Alipay+ mobile payment partner users can now scan and pay with interoperable NEPALPAY QR while visiting Nepal

NCHL and Ant International make it easier for Travelers to Pay in Nepal using their own Mobile Wallets

(L-R) Mr. Edward Yue, General Manager of Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Ant International; Mr. Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of NCHL; Mr. Vishrut Thapa, Chairman of NCHL; Mr. Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International

At the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024, Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and Ant International announced an exciting new partnership that makes it much easier for travelers from 10 countries to pay in Nepal using their own mobile wallets. This new setup, which connects Nepal’s NEPALPAY QR with Ant’s Alipay+ network, means visitors from regions like China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and even Italy can use their familiar apps to pay at over 875,000 shops across Nepal.

The announcement was led by key representatives, including Mr. Edward Yue from Ant International and Mr. Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of NCHL. Also present were Mr. Vishrut Thapa, Chairman of NCHL, and Mr. Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, alongside global dignitaries who were excited to see the partnership unfold.

This launch is a huge benefit for tourists, as it removes the need for currency exchanges or dealing with cash when shopping, eating out, or using services in Nepal. Now, travelers can simply open their home app—whether it’s Alipay, GCash, Touch 'n Go, or others—and scan the NEPALPAY QR code to pay directly in Nepal.

The connected services include popular e-wallets like Alipay for Chinese mainland users, GCash from the Philippines, Changi Pay and OCBC Digital from Singapore, and many others. With this new connection, tourists can skip extra steps and have an easy, seamless way to make payments wherever they go in Nepal.

Behind the partnership Vishrut Thapa, Chairman of NCHL, shared his excitement, "I am delighted to see one of the first QR payment linkage between Nepal and Alipay+ that has been rolled out within just six months since the MOU between both the partners was signed." He also emphasized how this move fits Nepal’s larger plan to connect its payment systems internationally, bringing greater convenience and helping Nepal become more accessible for global visitors.

Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of NCHL, noted that this partnership will have a big impact on tourism, making it easier for visitors to explore Nepal without worrying about payments. "This partnership will help foster the tourism sector in Nepal and also expected to enable seamless cross-border digital payments for the travelers of various countries who choose Nepal as their preferred destination. This partnership between NCHL and Alipay+ for enabling merchant payments is a major milestone for both the entities for their commitment towards fostering global partnerships."

Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Ant International highlighted that tourists are increasingly looking for unique experiences, and he believes Nepal will benefit greatly from these changes as tourism continues to grow. "Standardized QR paymentslike NEPALPAY QR are a visionary development towards more vibrant and inclusive growth– and with tourism expected to grow even further in the coming year, we’re excited to support our partners and merchants in Nepal and around the world towards a new future of travel."

This partnership between NCHL and Ant International shows the power of digital payment to make everyday life easier, especially for international travelers. By letting people use their favorite mobile apps to pay, Nepal is stepping up as a forward-thinking country in the digital world.

With NEPALPAY QR and Alipay+, tourists can focus on enjoying their time in Nepal, while local businesses gain from a boost in sales and convenience. For Nepal, this is just the start of creating a more connected, cashless-friendly future.