A complete guide for foreigners to use e-wallets in Indonesia

I. Overview of mainstream e-wallets in Indonesia

1. GoPay (under Gojek)

   • Deep integration with taxi/takeaway app Gojek
   • Widely accepted by online and offline merchants

2. OVO

   • Tokopedia's preferred payment method for e-commerce platforms
   • General acceptance in shopping malls, convenience stores and petrol stations

3. DANA

   • Bukalapak e-commerce partner
   • Provide bill payment and mobile phone top-up services

4. LinkAja (State-owned background)

   • Mandiri Bank Support
   • Commonly used payment methods for public transport (e.g. MRT Jakarta)

5. ShopeePay (Shopee's)

   • Wallet for Shopee shopping platform
     Growing trend among small businesses

II. Foreigner Registration Process and Requirements

A. Basic requirements:

• valid passport(must include entry stamp)
• Indonesia Mobile Phone Numbers(Local SIM cards can be purchased)
• KITAS/KITAP or valid visa(Tourist visas can usually be registered as well)

B. Detailed steps:

1. GoPay registration example:

a) Download Gojek App → select "Payment".

b) Click on "Register for GoPay".

c) Enter personal information + passport number + visa information 

d) Completion of face recognition verification (required in some cases)

e)SMS verification code confirmation→Set PIN code 

2. KYC certification differences:

• short term traveller:: Usual limit of 5 million IDR/month (about $330)
• Long-term residents: Limit can be increased by submitting additional documents (Tax ID/proof of address)

III. Comparison table of top-up channels

⚠️ Note: Most e-wallets do not accept foreign-issued credit cards for direct binding, so it is recommended to give preference to offline cash reloading points.

IV. Practical Scene Skills

Travelling by transport.

# Example of switching payment method when Grab hailing.

1. Enter your destination and click "Payment Method".

2. "GrabPay" (separate activation required) / select "Cash".

3.*Tips*:Drivers always have QRIS code can be used to pay with other wallets. 

Dining & Shopping.
✔️Warung Shop: Have small change or check for LinkAja logo.
✔️ upscale restaurants:OVO/GoPay coverage >80%

⚠️ Bali Exception:Some merchants prefer to take cash/USD

V. Security reminders

1. PIN protection principle.
✅ Don't reveal the 6-digit payment code in public
✅Enable fingerprint/Face ID secondary verification

Common Scam Warning Signs 🚨.
-Ask for the OTP code from "Customer Service". Legitimate companies will never ask for
- "Jackpot" Transfer Request → New QRIS Scam Technique

It is recommended to install the official app instead of third-party modifications

A complete guide for foreigners to use e-wallets in Indonesia (cont'd)

VI. Cross-border payment and transfer restrictions

1. Can I bind an international credit/banking card?

Most Indonesian e-wallets (e.g. GoPay, OVO, DANA) only support local bank accounts or cash top-ups, with some exceptions:

• ShopeePay: Visa/Mastercard binding can be attempted (success rate about 50%)
• LinkAja: Some international cards are supported, but additional verification is required
• GrabPay Malaysia/Singapore Edition:: Can be used in Indonesia, but exchange rate is poor

✅ Optimal programme: Take a debit card with no foreign exchange fees (e.g. Wise/Revolut) and top it up at Indomaret/Alfamart after withdrawing cash at an ATM.

2. Restrictions on transfers between foreigners

• ⚠️ strict system of real names: Full KYC information must be provided to make a P2P transfer.
• 📉 allowance: Tourist visa users typically have ≤2 million IDR (≈US$130) in a single transaction and ≤5 million IDR (≈US$330) in a monthly aggregate. Long-term visa holders can apply for higher limits.

VII. Offline payment solutions

Recommended due to unstable network or poor signal in remote areas:
1️⃣ Early caching of balances - GoPay/DANA allows the generation of payment codes when there is no network (valid for 5 minutes).
2️⃣ Print static QR codes - OVO Merchant Edition can generate fixed QR code stickers for backup.
3️⃣ extreme case → Write down the customer service number for quick help:

• GoPay: +62 21 5084 8888
• OVO: +62 21 3970 XXX (follow the voice prompts to a human being)

VIII. Tax and compliance issues

🇮🇩 Bank Indonesia (BEI) regulations::

✔️ 10M IDRs require source declaration
❌ Prohibited Acts::

• "Chargebacks" make a difference in price (accounts may be frozen)
• P2P high-frequency trading triggers anti-money laundering review

💡 Business users should register as a "Verified Merchant" to avoid risk control.

IX. Troubleshooting FAQ

❓ "Why is my GoPay locked?"
→ KYC photo blurred/passport page missing → WhatsApp contact customer service for replacement documents (+62 xxx)

❓ "Scanning failed to show 'Bank Tidak Ditemukan'?"
→ QRIS compatibility issue → change to direct payment by entering merchant number

❓ "How do I check the remaining credit?
→ OVO: [Profile] → [Limit] | GoPay: [≡] → [History]

✈️ [Ultimate Traveller Programme]

1. 🏦 Purchase Telkomsel SIM card at Jakarta Airport Arrival Hall (make sure you can receive SMS)
2. 🛒 Go to Alfamart and open GoPay+OVO dual wallet with cash at the same time
3. 📲 Bundled with Grab/Shopee and other apps for full scene coverage

💬 Having trouble? Most shopping malls have a "Digital Payment Help Desk" (👇).

For the latest policy updates, we recommend visitingIndonesia's central bank official website.