National Bank of Cambodia Launches BAKONG Tourist App to Streamline Digital Payments for Foreign Visitors
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has launched the BAKONG tourist app in partnership with VISA, enabling foreign tourists to make seamless digital payments while traveling in Cambodia. By simply downloading the app on their smartphones, tourists can connect their VISA payment cards and begin making transactions across the country.
With the BAKONG app, tourists can easily transfer funds from their VISA accounts to BAKONG by scanning Cambodian QR codes, eliminating the need for cash at over 4 million retailers. NBC Governor Chea Serey highlighted that this feature simplifies payments, enhances efficiency, and enriches the travel experience by reducing reliance on physical currency.
The BAKONG app was first introduced in August 2024 with the goal of simplifying digital payments, and was integrated with Mastercard in November 2024. As of now, Cambodia boasts millions of mobile app users, with popular platforms such as Grab, Foodpanda, and various banking apps already widely used across the country. Additionally, the government has introduced the FPCS (Foreigners Present in Cambodia System) app to record the addresses of foreign visitors staying longer than 30 days.
Despite initial teething problems with the app, including occasional difficulties linking to QR codes, the Ministry of Tourism reports significant improvements since Christmas. Connectivity issues in some rural areas with weak or intermittent internet signals have been a challenge, but ongoing efforts to enhance the app’s performance are underway.
The launch of the BAKONG tourist app is part of Cambodia’s broader effort to promote a cashless society, with a particular focus on attracting international tourists. While cash transactions, often in US dollars or Cambodian riel, remain common in daily life, the government is actively encouraging the use of the riel in line with national economic goals, despite the currency’s limited use outside of Cambodia.
Foreign visitors to Cambodia can now enjoy a smoother, more efficient payment process, further enhancing their travel experience in the kingdom.