Nepali citizens can now pay in India and Bhutan via QR scan. The Unified Circular 2081 issued by the Foreign Exchange Management Department of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has enabled a provision for Nepalese to make electronic transactions in these two neighboring countries.
The revised circular states that these merchant payments can be made to India and Bhutan through electronic means, including QR codes linked to accounts opened at Nepali commercial banks and national-level development banks. The circular states that this facility is the first to be provided through the retail payment switch (RPS) until the national payment switch comes into full operation of its capacity.
That is, Nepali citizens can make payments in India and Bhutan via QR code, debit, credit, prepaid cards, and other electronic services.
Also: Indian users can pay via PhonePe in Nepal
Limit on QR payment in India and Bhutan
QR payments in India and Bhutan have a limit. According to NRB, the transaction limit will be the same as the limit on payments made through cards. When purchasing goods or services in India, the limit for payment has been set to INR 1 lakh per month. This makes mobile payments much faster and more convenient for Nepali citizens.
Please note that the INR 1 lakh a month limit does not apply to hotels, hospitals, or pharmacies.
The cross-border payment between Nepal and India has already begun benefiting each country’s citizens to make payments while crossing the border. NRBs’ fresh arrangement further extends payment facility for Nepalese in India, including Bhutan.