India launched UPI-based QR code payments in Cambodia on June 2, enabling Indian travellers to pay over 4.5 million Cambodian merchants accepting the KHQR national QR code standard. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced this first phase of the payment connectivity arrangement, which was developed by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Acleda Bank Plc under RBI and National Bank of Cambodia oversight.
The service allows users of Indian UPI apps to make merchant payments in Cambodia, reducing their reliance on cash and card payments. The second phase will enable Cambodian travellers to use UPI QR payments at merchants in India. The RBI highlighted this as part of a growing international footprint for UPI, which has previously connected with Singapore’s PayNow and expanded to countries including the UAE, Bhutan, Nepal, France, Mauritius, Maldives, and Qatar.
This launch marks another step in India's efforts to internationalize its real-time payment system. In November 2025, the RBI announced plans to link UPI with the European Central Bank’s TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) platform for real-time cross-border transfers across Europe. The Cambodia rollout follows this trend of expanding UPI’s global reach, facilitating easier payments for Indian travellers abroad and supporting bilateral financial integration.
The RBI and National Bank of Cambodia jointly oversee the initiative, with NPCI International Payments Limited and Acleda Bank Plc implementing the service. The second phase enabling Cambodian travellers to pay merchants in India is expected to roll out next, further enhancing cross-border payment convenience.