Why KHQR Matters in 2025
Cambodia has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s most progressive digital payment ecosystems. At the center of this transformation is KHQR, Cambodia’s national QR code payment standard powered by the Bakong National Payment System. What started as a domestic solution to unify banks and e-wallets has rapidly evolved into a cross-border payment network connecting Cambodia with major regional and global economies.
In 2025, KHQR is no longer just about scanning and paying inside Cambodia. It now enables international QR code payments, allowing tourists, businesses, and residents to transact seamlessly across borders without cash, cards, or complex currency exchange processes.
This article provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive 2025 list of countries that support Cambodia’s KHQR payments, explains how the system works, and explores why KHQR is becoming a model for digital payments in ASEAN and beyond.
Whether you are:
- A traveler planning a trip to Cambodia
- A business owner accepting international payments
- A fintech professional tracking regional interoperability
- Or simply curious about Cambodia’s digital economy
This guide will give you a clear, authoritative understanding of KHQR in 2025.
What Is KHQR and the Bakong Payment System?
Understanding KHQR
KHQR is Cambodia’s standardized QR code payment framework introduced by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). It allows users to make digital payments by scanning a QR code using mobile banking apps or e-wallets.
Unlike fragmented QR systems in some countries, KHQR is fully interoperable, meaning:
- One QR code works across all participating banks and wallets
- Merchants do not need multiple QR codes
- Payments settle instantly and securely
The Bakong National Payment System
KHQR operates on Bakong, Cambodia’s blockchain-based national payment infrastructure launched by the National Bank of Cambodia.
Key features of Bakong include:
- Real-time payment settlement
- High security and transparency
- Integration with both banks and non-bank financial institutions
- Support for Cambodian riel (KHR) and US dollars (USD)
Bakong acts as the backbone that enables KHQR to scale domestically and internationally.
Why Cambodia’s KHQR Is Gaining Global Attention
Many countries have QR payment systems, but few achieve cross-border interoperability at scale. KHQR stands out for several reasons:
1. Government-Led, Central Bank-Backed
KHQR is not a private fintech experiment. It is:
- Regulated by the National Bank of Cambodia
- Integrated into national financial policy
- Aligned with ASEAN payment connectivity goals
This gives it long-term stability and trust.
2. Designed for Cross-Border Use
From the beginning, Bakong and KHQR were built with international compatibility in mind, making regional integration faster than in many neighboring countries.
3. Inclusive by Design
KHQR supports:
- Banked and underbanked users
- Small merchants and street vendors
- Domestic and foreign users
This inclusivity accelerates adoption and network effects.
Active Countries Supporting Cambodia’s KHQR Payments (2025)
As of 2025, KHQR cross-border payments are live and operational with the following countries. Users can make or receive QR payments without converting cash or using traditional card networks.
🇹🇭 Thailand
Thailand is Cambodia’s most mature and widely used KHQR cross-border partner.
Integration details:
- Linked with Thailand’s PromptPay system
- Thai tourists can scan KHQR codes in Cambodia
- Cambodian users can pay in Thailand using supported apps
Why it matters:
- Thailand is Cambodia’s largest source of tourists
- Reduces cash handling and exchange fees
- Enhances tourism and retail spending
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Vietnam’s fast-growing digital economy makes it a key KHQR partner.
Key benefits:
- Seamless QR payments for Vietnamese travelers
- Strong banking and wallet interoperability
- Supports regional trade and tourism
Vietnam’s participation strengthens Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) financial integration.
🇱🇦 Laos
Laos and Cambodia share close economic and geographic ties.
KHQR advantages in Laos:
- Simplified payments for cross-border traders
- Reduced dependency on cash
- Faster settlement for small businesses
This partnership supports economic inclusion in border regions.
🇰🇷 South Korea
South Korea’s inclusion demonstrates KHQR’s reach beyond ASEAN.
Use cases:
- Korean tourists paying Cambodian merchants via QR
- Retail and hospitality adoption
- Alignment with South Korea’s advanced fintech ecosystem
This partnership enhances Cambodia’s profile as a tourist-friendly, tech-enabled destination.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia’s DuitNow QR system is interoperable with KHQR.
Why this is significant:
- Strong bilateral trade
- High digital payment adoption
- Support for SMEs and regional commerce
The KHQR–DuitNow linkage reduces friction for travelers and merchants alike.
🇸🇬 Singapore
Singapore’s PayNow integration brings KHQR into one of Asia’s most advanced financial hubs.
Key highlights:
- High trust and compliance standards
- Facilitates business and tourism payments
- Positions KHQR within global fintech conversations
Singapore’s involvement boosts KHQR’s credibility.
🇨🇳 China
China is one of the most impactful KHQR partners.
Supported platforms include:
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
Why China matters:
- One of Cambodia’s largest tourist sources
- Massive QR payment user base
- Enables frictionless spending by Chinese visitors
This partnership significantly increases merchant revenue potential in Cambodia.
Countries with Ongoing MOUs and Pilot Programs
Beyond active integrations, Cambodia is expanding KHQR through memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and pilot projects.
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan is exploring KHQR compatibility as part of broader financial cooperation.
