Cambodia Becomes the 9th Country to Accept UPI Payments

Cambodia has become the 9th country in the world to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments for Indian users. The milestone was achieved through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and ACLEDA Bank Plc., integrating India’s UPI system with KHQR, Cambodia’s national QR code network.

Other Countries Accepting UPI Payments

Apart from Cambodia, UPI payments are accepted in eight other countries: Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. This global expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) enables Indian travellers to make secure and convenient digital payments using their existing UPI apps while abroad. The growing international acceptance of UPI reduces dependence on cash and simplifies cross-border transactions. It also strengthens India’s position as a leader in fintech innovation and digital public infrastructure. The expansion of UPI payments globally promotes greater financial connectivity, tourism, and economic cooperation between countries.

What is KHQR?

KHQR (Khmer QR Code) is Cambodia’s national QR code payment standard developed under the Bakong digital payment system of the National Bank of Cambodia. It allows users to make quick, secure, and interoperable digital payments by scanning QR codes. KHQR connects banks and payment service providers on a single platform, making transactions seamless across Cambodia. Through its integration with UPI, Indian travellers can now use their UPI apps to make payments at KHQR-enabled merchants in Cambodia.

‹ ›

Benefits of the India-Cambodia UPI Linkage

• Provides hassle-free and secure digital payments for travellers.
• Reduces dependence on cash and foreign currency exchange.
• Enhances convenience and transparency in cross-border transactions.
• Helps Cambodian merchants attract more Indian tourists and increase sales.
• Improves operational efficiency through real-time settlements and reduced cash-handling costs.
• Strengthens economic and tourism ties between India and Cambodia.

Why is the global expansion of UPI important?

The global expansion of UPI strengthens India’s digital payment ecosystem and enables seamless cross-border financial transactions.

• Promotes cashless and secure payments internationally.
• Enhances cross-border trade and tourism.
• Reduces dependence on cash and currency exchange.
• Strengthens digital financial connectivity between countries.
• Showcases India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model globally.
• Expands the reach of India’s fintech innovation worldwide.