HBL launches UnionPay RMB Card service
The service, launched in collaboration with UnionPay International, is the first of its kind in Nepal.
KATHMANDU: Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL) has officially introduced its UnionPay RMB Card service in Nepal, marking a significant milestone in cross-border financial services aimed at making travel to China easier and more cost-effective for Nepali customers.
The service, launched in collaboration with UnionPay International, is the first of its kind in Nepal.
It enables customers to carry out transactions directly in Chinese Yuan (CNY) while visiting China, offering greater convenience and wider acceptance compared to conventional payment methods.
According to the bank, the new RMB card allows users—ranging from students and business travelers to tourists—to load funds in Nepal under limits approved by Nepal Rastra Bank’s Foreign Exchange Department.
Once activated, the card can be used across China for ATM withdrawals, POS payments, QR code transactions, and e-commerce purchases.
Importantly, the card is compatible with major Chinese payment ecosystems, including Alipay+, WeChat Pay, and platforms such as Nihao China, ensuring broad usability across retail and digital services in China.
The official launch event was held at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel in Naxal, Kathmandu. During the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer Ashok Shamsher Rana represented Himalayan Bank, while UnionPay International Vice President Zhang Bei highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening Nepal–China financial connectivity.
Bank officials stated that the UnionPay RMB Card is expected to significantly reduce transaction hassles for Nepali travelers and offer a more efficient alternative for managing expenses in China, especially in a fully RMB-based payment environment.
With this initiative, Himalayan Bank aims to position itself at the forefront of innovative banking services in Nepal’s evolving digital finance landscape.