Potential benefits:
- Supports Japanese tourism to Cambodia
- Enhances merchant payment options
- Aligns with Japan’s cashless initiatives
🇮🇳 India
India’s interest reflects KHQR’s similarity to UPI (Unified Payments Interface).
Opportunities include:
- Large outbound travel market
- Digital public infrastructure collaboration
- Knowledge exchange on scalable payment systems
🇵🇭 Philippines
The Philippines is testing interoperability with KHQR.
Focus areas:
- Remittances
- Tourism payments
- Financial inclusion
These pilots suggest further expansion in the near future.
How Cross-Border KHQR Payments Work
Step-by-Step Payment Flow
- Merchant displays KHQR code
- Customer scans QR using their local banking or wallet app
- Payment amount auto-converts (if required)
- Transaction settles instantly via Bakong and partner systems
Behind the Scenes
- Currency conversion is handled transparently
- Compliance checks occur automatically
- Settlement happens in near real time
For users, the experience feels identical to a domestic QR payment.
Role of Mastercard and Visa in KHQR Expansion
KHQR is not isolated from global payment networks.
Strategic Collaborations
Cambodia has partnered with:
- Mastercard
- Visa
What This Means
- Broader merchant acceptance
- Enhanced security standards
- Potential global interoperability beyond Asia
Unique insight:
KHQR is evolving into a hybrid model, combining national payment infrastructure with global card networks—something few countries have achieved.
Benefits of KHQR for Different User Groups
For Tourists
- No need to exchange cash
- Familiar QR payment experience
- Lower fees than cards
For Businesses
- Accept payments from international customers
- Lower transaction costs
- Faster settlement
For Cambodia’s Economy
- Increased tourism spending
- Reduced reliance on cash
- Stronger regional financial integration
KHQR vs Other Regional QR Payment Systems
| Feature | KHQR (Cambodia) | PromptPay (Thailand) | PayNow (Singapore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bank-backed | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cross-border focus | ✅ Strong | Moderate | Moderate |
| Interoperable QR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Blockchain-based | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
KHQR’s early focus on cross-border scalability sets it apart.
Challenges and Limitations
While KHQR has made impressive progress, challenges remain:
- Not all countries support outbound payments yet
- User awareness varies by market
- Regulatory harmonization takes time
However, these are typical for rapidly expanding payment systems.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for KHQR?
Looking ahead, KHQR is expected to:
- Expand to more ASEAN countries
- Deepen integration with global networks
- Support e-commerce and remittances
- Become a model for other developing economies
Cambodia’s success with KHQR may influence how other nations design national payment systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which countries support Cambodia KHQR payments in 2025?
Active countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and China. Japan, India, and the Philippines are in pilot or MOU stages.
Can foreigners use KHQR in Cambodia?
Yes. Foreign tourists can use supported QR payment apps from their home countries.
Is KHQR the same as Bakong?
KHQR is the QR standard, while Bakong is the underlying payment infrastructure.
Does KHQR support USD payments?
Yes. KHQR supports both Cambodian riel (KHR) and US dollars (USD).
Conclusion: Why KHQR Is a Game Changer
KHQR is more than a payment method—it is a strategic financial infrastructure positioning Cambodia as a regional digital payment leader. With active cross-border support, strong central bank backing, and partnerships with global networks, KHQR demonstrates how a developing economy can leapfrog into the future of payments.
As adoption grows and more countries join, KHQR is set to become one of Asia’s most influential QR payment ecosystems.
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🔗 References & Sources (Verified & Credible)
Primary / Official Sources
- National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)
https://www.nbc.gov.kh
Official authority on Bakong and KHQR policy, announcements, and regulations. - Bakong National Payment System – NBC
https://www.bakong.nbc.org.kh
Technical and functional overview of Cambodia’s national payment infrastructure.
Regional & International Financial Authorities
- Bank for International Settlements (BIS) – Cross-Border QR Payments
https://www.bis.org/about/bisih/topics/crossborder_payments.htm
Policy insights on ASEAN and global QR payment interoperability. - ASEAN – Digital Payments & Financial Integration
https://asean.org/our-communities/economic-community/financial-integration/
Official ASEAN framework for payment connectivity initiatives.
Payment Networks & Industry Sources
- Mastercard Newsroom – QR & ASEAN Payment Connectivity
https://www.mastercard.com/news/ap/en/
Information on Mastercard’s role in regional QR payment expansion. - Visa Asia Pacific – Digital Payments
https://www.visa.com.sg/about-visa/newsroom.html
Insights on Visa’s collaboration with national payment systems.
Country-Specific QR Payment Systems
- PromptPay (Thailand)
https://www.bot.or.th/en/financial-innovation/payment-systems/promptpay.html
Thailand’s national QR payment system linked with KHQR. - PayNow (Singapore)
https://www.abs.org.sg/consumer-banking/paynow
Singapore’s real-time payment system supporting cross-border QR. - DuitNow (Malaysia)
https://www.duitnow.my
Malaysia’s QR payment system interoperable with KHQR.
News & Regional Coverage
- Phnom Penh Post – Fintech & Digital Payments
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business
Local coverage of NBC, Bakong, and KHQR developments. - Nikkei Asia – ASEAN Digital Payments
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Finance
Regional analysis of fintech and cross-border payment systems. - Reuters – Asia Fintech & Payments
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/
Independent reporting on financial infrastructure and policy.