Laos and Cambodia launched the second phase of their cross-border QR code payment system on December 19th, enabling Lao tourists to purchase goods in Cambodia using their own currency.
Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Bounkham Vorachit, Governor of the Bank of Laos, presided over the launch event in Phnom Penh.
At the event, Chea Serey stated that with the launch of Phase 2, Lao citizens can use their mobile banking applications to scan KHQR codes at approximately 4.5 million merchants across Cambodia; this initiative opens new opportunities for merchants in both countries to expand their market reach, while also promoting trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.
Travelers will benefit from a seamless, fast, and secure cross-border payment experience, bridging the cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties of Cambodia and Laos.
This initiative fosters economic relations by facilitating secure digital transactions. “Enhancing tourism by simplifying payment processes and promoting deeper regional integration within ASEAN,”
This launch also expands our shared commitment to achieving the ASEAN Vision through a connected digital payment system.
Bounkham stated that phase two, or the full launch of cross-border QR code payments, allows Lao and Cambodian citizens to pay for goods in their own currencies by scanning QR codes.
He said that from now on, Lao citizens traveling in Cambodia can pay in Lao kip to purchase goods by scanning the KHQR code on Cambodia’s Bakang app.
The second phase launch follows the successful launch of the first phase of cross-border QR code payment connectivity in August 2023, which enabled consumers using Cambodia’s Bakang app to scan Lao QR codes while visiting Laos.