The launching ceremony of the Bakong Tourists app was held on 19 August 2024 in Siem Reap and was presided over by Chea Serey, NBC Governor.

Similar to the original Bakong App, the Bakong Tourist App offers tourists a new and convenient payment experience upon their arrival in Cambodia, simplifying cash transactions.

Chea Serey said “The launching of the Bakong Tourist App aims to enhance the digital payment system in Cambodia and contribute to the tourist sector in the nation by making it easier for international tourists to Cambodia to pay digitally for products and services”.

NBC governor continued that tourists can download the app, register using an email and top-up their account through business partners for international tourists. In the future, the Bakong Tourists will enable users to link their existing international payment cards for account top-ups, she added.

"This will reduce the difficulty for tourists to use cash by simply scanning payments at about 3.3 million stores marked with the KHQR code," Serey underlined.

Chea Serey pointed out that this achievement is a result of the NBC's comprehensive reform programs within the banking sector, alongside the nation's sustained peace, political stability, and multifaceted development. She also acknowledged the profound, long-term, and wise guidance of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Serey highlighted that currently, many tourists rely on credit cards such as Visa; however, acceptance of these cards can be limited in certain areas, leading to reliance on cash, which presents its own set of challenges including issues with currency quality and transaction convenience. The Bakong Tourist App is poised to address these challenges by providing a reliable and efficient digital payment alternative.

"I am confident that the launch of the Bakong Tourist App will drive innovation in financial technology and the utilization of banking and financial services. It will offer a secure, efficient, and inclusive digital payment experience, enhancing Cambodia's appeal as a tourist destination and supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia's policies on economic and digital societal development," Serey concluded.