Alipay+ Now Available on Fonepay Network: A Big Leap for Nepal’s Digital Payments and Tourism
Imagine landing in Nepal, ready to explore the Himalayas,
only to realize you don’t have enough local cash or can’t find a money exchange
nearby. Frustrating, right? Well, that problem is about to disappear.
Nepal’s leading payment system operator, Fonepay, has
entered into a historic partnership with Alipay+, unlocking a whole new
chapter in the country’s digital transformation and international trade. This
collaboration now allows cross-border payments through Fonepay’s interoperable
QR network, making Nepal friendlier for global travelers than ever before.
 |
| Fonepay and Alipay+ announce their partnership in Kathmandu. |
What’s Happening?
At a grand event held in Kathmandu, Fonepay and Alipay+
officially announced their integration. The event brought together big names
like the Nepal Rastra Bank, Alipay+ representatives, the Nepal
Tourism Board, banks, financial institutions, tour operators, guides, media
houses, and members of the business community.
This isn’t just another fintech handshake—it’s a milestone
moment for Nepal’s economy and tourism industry.
How Will Tourists Benefit?
Thanks to this partnership, travelers from more than 11
countries including China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, the
Philippines, Thailand, Germany, and Italy can now pay in Nepal using their
familiar home e-wallets.
That means wallets like:
- Alipay
- KakaoPay
- GCash
- Touch
’n Go
- AlipayHK
- TrueMoney
- Tinaba
These will now work seamlessly with Nepal’s Fonepay QR
system.
No more carrying wads of cash. No more rushing around
looking for money exchanges. Instead, over 1.7 million Fonepay-enabled
merchants across Nepal are ready to accept these payments, making life
easier, safer, and smoother for tourists.
Tourist in Nepal scanning QR code at a local shop
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Why Is This a Big Deal for Nepal?
Let’s face it—tourism is the lifeblood of Nepal. From
trekking in the Annapurna Circuit to wandering around Bhaktapur Durbar Square,
Nepal thrives on international visitors. But money? That’s always been a
hassle.
Now, this integration does more than just simplify payments.
It:
- Boosts
tourism revival after the pandemic.
- Supports
small and medium businesses (SMEs) who often lose out due to
currency barriers.
- Increases
foreign income inflow directly into the Nepali economy.
- Strengthens
Nepal’s digital and cultural connectivity with the Asia-Pacific
region.
What Did the Leaders Say?
At the event, Mr. Edward Yue, General Manager of
Southeast Asia, South Asia, and ANZ regions at Ant International, said:
“We celebrate this historic moment with pride. Alipay+ will
not only strengthen Nepal’s digital infrastructure but also make payments a
bridge for economic opportunities, cultural connections, and tourism
prosperity. Both local merchants and international consumers will benefit.”
Similarly, Mr. Diwas Kumar, CEO of Fonepay, remarked:
“The integration of Alipay+ with the Fonepay network marks a
huge step towards global interoperability and financial inclusion. This will
not only make life easier for international travelers but also help our
merchants reach more customers—without extra complexity.”
Pretty clear, right? This isn’t just about technology; it’s
about transforming how people connect, travel, and do business in Nepal.
Bigger Picture: Beyond Payments
Here’s the kicker: this collaboration isn’t limited to just
financial transactions. It’s about strengthening economic and cultural ties
between Nepal and the broader Asia-Pacific.
- Tourists
get smoother payment experiences.
- Merchants
see more sales and international exposure.
- Nepal
enhances its reputation as a modern, connected destination.
And for a country aiming to balance its rich traditions with
digital modernization, this feels like the perfect bridge.
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FAQs
1. Can I use Alipay in Nepal now?
Yes! With the new Fonepay-Alipay+ partnership, you can pay at over 1.7 million
merchants across Nepal using Alipay and other supported e-wallets.
2. Which e-wallets are supported in Nepal?
Currently, Alipay, KakaoPay, GCash, Touch ’n Go, AlipayHK, TrueMoney, and
Tinaba are supported through the integration.
3. Do I still need to carry cash in Nepal?
While cash is always handy for remote areas, tourists in major cities, hotels,
restaurants, and shops can now pay directly via QR.
4. How does this help local businesses?
Small and medium businesses can now accept international payments without
needing complex systems, gaining more customers and revenue.
5. Is this safe?
Absolutely. The system is regulated by Nepal Rastra Bank and powered by
globally trusted platforms.
Quick Comparison: Before vs. After Alipay+ in Nepal
|
Feature |
Before (No Alipay+) |
After (With Alipay+) |
|
Tourist Payments |
Mostly cash, limited cards |
QR payments with global wallets |
|
Merchant Reach |
Local customers only |
Global customers included |
|
Currency Exchange |
Needed in advance |
Direct wallet transactions |
|
Convenience |
Low |
High |
|
Safety |
Cash risks |
Secure digital transactions |
About Fonepay
Fonepay is Nepal’s first mobile payment network licensed
by Nepal Rastra Bank as a Payment System Operator (PSO). It enables smooth P2P
(person-to-person) and P2M (person-to-merchant) transactions across
its interoperable network and mobile platform.
About Alipay+
Alipay+, powered by Ant International, is an
integrated wallet gateway that provides cross-border payment and digitization
services. It connects global merchants to consumers while giving travelers the
freedom to pay with their preferred app. Small and medium businesses also
benefit through Alipay+ digital tools, improving efficiency and multi-channel
growth.
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Conclusion
The Fonepay and Alipay+ partnership is more than just
fintech news—it’s about building bridges. For tourists, it means hassle-free
payments. For merchants, it means more customers and income. And for
Nepal, it means positioning itself as a digitally connected, globally
welcoming destination.
Next time you land in Kathmandu, don’t worry about finding
an exchange booth. Just scan, pay, and enjoy Nepal.
👉 Have you used QR
payments abroad? How was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments
below!
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