QRIS Payments in Bali: Can Tourists Use Indonesian QR Codes?

What Is QRIS?

QRIS (pronounced “kris”) stands for Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard. Launched by Bank Indonesia in 2019, it is the country’s unified QR code payment system. Instead of each payment provider having its own QR code, QRIS created a single standard that works across all Indonesian digital wallets and banks.

For Indonesians, QRIS has been transformative. A single QR code at a warung or shop accepts payments from GoPay, OVO, Dana, ShopeePay, LinkAja, and dozens of bank mobile apps. It is like having one QR code that works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and every bank app combined.

You will see QRIS codes everywhere in Bali — from high-end restaurants in Seminyak to fruit vendors in Ubud’s market. The small black-and-white QR sticker has become as common as the Visa/Mastercard logo.

Can Tourists Use QRIS?

The short answer: most tourists cannot use QRIS directly, but the situation is improving.

Traditional QRIS use requires an Indonesian e-wallet (GoPay, OVO, Dana) or an Indonesian bank account linked to a mobile banking app. Since most of these require an Indonesian phone number and/or Indonesian ID to register, they are not accessible to short-term visitors. We cover this in more detail in our guide to GoPay, Dana, and OVO for tourists.

However, Bank Indonesia has been actively working on cross-border QRIS integration. Several international payment apps can now scan QRIS codes in Indonesia:

International Wallets That Support QRIS

If you are traveling from a Southeast Asian country, you may already have a compatible wallet. The ASEAN cross-border QR payment initiative has been connecting payment systems across the region:

Malaysian visitors have the best experience. Touch ‘n Go eWallet works at most QRIS merchants in Bali. Simply scan the QRIS code, and the amount is converted from IDR to MYR automatically.

Thai visitors can use some Thai banking apps and GrabPay Thailand at QRIS-compatible merchants. Coverage is growing but not yet universal.

Singaporean visitors have limited options through PayNow, with support at select merchants participating in the cross-border pilot.

Chinese visitors can use Alipay at many QRIS merchants, especially in tourist areas. The Alipay+ network has been actively expanding coverage in Bali.

For visitors from Europe, North America, Australia, and other regions, there is currently no way to use QRIS. Standard international payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Revolut do not support QRIS scanning.

Where QRIS Is Used in Bali

QRIS adoption in Bali is extensive among Indonesian consumers. You will find QRIS codes at:

• Cafes and restaurants — Nearly universal in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud
• Supermarkets and minimarkets — Bintang, Pepito, Indomaret, Alfamart
• Market vendors — Many stall owners in Ubud Market and other markets
• Petrol stations
• Parking lots
• Pharmacies
• Government services — Including some temple entrance fees

The presence of QRIS does not mean cash is not accepted. Almost all businesses that display QRIS codes also accept cash. The QR code is an additional payment option, not a replacement for cash.

Why Cash Is Still King for Tourists

Despite Indonesia’s rapid adoption of digital payments, cash remains the most practical payment method for tourists in Bali. Here is why:

Universal acceptance. Every single business in Bali accepts cash. Not every business accepts cards, and QRIS is not usable by most international visitors.

No technology barriers. Cash works without an internet connection, without a compatible app, without a local phone number, and without any registration process.

Better for bargaining. At markets and for services like transport and laundry, cash gives you bargaining power. Vendors often prefer cash because it avoids processing delays.

Small transactions. For purchases under IDR 20,000 (about $1.25), cash is simply easier for both parties.

Whether you are arriving with US Dollars, other foreign currencies, or cryptocurrency, converting to Rupiah cash before spending is the approach that works everywhere on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions