1. What exactly is KHQR?
KHQR is Cambodia’s EMV-compatible, one-QR-for-all standard, routed through the Bakong switch. A single code lets any participating bank or e-money app settle instantly in riel or dollars. The full spec (field IDs, CRC, merchant/consumer modes) is published by the NBC.
2. Why bolt Bitcoin onto it?
- Huge reach – 8 million+ local wallet users and, as of July 2025, live cross-border acceptance in Japan and other corridors.
- Tourist-friendly – crypto travellers already tip in Lightning; let’s make those sats land directly in a KHQR merchant till.
- Zero-to-hero UX – no extra hardware, no new QR. Just scan, swap, settle, smile.
3. Core building blocks
| Layer | What you need | Quick win pointers |
| QR Parser | Decode EMV tags (00, 01, 52, 53, 54, 58, 62, 63). | Drop-in library: open-source khqr_sdk on GitHub. |
| Crypto FX Engine | Real-time BTC ↔ KHR/USD swaps (on/off Lightning). | Use an exchange API or run a Lightning–fiat swap service. |
| Bakong Gateway | API or partner PSP to push funds to KHQR merchant ID. | Requires local PSP licence or banking partner. |
| Compliance | Cambodian MSB/PSP licence, KYC/AML, FX reporting. | Engage NBC early; sandbox available. |
4. Payment-flow recipes
A) Scan-to-Pay (BTC → KHQR merchant)
- User scans merchant KHQR.
- Wallet parses → collects amount & merchant ID.
- Lightning invoice generated for that fiat equivalent; user pays.
- Your swap engine converts to KHR/USD and calls Bakong API to credit the merchant instantly.
- Wallet shows paid ✅
B) Show-QR-to-Receive (Merchant wants BTC)
- Wallet user enters amount in KHR/USD.
- Wallet computes sats equivalent and mints a dynamic KHQR (merchant-presented) that maps to your Bakong collection account.
- Payer scans with any local banking app, funds land in fiat; you auto-convert to BTC and forward to the user’s on-chain or Lightning address.
Real-world glimpse: Pursa already advertises BTC → KHQR cash-outs, proving the bridge is doable today.
5. Developer jump-start kit
- Spec PDFs & white-papers – field definitions, CRC calc, size limits.
- khqr_sdk – Java/Kotlin & Dart decoders/encoders.
- Bakong sandbox keys – request from NBC fintech office (48-hour turnaround is typical).
- Lightning tools – LND/CLN + LNURL-Pay for smooth invoice generation.
- Reg check-list – draft your PSP application, designate compliance officer, integrate Travel Rule API (if payouts exceed 10 million KHR).
6. Roll-out roadmap
| Month | Milestone |
| 0-1 | KHQR parsing & static decode demo in wallet test-flight. |
| 2-3 | Lightning swap integration; sandbox Bakong payouts (test merchants). |
| 4-6 | Pilot with one licensed PSP (ABA, ACLEDA, or Wing). |
| 6-9 | Public beta in Phnom Penh night-market merchants; marketing blitz. |
| 12 | Cross-border QR + Bitcoin support in Japan, Thailand, Laos corridors. |
7. Reg-compliance pro-tips
- File as “Payment Service Provider – Category B (e-money issuer)” under NBC Prakas 2021-001.
- Keep KYC tiered: under 1 million KHR = simplified; above = full ID.
- FX reporting: daily BTC-to-KHR volumes via NBC SFTP portal.
💥 Bottom line: KHQR is Cambodia’s payment super-highway; Bitcoin + Lightning is your nitro boost. Marry them, and you hand every shop-owner in Phnom Penh the power to accept global, borderless money with a single tap and one dazzling QR code. The rails already exist, the standards are open, and the market is hungry—so crank up that code editor, secure your PSP partner, and unleash the next wave of crypto-Cambodian magic! 🌍⚡️🎉