NCHL opens QR payment for 10 countries
As Nepal prioritizes tourism promotion, the ability to accept international digital payments is expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
KATHMANDU: Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) has expanded its digital payment system globally, enabling QR-based payments from 10 different countries.
Under the agreement between NCHL’s Nepal Pay QR and Alipay+ mobile payment partners, tourists from these 10 countries can now make direct payments using 14 different e-wallets and mobile banking services.
As Nepal prioritizes tourism promotion, the ability to accept international digital payments is expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
With Alipay+ users now able to pay seamlessly at hotels, shops, shopping malls, and various businesses in Nepal via Nepal Pay QR, foreign tourists no longer need to go through the hassle of currency exchange. This new convenience allows them to spend more freely in Nepal.
Tourists from China, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and four other nations can now make digital payments in Nepal using Alipay+.
Currently, payments can be made through China’s Alipay and Alipay Hong Kong, Macau’s MPay, Italy’s Tinaba Bank wallet, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go e-wallet and MyPB wallet (promoted by Public Bank Berhad), the Philippines’ GCash, Mongolia’s Hi-Pay, Singapore’s Changi Pay and OCBC Digital, South Korea’s Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, and Toss Pay, and Thailand’s TrueMoney.
Travelers from these regions can pay in Nepal using their domestic e-wallets and mobile banking apps via the Nepal Pay QR network.
Merchants in Nepal can now receive payments from foreign tourists through Alipay+ on Nepal Pay QR. This service eliminates the need for tourists to carry cash, making transactions smoother.
Such cross-border payment systems are expected to bring new opportunities for Nepal’s tourism, trade, and digital economy.
Countries like China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan contribute significantly to Nepal’s tourist arrivals.
With QR-based payments now enabled, these tourists can make transactions easily without carrying cash.
NCHL has stated that this initiative will encourage greater spending by visitors.
In 2024, 18% of tourists visiting Nepal came from countries where the Alipay+ service is available.
Previously, tourists had to rely on cash or card payments, but with QR-based payments, they now have a more convenient way to spend in Nepal.
Currently, Nepal Pay QR has over 850,000 merchants across the country, while Alipay+ has a global user base exceeding 900 million.
For businesses interested in using Nepal Pay QR, they can easily obtain one by visiting their nearest bank or financial institution.
This will allow them to accept payments seamlessly from both domestic and international tourists.
