Kathmandu: Nepal’s leading payment system operator, Fonepay, has entered into a historic partnership with Alipay, enabling cross-border payments through its interoperable QR network.
The company stated that this initiative marks a new chapter in Nepal’s journey toward digital transformation and international trade and business.
The partnership was formally launched at an event in Kathmandu, attended by representatives from Nepal Rastra Bank, Alipay, Nepal Tourism Board, banks and financial institutions, tour operators and guides, major media houses, and the business community.
Following this integration, international tourists from more than 11 countries—including China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Germany, and Italy—will be able to make payments in Nepal easily using their familiar home e-wallets via QR codes.
This payment facility will now be available at over 1.7 million Fonepay QR-enabled merchants across Nepal. The company claims this will free tourists from the hassle of carrying cash or searching for money exchange counters, offering them a seamless, secure, and convenient experience.
Welcoming guests and representatives at the event, Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, South Asia, and ANZ at Ant International, said, “We proudly celebrate this historic moment of contributing to Nepal’s digital payments and tourism ecosystem. Alipay can further strengthen Nepal’s growing digital infrastructure, making the payment system a vehicle for economic opportunity, cultural connection, and tourism prosperity—benefiting both local businesses and international consumers.”
Similarly, Fonepay CEO, Diwas Kumar, said, “The integration of Alipay and Fonepay networks has taken a major step toward global interoperability and financial inclusion. This partnership will not only make things easier for international travellers visiting Nepal but also give our merchants access to a larger consumer base—without any additional complexity.”
The collaboration between Fonepay and Alipay goes beyond financial transactions. It strengthens cultural and economic ties between Nepal and the Asia-Pacific region. With growing tourism and trade, the acceptance of Alipay payments in Nepal will make travel experiences smoother, increase merchant revenues, and enhance cross-border connectivity.
This initiative will enable Nepal to adopt secure cross-border payments, aid in tourism revival, support small and medium businesses, increase foreign income, and strengthen the overall economy. By advancing flexibility and modernization through digital payments, the move aims to establish Nepal as a hub for travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
Comment Here