India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is set to be accepted in Cambodia through the country’s national QR system KHQR, marking the first phase of a cross-border QR payment linkage between the two nations. This initiative strengthens digital payment interoperability and enhances tourism and commercial connectivity.
The rollout is being facilitated by NPCI International Payments Limited in partnership with ACLEDA Bank Plc. NIPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India, is responsible for the global expansion of UPI and RuPay networks.
Key Highlights
- Indian users can scan KHQR codes via the Bakong app ecosystem to make payments
- Accepted across 4.5 million+ merchant outlets in Cambodia includes tourist attractions, restaurants, retail stores, etc.
- Enables seamless UPI-based payments abroad using Indian apps
Future Phase (Reciprocal Arrangement)
- Cambodian users will be able to:
- Pay in India using their domestic banking/payment apps
- Access millions of UPI QR-enabled merchants in India
Significance of Initiative
- Strengthens Cross-Border Payments: Real-time payment connectivity between India and Cambodia
- Boosts Tourism & Trade: Easier transactions for travelers and businesses
- Advances Fintech Diplomacy: Expands India’s leadership in global digital payments
- Promotes Interoperability: Integrates two national payment ecosystems
Global Expansion of UPI
UPI is already operational in several countries:
- Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal
- Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE
Upcoming Expansion Targets
- Japan, Maldives, Greece
- Exploring linkages with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
UPI International Performance (Growth Trends)
Cross-border UPI transactions crossed 1 million for the first time in FY26
Transaction Volume:
- FY24: 37,060 transactions
- FY25: 0.75 million
- FY26: 1.48 million (as of Dec 2025) is nearly doubled
Transaction Value:
- FY24: ₹19.7 crore
- FY25: ₹258.53 crore
- FY26: ₹330.43 crore