion highlights India’s leadership in digital payments and financial technology innovation.
Significance for India
The India–Cambodia UPI linkage demonstrates the global scalability of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model and supports India’s broader efforts to:
- Promote digital payment interoperability.
- Facilitate tourism and trade.
- Strengthen financial inclusion.
- Expand international acceptance of Indian fintech solutions.
The partnership is also aligned with India’s vision of positioning UPI as a globally accepted payment platform.