Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 19 – To increase the convenience of international tourists visiting Cambodia, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) will launch the "Bakong" payment system, allowing tourists to make cashless payments upon their arrival in Cambodia.

Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia Chea Serey spoke on Friday (Jul. 19) during the NBC’s semi-annual review.

Chea Serey underscored, "We will soon introduce the use of the Bakong system for tourists. This means that tourists arriving in Cambodia can download the Bakong app. If they do not have a local bank account, they can use their credit cards from their home country, including VISA card, Mastercard, UnionPay, and others."

She added that the launch of the Bakong system will facilitate tourism and provide a new digital experience in Cambodia. The goal is to ensure that tourists can use the Bakong system as easily as locals.

The governor added, "I hope that the introduction of the Bakong system for tourists will soon help alleviate difficulties for visitors to Cambodia."

Chea Serey underlined that in response to the recommendation of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the NBC has been instructed to work with private banks to address the issue of fees for slightly torn or stained US dollar notes. The NBC will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure consistent handling of old, torn banknotes, as this currently depends on the discretion of individual bank cashiers.

Please be informed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the National Bank of Cambodia to urgently work with all private banks to eliminate the fees charged for the exchange of slightly torn or stained US dollar notes. He underlined that removing this condition is to ensure that tourists visiting Cambodia are not negatively affected. While this may seem like a minor issue, it has the potential to cause significant problems.
=FRESH NEWS