Cambodia's digital payment system for travelers
Cambodia's digital payment revolution: QR codes as the new standard
For several years now, payments for goods and services in Cambodia have been made digitally. Cambodians actually use their cell phones, and thanks to their bank’s application, they can scan the merchant’s QR code and send payments instantly.
Their account is immediately debited and the merchant’s is credited simultaneously. This type of exchange has become common.
Simplified payments for all
As you may know, Cambodia uses two currencies: their Riel, and the US dollar. So you can scan either a USD QR code or a Riel QR code. Payments in Riel are slightly cheaper.
The Japanese company in charge of the software that enables these transactions has just created an application for tourists and visitors to, even if they don’t hold a Cambodian bank account, be able to use this digital payment system.
The process is simple, convenient, highly secure and efficient.
Here are the steps to follow if you too would like to make your payments this way during your visit.
1- Download the application on your Smartphone by visiting this website (in English and Khmer only): https: //bakong.nbc.gov.kh/en/
2- At the bottom of the first page are the download links (for App Store and Google Play).
3- Once downloaded, you need to scan your passport and take a photo of your face to complete the identity verification system (KYC). Verification takes place within two days. We therefore advise you to download your application well before you arrive in Cambodia if you don’t want to waste any time.
4- You can link one or more credit cards to this account.
5- Then use your bank card to transfer the desired amount to your Bakeng account. Please note that a 2% commission applies each time you transfer money. You can choose to transfer to your online account in Riel, US dollars or both.
6- If you don’t want to link your account to a bank card, you can feed cash to your account at airports and in many local shops once you arrive in Cambodia. You give the amount you want in dollars or riels to the shopkeeper, and by scanning a QR code, this amount appears on your account.
7- This means you can pay for your purchases almost anywhere (apart from very remote locations) simply by scanning the seller’s QR with your phone.
8- The application is locked with your fingerprint and/or a secret code. This means that if your phone is lost or stolen, it will not be possible to carry out transactions. Your account is secure.
9- When you leave the country, or at any other time, you can transfer the remaining amount directly from your Bakeng account to your credit card, or go to any of our partner stores or to the airport on the day of your departure and collect the amount shown on your digital account in cash. The transaction is instantaneous.
And there you go, we hope you enjoy your stay in the land of smiles…