Kathmandu. Nepal’s leading payment system operator (PSO) Phonepe has entered into a historic partnership with Alipay Plus to approve inter-country payments through its interoperable QR network.

This has added a new chapter in Nepal’s digital transformation and journey towards cross-border trade and commerce. After the integration, international tourists from more than 11 countries including China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Germany, Italy will be able to easily pay through QR in Nepal using their familiar home e-wallet. These payment facilities will now be available to more than 1.7 million PhonePe QR-enabled entrepreneurs across Nepal.

Which will give tourists an easy, safe and convenient experience, freeing them from the hassle of carrying cash or looking for a money exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Edward Yua, General Manager, South-East Asia, South Asia and ANZ Region, Ant International, said, “We will celebrate this historic moment as we have been able to contribute to the advancement of Nepal’s digital payment and tourism ecosystem. Alipay Plus can further strengthen Nepal’s growing digital infrastructure and make the payment system a means of economic opportunity, cultural ties and tourism prosperity, benefiting both local businesses and international consumers.

“The integration of Alipay Plus and PhonePe networks has taken a big step towards global interoperability and financial inclusion,” said Diwas Kumar, CEO of FONEP. He said that this partnership will not only make it easier for international travelers visiting Nepal but will also give entrepreneurs access to more consumers.

He said that the collaboration between PhonePe and AlipayPlus is not limited to financial transactions, but it will further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between Nepal and the Asia-Pacific region. Along with growing tourism and trade, the acceptance of Alipay Plus payments in Nepal will help ease the passenger experience, increase business income and strengthen inter-country connectivity.