Bakong Tourists App Takes a Step Forward with Visa Integration Across Cambodia

Arturo Planell, Group Country Manager, Southeast Asia at Visa

Cambodia has taken a major leap toward modernizing its tourism payment systems with the recent integration of the Bakong Tourists App and Visa, enhancing the convenience for international visitors. This new partnership allows tourists to link their Visa cards from their home countries and make seamless payments using KHQR codes at approximately 4.5 million merchants across Cambodia.

The official launch ceremony, held in November 2024, marked the beginning of a new era in Cambodia’s digital payment landscape. Spearheaded by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), this integration aims to enhance the overall tourism experience by reducing the reliance on cash transactions. Now, tourists can easily tap into Cambodia’s vibrant economy without the hassle of exchanging foreign currency or carrying large amounts of cash.

The Bakong Tourists App, which was initially introduced last year, now offers an expanded range of services. Tourists can link their Visa cards to the app and use the KHQR payment method for everything from dining at local restaurants to shopping at bustling markets and visiting cultural sites. The integration provides an added layer of convenience for visitors who prefer to use international cards during their travels.

Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, underscored the importance of this collaboration during the launch event, attended by representatives from various sectors, including government ministries and international financial firms. “We aim to modernize payment systems to meet the needs of both local citizens and international tourists. The integration of Visa with the Bakong Tourists App not only enhances interoperability but also fosters a cashless society,” Dr. Serey said.

One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to reduce Cambodia’s dependency on physical currency, while encouraging the use of the local currency, the Khmer Riel. With the new app features, tourists are now able to make payments directly from their international Visa cards, ensuring a smooth transaction process that supports Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to bolster its digital economy.

Arturo Planell, Group Country Manager for Southeast Asia at Visa, highlighted the broader impact of this integration. “This milestone reflects Visa’s commitment to digital and financial inclusion in Cambodia. It’s an important step in supporting tourism businesses and small enterprises, particularly as they look to streamline their operations and cater to the growing number of international visitors.”

With the addition of Visa payment options, the Bakong Tourists App is positioned to transform how tourists interact with Cambodia’s local economy. It provides a secure, cashless way to engage with the country’s vast network of businesses, while also promoting the adoption of digital payment methods among local merchants.

As Cambodia continues to develop its digital payment infrastructure, the Bakong Tourists App represents a forward-thinking initiative that addresses both the needs of the international tourist and the growth ambitions of the Cambodian economy. By integrating Visa payments, the app is not only making travel more convenient but is also contributing to a more digitally inclusive society, one that aligns with the broader goals of financial modernization and economic development.

In a country where tourism is a key economic driver, this new payment solution is a promising step towards making Cambodia amore accessible and efficient destination for travelers. For tourists, the ease of using their Visa cards through the Bakong app adds another layer of convenience, ensuring that their experience is as seamless as possible from the moment they arrive.
Web: https://mekongtourism.org/