Tourists from various countries can now make payments in Nepal using QR (Quick Response) codes, following the implementation of international digital transactions by Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL). NCHL, a subsidiary of Nepal Rastra Bank, is authorized to operate payment systems and facilitate electronic transaction settlements in Nepal.
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has enabled international online payments through agreements between NCHL and various international merchants. As a result, citizens of 10 countries can now make direct payments via online platforms in Nepal.
Previously, international transactions were limited to SWIFT and ATM card payments. The introduction of QR-based payments under the “People to Merchant (P2M)” model allows tourists to conduct transactions seamlessly, integrating foreign spending into Nepal’s banking system.
Currently, citizens from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa can make payments via QR codes when purchasing goods and services in Nepal. Users of 14 e-wallets and mobile banking apps can now make transactions using the ‘Nepal Pay’ QR. This service is available for tourists from China, Macau, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mongolia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
NCHL is gradually expanding this facility to other countries, reducing the need for tourists to carry cash. Presently, tourists can make QR payments using Alipay (China), Alipay Hong Kong, MPay (Macau), Tinaba Bank wallet (Italy), and Malaysian wallets ‘Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet’ and ‘MyPB’. Other supported platforms include GCash (Philippines), HiPay (Mongolia), Changi Pay and OSBC Digital (Singapore), KakaoPay, Naver Pay, and Toss Pay (South Korea), as well as Thailand’s TrueMoney.
This system benefits both tourists and merchants. Businesses can easily receive payments from foreign customers, while tourists enjoy hassle-free transactions without worrying about cash or currency exchange. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) expects this initiative to increase tourist spending and enhance financial transparency.
Nepal has been attracting a growing number of international visitors, known for its adventure tourism, trekking, and cultural heritage. In 2024, 1.15 million foreign tourists visited Nepal, marking a 14% increase from 2023. India remains the largest source of tourists, followed by the United States, China, the UK, and Bangladesh.
As digital transactions become more widespread, Nepal is taking steps to promote a cashless economy. Efforts are also underway to integrate QR payments for cross-border transactions with India. While this system was initially expected to launch in December 2023, delays have arisen due to commission-related issues with Nepali banks.
The expansion of international digital payments is expected to modernize Nepal’s financial landscape and further integrate its tourism industry with global digital trends.
