Bakong For Tourists
Updated: 19 Aug 2024 | In a groundbreaking move, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is set to unveil the Bakong mobile payment system for international tourists , revolutionizing how visitors spend money while exploring Cambodia. NBC Governor Dr. Chea Serey confirmed this exciting development on Friday, July 19.
During the NBC’s semi-annual assembly, Dr. Serey announced that the Bakong system will be promoted at airports and entry points, allowing international visitors to download the app upon arrival.
“Soon, we will have a system for tourists, enabling them to download our application as soon as they arrive. If they do not have a local banking app to transfer money to the Bakong system, they can use credit cards from their home countries, such as Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay, to do so,” Serey explained.
The Bakong Tourist app will provide tourists with a seamless, digital, and cashless experience, simplifying their financial transactions in Cambodia .
“Some people often view Cambodia as a poor, small country with nothing to offer. But when they arrive, we want them to use Bakong and manage their spending as easily as our local people,” Serey added.
The application also addresses issues that tourists have faced when using large banknotes, especially in popular destinations like Siem Reap province. The initiative stems from a request by vendors in Siem Reap, who reported difficulties with spending foreign money that was slightly torn or dirty to Prime Minister Hun Manet . He then instructed Dr. Serey to find a solution.
The Bakong Tourist app has been on soft launch since August 19, 2024 . The introduction of Bakong promises to enhance the travel experience for tourists and boost the local economy by making transactions more accessible and efficient .
User Journey For The Bakong Mobile Payment System For Tourists:
1. Download & Register:
- Download the App: Upon arrival in Cambodia, tourists are prompted to download the Bakong Tourist app from either the App Store or Google Play Store .
- Register: Tourists register on the app using their email address, completing a simple and quick registration process.
2. Top-Up:
- Cash: Tourists can top-up their Bakong wallet using cash at designated top-up points, such as airport counters or hotel receptions.
- Credit Card: Alternatively, tourists can top-up their Bakong wallet using international credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay. Top up fees start at 8000KHR.
3. Scan:
- Locate KHQR: Tourists can find KHQR (Khmer QR code) payment points throughout Cambodia, including in shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
- Scan to Pay: Using the Bakong app, tourists scan the KHQR code to make payments effortlessly and securely.
4. Manage Remaining Balance:
- Cash Out: Before leaving Cambodia, tourists can cash out their remaining balance at airports or hotels.
- Keep for Next Visit: Tourists can choose to keep their balance in the Bakong wallet for future visits to Cambodia.
