Bakong Tourists App Launched Enabling Easy Payments at Over 3 Million Locations
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has officially launched the Bakong Tourists mobile payment system, aiming to streamline financial transactions for travelers, address issues related to damaged banknotes, promote the Cambodian riel, and boost the nation’s tourism sector.
The launch event, held on August 19 in Siem Reap province, was led by NBC governor Chea Serey.
“With KHQR payments, we now have up to 3.3 million locations across the country where transactions can be made, a significant achievement. Both small vendors and street sellers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are equipped with QR codes, making payments very convenient,” Serey remarked during the ceremony.
The central bank emphasized that the new app mirrors the Bakong system, which has gained widespread usage in Cambodia in recent years by facilitating fee-free cross-bank payments. The app is designed to be user-friendly and highly secure.
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Serey noted in July that this system not only enhances tourists’ experiences in exploring Cambodia’s cultural heritage and ancient temples but also provides insights into the country’s advancements in the digital payment sector.
The NBC has collaborated with banks, tourism operators, airport authorities, the General Department of Immigration (GDI), and other promotional channels to enhance the app’s visibility and accessibility for tourists.
After downloading the app, available on both iOS and Android, users can register by submitting the necessary information and verifying their identity via email, allowing them to spend up to 4 million riel, or $1,000, per day.
Making tourism easy in Cambodia
Tourists can also opt for a more thorough identity verification process, known as KYC (Know Your Customer), assisted by tourist agents, tour operators, or hotels, which eliminates the need for a personal phone number. This allows users to spend up to 12 million riel, or $3,000, per day. Hotels or tourist agents can confirm the guest’s identity with the NBC, ensuring it matches passport details.
To make initial deposits into the system, tourists can add funds at banks or through their hotels. Soon, topping up the account directly via Visa or other applicable cards will also be possible.
Once funds are deposited, tourists can make payments via QR code or KHQR at over 3.3 million locations across Cambodia, offering greater convenience than using credit cards, which are only supported by 52,354 card-swiping machines nationwide, or withdrawing cash from the limited 5,600 ATMs available, Serey pointed out.
The NBC also mentioned that the 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.
Moreover, tourists traveling to neighboring countries can use their funds in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and several other countries.
For any payment issues, which NBC assures are rare, a dedicated support team is available to resolve them immediately. Users can reach the team via WhatsApp or Telegram, as detailed in the app.
Met Thong, a freelance tour guide in Siem Reap province, welcomed the new system, recognizing its potential to assist tourists who often face difficulties with old or damaged banknotes. However, he urged that the platform be made user-friendly to avoid adding unnecessary complexity compared to using cash.
“In the past, tourists primarily used cash, whether riel or dollars. With Bakong Tourists, we’re still uncertain about its convenience. It seems they have to download and register, then deposit money into the app, which might be more hassle for them,” he noted. “If tourists can transfer money directly from their accounts to this new system, it will indeed be more convenient.”
Khieu Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tourist Guide Association (KATGA), mentioned that in his experience, tourists have traditionally preferred using cash for their purchases. He hopes that the new payment system will offer greater convenience but acknowledged that not all tourists, particularly older ones, might be inclined or able to use the system.
He also emphasized the importance of promoting the use of the riel, whether through the app or in banknotes.
“It is crucial that we encourage tourists to exchange their money for Khmer currency and use it directly. This not only simplifies transactions but also reinforces our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national identity.
“Most tourists use the 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.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://bakong.nbc.gov.kh |
 | +85523230681 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
