Tourists buy souvenirs at a market in Siem Reap province in July. Yousos Apdoulrashim
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) inaugurated the Bakong Tourists mobile payment system today, August 19, to streamline transactions for travellers, reduce issues with damaged banknotes, promote the riel and boost the tourism sector.
NBC governor Chea Serey announced the launch this afternoon in Siem Reap province.
"For KHQR payments, we have up to 3.3 million locations nationwide, which is a significant number. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, both small and street vendors also have QR codes. This makes it very convenient,” she said at the ceremony.
The central bank noted that the app is similar to the Bakong system, which has been widely used in Cambodia over the past few years, facilitating cross-bank payments without fees. The app is user-friendly and highly secure, it said.
In July, Serey mentioned that the system also allows tourists to learn about the country’s progress in this sector, in addition to exploring its cultural heritage sites and ancient temples.
According to the NBC, the app's promotion and accessibility to tourists have been enhanced through collaborations with banks, tourism operators, airport authorities, the General Department of Immigration (GDI) and various other promotional efforts.
After downloading the app, available on both iOS and Android, users can register by providing the required information and can verify their identity via email. This method allows users to spend up to 4 million riel or $1,000 per day.
The bank highlighted that tourists can also complete an identity verification process known as KYC (Know Your Customer), with assistance from tourist agents, tour operators or hotels, eliminating the need for a personal phone number.
This process allows users to spend up to 12 million riel, or $3,000, per day. Tourist agents or hotels can confirm the guest’s identity to the NBC, ensuring it matches the passport details, even if the visitor does not have a personal phone number.
For initial deposits into the system, tourists can add funds at banks or through their hotel. In the near future, topping up the account will also be possible directly via Visa or other applicable cards.
Once deposited, tourists can make payments via QR code or KHQR at 3.3 million locations across the country, just as Cambodians do. The system offers greater convenience compared to credit cards, which are supported by only 52,354 card-swiping machines nationwide, or withdrawing cash from the only 5,600 ATMs available across the country, said Serey.
According to the NBC, remaining funds in the account can be withdrawn at partner banks or financial institutions, or donated to charitable organizations like Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital or Angkor Hospital for Children, with both options available within the app.
Additionally, travellers continuing their journey to neighbouring countries can use the funds in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and several other countries.
In case of payment issues, which are rare, a dedicated NBC team is available to resolve them immediately. Users can contact the team via WhatsApp or Telegram, as indicated in the app, as per the NBC.
Met Thong, a freelance tour guide in Siem Reap province, welcomed the launch of the system, recognising its potential to assist tourists who often struggle with old or dirty banknotes. However, he urged that the platform be made user-friendly to avoid adding unnecessary complexity for visitors compared to using cash.
"In the past, tourists only used cash, whether riel or dollars. With Bakong Tourists, we're not sure how convenient it will be. It seems like they have to download and register, then deposit money into the app, which might add more hassle for them,” he said. "Hopefully, the new system will be easy to use. If tourists can transfer money directly from their accounts to this new system, it will be more convenient."
Khieu Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tourist Guide Association (KATGA), told The Post that, in his experience, visitors have traditionally preferred using cash for their purchases. He also expressed hope that the new payment system would offer greater convenience.
However, he acknowledged that not all tourists may be inclined or able to use this system, particularly older ones.
Thy also encouraged the wider use of the riel, whether through the app or in banknotes.
“It is important that we encourage tourists to exchange for Khmer currency and use it directly, as it is easier. This also helps reinforce our sovereignty, territorial integrity and national identity.
“Most tourists use local currency in the countries they visit. But in Cambodia, we accept everything – euro, Thai baht, Vietnamese dong, US dollars, Singapore dollars – we take it all,” he said.
