Most common payment methods in Indonesia

Cheryl Moderator

16973POSTS

5 days ago

Hello everyone,

Moving to Indonesia, even simple things like paying for groceries or a coffee can feel different. In order to help fellow expats and soon-to-be expats better prepare for their daily transactions, we invite you to share your insights and experience:

What are the most common payment methods today in Indonesia: cash, debit/credit cards, bank transfers, mobile apps or digital wallets?

Is contactless payment (card, phone, smartwatch or via QR code) common and widely accepted?

Is there a popular local payment app that everyone uses?

How safe and secure do you feel using digital payments in Indonesia?

Do you still need to carry cash for small shops, markets, taxis or administrative services?

Are there any particularities in payment habits or methods in Indonesia that surprised you?

Thank you for your contribution,

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

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wyngrove60 Serial expat

445POSTS

2 days ago

I pay with QRIS, cash, credit card, debit card, e-money and GoPay.

Fred Indonesia Expert

30641POSTS

2 days ago

QRIS

It's pronounced Kris or Q-ris and it's by far the most common way to pay for everything from a chocolate bar to petrol.

You scan a QR code using your phone, pop in the amount (or it's already in if the code is generated by the POS software, then accept with a pin or fingerprint.

I find Gopay to be the fastest and easiest, but every payment and banking app will do it.

Cards and cash can also be used in most shops, but the vast majority have a QRIS code on the counter, or one pops on the screen or payments machine.

You can generate a QRIS on your phone that allows other people to pay you, and that's regardless of what banks you both use.

I have no idea where the idea came from, but it's genius level work that makes life easy for everyone.