International Payment in Nepal: Introducing eSewa’s Cross-Border Payment feature
In a significant development for businesses in Nepal, eSewa announced a new Cross-Border Payment feature. This initiative, launched in collaboration with Fonepay and the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), allows eSewa merchants to receive payments from Indian tourists seamlessly.
With this Cross-Border Payment feature, Indian visitors using PhonePe, BHIM, and Google Pay can now make cashless payments directly to eSewa-acquired Fonepay QR codes for goods and services in Nepal. This development aims to enhance the payment experience for Indian tourists and address existing payment challenges faced by eSewa merchants.
eSewa expressed confidence that this feature would help bridge the current payment gap, benefiting over 450,000 QR merchants across Nepal. By facilitating easier transactions, eSewa hopes to foster business growth and strengthen cross-border economic ties through digital innovation.
Benefits of Cross-Border Payments in Nepal
Eliminates counterfeit currency risk: eSewa’s digital payment system through Fonepay QR eliminates the risk of counterfeit Indian currency, ensuring that merchants’ hard-earned money is secure.
Enhanced customer satisfaction Adopting a cashless system enhances customer satisfaction by providing an easy and convenient payment method, eliminating the need for cash and improving income tracking for merchants.
Business growth and opportunities The Cross-Border Payment feature attracts tech-savvy Indian tourists, offering a seamless payment experience that can help businesses grow and scale more efficiently.
No hassle for foreign cash exchange This feature removes the need for merchants to deal with foreign currency exchange, saving time and avoiding high commission fees associated with traditional cash exchange methods.
How to Enable Cross-Border Payment (International Payment) feature in Nepal (For Merchants)?
The Cross-Border Payment feature is automatically available to small and medium-sized businesses registered with eSewa’s Fonepay QR Network. If the business isn’t currently subscribed, contact eSewa to activate the service. There is no need to replace your existing eSewa Acquired Fonepay QR Code; merchants can use it to accept UPI Scan and Pay services.
Cross-Border Transaction Charges
A minimal standard charge of 1.95% per transaction will apply for payments received via UPI-enabled Payment Apps. These charges are subject to change in the future. Domestic QR payments remain free of charge.
Merchants who prefer to opt out of accepting Cross-Border QR Payments are advised to notify eSewa. An opt-out option will gradually become available in the Merchant Panel and the Fonepay Business App.
How to Activate Cross-Border Payment (International Payment) in Nepal (For Indian Citizens)
To enable Cross-Border Payment (International Payment) in Nepal, Indian citizens need to open their PhonePe App or BHIM App or Google Pay and activate UPI International Payments feature.
To use this feature, Indian Citizens need to scan the Fonepay QR Code available at eSewa Merchants from their PhonePe App or BHIM App or Google Pay. For the transaction, users needs to input amount in NPR currency and proceed with the payment confirmation. Upon the successful transaction, equivalent INR Amount is deducted* from user’s account and payment notification is received by the merchant.
Please note that the users are required to be physically present within Nepal’s borders and enable the device’s location to be able to use this feature.
*Minimal currency conversion fee might be levied for the Cross-Border Payment feature.
Further Enhancements for Cross-Border Payment
Soon, Nepali citizens shall also be able to make international payments to Indian merchants by scanning QR codes through their eSewa app. eSewa is working on this feature and plans to update users through official social media channels once the feature is live.
