Nepal · Banking & Payments

Fonepay

Nepal's widely adopted QR payment network, letting users pay via QR code across participating banks.

What it helps with

Paying any Fonepay QRMany banks.
Small shops without cashNo change needed.
Bank-to-bank transfersInstant.

About Fonepay

Fonepay is a Nepali interbank payment network enabling QR code-based payments, letting customers of different banks pay merchants using the same QR scanning system regardless of which bank app they use.

Key Features

Bank-Agnostic Standard: Works across multiple participating banks' mobile apps rather than being tied to one provider.
Wide Merchant Acceptance: Widely accepted across retailers, restaurants and services throughout Kathmandu and expanding elsewhere.
No Extra App Needed: Existing banking apps that support Fonepay can be used to scan and pay.
P2P Transfers: Some connected apps also support person-to-person transfers via the Fonepay network.

How to Get Started

Check whether your existing bank app supports Fonepay payments.
At a participating merchant, open your banking app's QR scanner.
Scan the merchant's Fonepay QR code and confirm the payment amount.
Complete the payment through your app's standard authentication process.

Before you use it

Limits: Scanning Fonepay QR needs a Nepali bank or wallet app.
Good to know: The Fonepay QR sticker is found in most shops in Kathmandu.

Local number needed Local ID needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fonepay work with a foreign bank card in Nepal?: Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Fonepay available in English?: Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Fonepay?: Yes, Fonepay requires a local phone number to register.
Do I need local ID or residency for Fonepay?: Yes, Fonepay requires local ID or residency status.
Where can I use Fonepay?: iOS · Android
How much does Fonepay cost?: Free for payers