Purpose: This study examines the awareness, perceptions, adoption readiness, and perceived barriers of potential users regarding the use of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for cross border payments in Nepal.
Research Methodology: The study used a descriptive and exploratory design. Primary data were collected from 62 respondents through a structured online questionnaire using convenience sampling and were analyzed with frequency distributions, percentages, and mean scores, supported by a thematic reading of open ended responses and relevant secondary sources.
Results: A total of 83.9% of respondents had some prior familiarity with CBDC, but only 16.1% considered themselves very well informed, and 59.7% rated public awareness in Nepal as low. Respondents viewed CBDC positively in terms of ease and convenience, faster payments, lower costs, and financial inclusion, and 66.2% were willing to try or adopt a CBDC based cross border payment system if it proved reliable. The main barriers were lack of public awareness and digital literacy (72.6%), cybercrime and financial fraud (59.7%), and weak digital infrastructure (58.1%).
Conclusions: CBDC has good potential to make cross border payments faster, cheaper, and more convenient in Nepal, but successful adoption will depend on public education, strong security, reliable infrastructure, clear regulation, and international interoperability.
Limitations: The small convenience sample and the descriptive analysis limit the generalization of the findings.
Contributions: The study provides early evidence on CBDC readiness in a remittance dependent economy and offers practical guidance for Nepal Rastra Bank and policymakers.