by KohRongProperty
Cambodia’s New Mobile Payment System for International Tourists
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.
Original Post: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/bakong-tourists-app-launched-enabling-payments-at-3-3m-locations
This app will help travelers and business owners all over Cambodia. This is a perfect alternative to carrying large amounts of cash and worrying about ATM locations on the way to remote areas like Koh Rong. Download the apps below.
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kh.gov.nbc.bakong.tourist&hl=en
Apple Link: https://apps.apple.com/kh/app/bakong-tourists/id6471774666
