Global Currency and Digital Payment Solutions
Nepal’s digital payment system is rapidly expanding, driven by popular mobile wallets such as eSewa and Khalti. The country has also made significant progress in cross-border digital transactions, allowing travelers from selected countries and users of India’s UPI system to make direct QR-based payments in Nepal. In addition, Nepal Rastra Bank is actively exploring the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), reflecting the nation’s shift toward a more advanced and cashless financial ecosystem.
Leading Digital Wallets & Gateways
- eSewa & Khalti: The two most widely used mobile wallets in Nepal, commonly used for everyday payments such as shopping, utility bills, mobile recharges, and small digital transactions, with additional services like micro-loans.
- ConnectIPS: An interbank digital payment system operated by Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL), enabling secure, high-value fund transfers directly between bank accounts.
- Namaste Pay: A growing digital payment platform supported by the banking sector, offering fast and convenient cashless transactions across Nepal.
Global & Cross-Border Integration
- Unified QR Codes: Payment systems such as MOCO and Fonepay support interoperable QR codes that connect with global networks like Alipay+, UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard, enabling smoother cross-platform transactions.
- India–Nepal Payments: Visitors from India can easily make digital payments in Nepal by using apps like BHIM, PhonePe, or Google Pay to scan Fonepay or eSewa QR codes at supported merchants.
- Global Remittance: Services such as IME Remit and eSewa Money Transfer allow users to send and receive international remittances quickly through digital channels, improving access to cross-border financial services.
Foreign Currency Solutions
For international payments and online purchases, Nepali commercial banks such as Global IME Bank, Nabil Bank, and Kumari Bank offer dollar-denominated prepaid and credit cards. These cards are issued under Nepal Rastra Bank’s foreign exchange regulations and typically require a valid passport for application. They are subject to annual spending limits, allowing users to make legal and controlled international online transactions
