UPI Expands Its Global Footprint: Cambodia Becomes the Ninth Country for Seamless Payments by Indian Travellers
In a significant boost to cross-border digital payments, Indian tourists can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for effortless transactions across Cambodia. This development positions Cambodia as the ninth country where UPI is operational, allowing visitors to make instant, secure payments by scanning the local KHQR codes at over 4.5 million merchant locations nationwide.
The launch simplifies travel for millions of Indians who visit Cambodia annually to explore its ancient temples, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. By eliminating the need to carry substantial amounts of foreign currency or navigate complex exchange processes, UPI enhances convenience, security, and overall travel experiences.
Partnership Driving the Initiative
The milestone was achieved through a strategic collaboration between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the global arm of India’s National Payments Corporation of India, and ACLEDA Bank Plc., Cambodia’s leading commercial bank and operator of the national QR code system known as Bakong (KHQR).
The formal launch took place on June 2, 2026, in Phnom Penh at an event attended by prominent dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India. This partnership builds upon an agreement signed in December 2025, marking a key step in strengthening financial connectivity between the two nations.
How the System Works and Future Plans
In the first phase, Indian travellers can simply use their familiar UPI-enabled apps — such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or BHIM — to scan KHQR codes at merchants ranging from restaurants and retail stores to popular tourist attractions. Transactions are processed instantly in a secure and user-friendly manner.
Looking ahead, the initiative aims to establish a fully bidirectional payment corridor. In the subsequent phase, Cambodian citizens and visitors will be able to use their local banking and mobile payment applications to scan UPI QR codes at millions of locations across India, fostering greater economic integration and people-to-people ties.
Advantages for Travellers and Local Economies
For Indian tourists, this advancement brings notable benefits, including reduced dependence on cash, lower foreign exchange mark-ups, faster transactions, and enhanced security. It allows visitors to focus more on enjoying Cambodia’s rich heritage sites like Angkor Wat without financial hassles.
On the other side, Cambodian merchants, particularly small and medium enterprises, gain access to India’s large and digitally savvy tourist base. The shift to digital payments streamlines operations, cuts cash-handling costs, accelerates settlements, and supports broader economic growth through increased tourism and trade.
UPI’s Growing International Presence
With Cambodia’s inclusion, UPI is now accepted in nine countries: Bhutan, Nepal, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. This expansion reflects India’s commitment to promoting efficient cross-border payments in line with the G20 Roadmap, which emphasises cheaper, faster, more transparent, and inclusive financial transactions.
Domestically, UPI has transformed India’s payment landscape with over 600 million daily transactions, demonstrating its reliability and scalability. Its global rollout continues to showcase India’s leadership in digital financial innovation.
The MGMM Outlook
The expansion of UPI into Cambodia marks another significant milestone in India’s digital payments journey, reinforcing the growing global acceptance of homegrown financial technologies. By enabling Indian travellers to make seamless payments through familiar UPI applications at millions of merchant locations across Cambodia, the initiative removes common travel-related financial challenges and enhances convenience, security, and accessibility. The collaboration between NPCI International Payments Limited and ACLEDA Bank also reflects the increasing trust in India’s digital public infrastructure and its potential to facilitate cross-border economic connectivity.
Beyond simplifying transactions for tourists, this development strengthens financial integration between India and Cambodia while creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides. Cambodian merchants gain easier access to Indian travellers, while the planned bidirectional payment corridor promises greater people-to-people engagement and commercial exchange. As UPI continues to expand across international markets, it demonstrates how digital innovation can support tourism, trade, and broader economic cooperation, positioning India as a key contributor to the evolution of global payment ecosystems.
(Sources: NDTV, Firstpost, Business Today)
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