PHNOM PENH: On 12th May 2022, Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, has today released findings from its latest Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, showing that as many as 32 percent of Cambodians plan to stop using cash following the COVID-19 pandemic. This follows a spectacular shift from cash to digital and contactless payments, especially QR codes and e-wallets.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital payments among Cambodian consumers as they believe going cashless will make society more hygienic 43%, efficient 39%, and environmentally friendly 37%.
Ms. Monika Chum, Visa Country Manager for Cambodia said, “We are well on our way towards a generational change in how Cambodians choose to pay and be paid, with a growing preference for digital payments. At Visa, we are keeping a close eye on how this conversion to cashless plays out, using our market insights to support our local partners by rolling out smarter, faster, and safer forms of digital payments.”
Since COVID-19, cash usage dropped 22 percent in the past year. One in five Cambodian consumers has tried going cashless, with almost half of the 46% claiming they could go for longer than a week. Of those who have not tried going cashless, 29 percent are confident they could last for a month or longer by relying on cashless alternatives.
The study also showed an accelerated adoption of cashless and digital payments, especially cards and QR codes. Thirty-eight percent of Cambodians now use card payments and almost 7 out of 10 consumers 68% who have both e-wallets and cards show a preference for the latter. Meanwhile, QR payment usage tripled over a year with 36 percent of consumers in Cambodia now using it. QR payment is the second-most-popular payment form in all spending categories, especially in supermarket and convenience store purchases.
Consumers are also showing a clear preference for mobile applications where they can access greater choice and integrated payment features. Digital banking has also caught up with traditional banking as 60 percent of consumers now install mobile banking apps, appreciating the security of mobile payments 51% and the health benefits associated with reduced physical contact 50%.
“Consumers believe Cambodia will become a cashless society within the next 10 years, regardless of the impacts of COVID-19,” added Ms. Monika Chum. “Visa is excited to support businesses and consumers in embracing this transformation with world-leading payment services and market insights to help them adapt and overcome.”
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