Machhapuchchhre Bank WeChat Pay Partnership
14th January 2026, Kathmandu
The Machhapuchchhre Bank WeChat Pay partnership marks a major step toward strengthening digital payment infrastructure in Nepal, particularly for incoming Chinese tourists. With the objective of making digital payments easy, secure, and reliable for Chinese visitors, Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited has entered into a direct partnership with Tenpay Payment Technology, the company that operates WeChat Pay in China. The formal agreement was signed in mid January 2026, positioning the bank as a primary gateway for Chinese mobile wallet transactions in the country.
Machhapuchchhre Bank WeChat Pay
Tenpay Payment Technology is one of China’s largest and most trusted digital payment service providers, widely used through the WeChat Pay platform. Following the agreement, Machhapuchchhre Bank will be able to provide international payment services in Nepal via WeChat Pay. This collaboration allows Chinese tourists visiting Nepal to make payments using Chinese currency, while Nepali merchants receive settlements directly in Nepalese rupees.
Enhancing the Tourist Experience in 2026
The Machhapuchchhre Bank WeChat Pay partnership is expected to significantly improve the payment experience for Chinese tourists, who are increasingly dependent on mobile based digital payment systems. In China, the use of physical cash has become nearly obsolete in urban centers, and tourists expect the same level of digital convenience when traveling abroad. Instead of exchanging cash or relying on international credit cards which may have high fees, tourists can now use WeChat Pay seamlessly across supported merchants in Nepal.
This convenience is expected to enhance tourist satisfaction and encourage higher spending in local markets. Historically, Chinese tourists have been among the highest spenders in Nepal’s tourism sector, focusing on retail, high end accommodation, and cultural experiences. By removing the friction of currency exchange, the bank aims to tap into this economic potential more effectively.
Direct Benefits for Nepali Merchants
From the merchant perspective, the partnership brings notable benefits. Nepali businesses will receive payments directly in Nepalese currency without facing foreign exchange handling issues. This eliminates additional conversion risks and simplifies accounting and reconciliation processes. As a result, merchants in tourism, retail, hospitality, and service sectors can adopt digital payments with greater confidence and efficiency.
To support these merchants further, the bank has recently expanded its MBL Smart Loan service to QR merchants. This allows small business owners who accept WeChat Pay and other digital payments to access pre approved loans based on their transaction history. This integrated financial ecosystem helps small and medium enterprises manage their working capital needs while catering to international guests.
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Promoting Transparency and Security
Machhapuchchhre Bank has stated that enabling direct digital transactions between Chinese tourists and Nepali merchants will promote secure and transparent financial activity. The bank believes that allowing Chinese tourists to transact digitally will reduce cash dependency and increase transaction traceability, which benefits both businesses and the broader financial system. By using a direct settlement model with Tenpay, the bank ensures that all transactions are recorded and reported according to the regulations of Nepal Rastra Bank.
The Machhapuchchhre Bank WeChat Pay partnership also aligns closely with national policy objectives. The bank has expressed confidence that this agreement supports the Digital Nepal Framework as well as strategic initiatives promoted by the central bank. These initiatives emphasize financial digitalization, payment system modernization, and increased use of electronic payment channels to reduce the costs associated with managing physical currency.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth
In addition, the partnership is expected to play an important role in advancing financial digital inclusion. By expanding access to globally recognized digital payment platforms, the banking system becomes more inclusive and adaptive to international users. The move also supports the broader transition toward a cashless economy by encouraging digital transactions in everyday commercial activities.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the agreement, as China remains one of Nepal’s key source markets for international tourists. Since the introduction of free visa entry for Chinese nationals in recent years, the number of visitors has seen a steady climb. Simplifying payment systems for Chinese visitors directly supports tourism recovery and growth. Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, retail outlets, and service providers are expected to benefit from smoother transactions and improved customer experience.
Innovation and Technological Leadership
Machhapuchchhre Bank has consistently focused on adopting innovative financial technologies to enhance customer service and operational efficiency. The WeChat Pay integration reflects the bank’s commitment to leveraging global payment ecosystems while ensuring compliance with domestic regulatory standards. The bank’s mobile banking platform, MBL M Smart, already serves over 1.8 million customers, and this new partnership adds a significant international dimension to its digital offerings.
In conclusion, the Machhapuchchhre Bank WeChat Pay partnership represents a strategic and forward looking initiative that strengthens Nepal’s digital payment landscape in 2026. By enabling direct digital payments for Chinese tourists and ensuring seamless settlement for Nepali merchants, the partnership supports tourism growth, promotes digital financial inclusion, and contributes to the modernization of Nepal’s payment infrastructure. As digital payments continue to evolve, this collaboration positions Machhapuchchhre Bank as a key player in bridging international payment systems with Nepal’s domestic financial ecosystem.
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