National Bank of Cambodia to launch Bakong payment application for international tourists

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is launching the Bakong payment system for international tourists. The new system will provide a convenient, cashless payment option for visitors to Cambodia upon their arrival in the country.

National Bank of Cambodia to launch Bakong payment application for international tourists

On Friday, 19 July, H.E. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, made a statement during the NBC’s semi-annual review.

Her Excellency further stated that the Bakong system will soon be made available for use by tourists. This allows visitors arriving in Cambodia to download the Bakong app. In the absence of a local bank account, tourists may also use their credit cards from their home country, including VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay, and others.

“The introduction of the Bakong system will boost tourism and offer a new digital experience in Cambodia. The objective is to guarantee that tourists can utilise the Bakong system with the same ease as locals”, she stated.

The Governor also expressed hope that the introduction of the Bakong system for tourists will soon help alleviate difficulties for visitors to Cambodia.

H.E. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia

H.E. Chea Serey highlighted that, in response to the recommendation of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the NBC has been instructed to work with private banks to address the issue of fees for slightly torn or stained US dollar notes. The NBC will work with all relevant parties to guarantee consistent handling of old, torn banknotes, as this currently depends on the discretion of individual bank cashiers. PM emphasised that removing this condition is to ensure that tourists visiting Cambodia are not negatively affected. While this may seem like a minor issue, it has the potential to cause significant problems.