As of January 8, 2026, the “Cash is King” era in Cambodian tourism is officially over. Following the successful full-scale launch of Phase II with Laos just weeks ago, your single KHQR code is now a powerful tool that accepts more than just Khmer Riel or US Dollars. It now accepts Lao Kip, Thai Baht, Vietnamese Dong, and even Chinese Yuan.
At FixMyCard.com, we’re helping merchants understand how to turn their existing QR code into a global payment terminal without spending a single cent on new hardware.
Which tourists can pay you via KHQR today?
Thanks to the National Bank of Cambodia’s (NBC) Bakong system, your KHQR now works with millions of international travelers:
- Laos (New!): Travelers using apps from BCEL, ACLEDA Lao, APB, and more can now scan your KHQR to pay in Kip.
- Thailand: Millions of Thai tourists using any major Thai bank app (K-Bank, SCB, etc.) have been able to scan KHQR since 2023.
- Vietnam: Users of VietinBank, BIDV, and TPBank can pay you directly from their Vietnamese accounts.
- China & Beyond: Through the Alipay+ and UnionPay integration, travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea (Kakao Pay), and Malaysia (Touch ‘n Go) can all scan your standard KHQR.
How to set up your shop for 2026
The best part about this system is that if you already have a KHQR Merchant Account, you are likely already set up. Here is what you need to check:
- The “Riel” Requirement: To accept cross-border payments, your merchant account must be in Khmer Riel (KHR). When a Thai tourist scans your code, the system automatically converts their Baht into Riel for you.
- Display One Code: You do not need different QR codes for different countries. The KHQR standard is “interoperable,” meaning one code fits all.
- Check Your Merchant App: Ensure you are using a 2026-ready app like Sathapana Tutort, ABA Merchant, or ACLEDA E-Shop to get instant notifications in your ear or on your screen.
Technical benefits for merchants
Why should you encourage tourists to scan instead of paying cash?
- No Exchange Rate Loss: You don’t have to guess the exchange rate for Kip or Baht. The Bakong system uses the official daily rate, ensuring you get the full value of your sale.
- Zero Transaction Fees: For most KHQR transactions, the National Bank has kept fees at 0% for merchants, making it cheaper than accepting a physical Visa or Mastercard.
- Instant Settlement: Unlike credit cards that can take days to clear, KHQR funds land in your account in under 5 seconds.
What to do if a tourist’s scan fails
If a tourist says they can’t scan your code, check these three things:
- Internet Connection: Cross-border scans require a “Handshake” between two national banks. If your or the customer’s internet is slow, the “Token” might expire.
- App Update: Tell the tourist to check if their home bank app is the latest 2026 version. Many older versions do not support the “Outbound” scan feature.
- Daily Limits: Some tourists have a daily “International Spend” limit set by their home bank (usually around $500–$1,000). If they’ve already been shopping at Angkor Wat, they might have hit their limit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate QR code for Alipay+? No. In 2026, most major Cambodian banks have integrated Alipay+ directly into your standard KHQR. If you aren’t sure, ask your bank to “Enable International Wallets.”
Will I receive USD or KHR? Cross-border payments are settled in Khmer Riel. This is part of the national push to strengthen the Riel. You can then exchange it for USD within your app if needed.
Is it safe from “Fake Screenshot” scams? Yes, because you should never trust the customer’s screen. Always wait for the Instant Notification or “Success” sound on your own phone or merchant device.
When to contact the bank
Contact your bank’s merchant support if:
- You see a “Transaction Successful” on the customer’s phone but the money doesn’t appear in your Bakong history.
- You want to upgrade your account to accept larger amounts (over 20 million Riel per day).
- You are a new business and want to apply for the “Official Merchant” status to get a professional KHQR standee.
Recommended Reading
- [Cambodia Ranks #1 in ASEAN for Financial Services: What This Means for You] Understand the global report that put Cambodia’s payment system at the top of the region.
- [Stop Deepfake Scams: Why Your Bank App Needs More Than Just a Face Scan] Security is key for merchants. Learn how to protect your business account from AI fraud.
- [The 2026 January Debt Hangover: How to Clear Your Balance] A guide for your customers (and you) on managing credit wisely this month.
Mandatory Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only. FixMyCard.com is an educational platform and is not affiliated with the National Bank of Cambodia. For specific merchant account issues, please contact your providing bank directly.