Visa has introduced its “Shop Small Everyday” program in Cambodia, starting with a pilot in Siem Reap. The initiative aims to support local entrepreneurs by making digital payments like “Tap to Pay” and QR scanning more accessible to tourists and residents alike.
What Happened?
Visa officially launched the “Shop Small Everyday” campaign on January 26, 2026. The program focuses on helping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) transition from cash-only operations to digital systems.
The rollout began in Siem Reap, covering major tourist hubs like the Angkor Archaeological Park and the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. Visa is providing physical marketing materials to local food stalls, clothing shops, and grocery outlets so shoppers can easily identify where digital payments are accepted.
Why This Matters
For U.S. travelers, expats, and tech-watchers, this development addresses a common pain point: the reliance on physical cash in emerging markets.
- Improved Safety: Using Tap to Pay or Scan to Pay reduces the need to carry large amounts of local currency, lowering the risk of loss or theft.
- Support for Small Business: These tools allow local “mom-and-pop” shops to participate in the global economy, helping them grow and stabilize their income.
- Global Interoperability: This move leverages the Bakong KHQR framework, a sophisticated system that allows different bank apps and payment cards to work together seamlessly.
What Users Should Know
If you are visiting or doing business in Cambodia, the payment experience is becoming much more similar to the United States:
- Payment Methods: You can use a mobile banking app to scan a merchant’s QR code (linked to your Visa card) or simply tap your card/smartphone on a payment terminal.
- Tourism Perks: To encourage adoption, Visa is offering rewards, including Brown Coffee vouchers and free registration for local marathons and fun runs.
- Simplified Travel: Through a partnership with the Bakong Tourists App, international visitors can link their home-based Visa cards to pay locally without needing a Cambodian bank account.
Expert / Industry Context
This initiative aligns with the National Bank of Cambodia’s goal to increase financial inclusion. By shifting away from cash, the government can better track economic growth and ensure more citizens have access to formal banking.
Historically, small merchants in Southeast Asia struggled with the high costs of card terminals. However, by using KHQR (QR code-based payments), Visa is utilizing a low-cost “software-first” approach that allows even the smallest street vendor to accept digital payments using just a printed sign or a smartphone.
What Happens Next?
While the pilot is currently focused on Siem Reap, several next steps are confirmed:
- Expansion: Visa plans to move the “Shop Small Everyday” program to other provinces across Cambodia following the Siem Reap trial.
- Digital Education: Ongoing training sessions will be provided to small business owners to help them manage digital records and optimize their online presence.
- Enhanced App Features: Further updates to the Bakong Tourists App are expected to make it even easier for Western travelers to use their cards instantly upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Through this program and the Bakong Tourists App, you can link your U.S. Visa card to pay at local shops and stalls that display the Visa or KHQR logo.
Yes, the system uses the National Bank of Cambodia’s secure Bakong framework, which is designed to protect transaction data and prevent fraud.
Tap to Pay allows you to make a purchase by hovering your contactless-enabled Visa card or mobile wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) over a merchant’s payment terminal.
While digital adoption is growing rapidly, it is still wise to carry a small amount of cash for very remote areas, though most tourist spots now support Visa.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.