Nepal has introduced a new way for tourists to make payments easily while visiting the country. Travelers from Asian and European countries can now use their mobile payment apps at over 875,000 merchants in Nepal. This convenient payment option is made possible through a partnership between Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and Ant International, the operator of Alipay+.
The collaboration between NCHL and Ant International was announced at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024. This partnership allows users of Alipay+ to scan NEPALPAY QR codes at participating locations to complete their transactions. This means tourists can now use a variety of mobile payment apps, including Alipay, AlipayHK, MPay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, MyPB, GCash, Naver Pay, Toss Pay, TrueMoney, Hipay, Tinaba, Changi Pay, and OCBC Digital.
The main goal of this partnership is to boost tourism in Nepal and support the central bank’s vision of enhancing global payment connectivity. In May 2024, NCHL and Ant International signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their collaboration. Six months later, the service was officially launched for tourists to use.
This new payment option not only benefits tourists by making transactions easier but also contributes to the overall growth of the tourism industry in Nepal. With the increasing popularity of mobile payment apps, this partnership is a step towards modernizing the payment systems in the country.
Additionally, the introduction of QR payments for tourists can also help in promoting a cashless economy in Nepal. As more visitors use their mobile payment apps, it reduces the reliance on cash transactions, leading to a more efficient and secure way of making payments.
Overall, the collaboration between NCHL and Ant International is a significant development for the tourism industry in Nepal. It not only enhances the convenience for tourists but also aligns with the country’s efforts to embrace digital payment solutions. Travelers can now explore Nepal and make payments seamlessly with their e-wallets, making their experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.