How to use e-payment in Indonesia?

Using electronic payments in Indonesia is very convenient, here are the key steps and considerations:

1. Mainstream electronic payment methods

  • GoPay(under Gojek): for taxi, takeaway, online shopping and offline shops.
  • OVO: In partnership with Grab, it is widely used for retail, transport and bill payments.
  • DANA: Support for money transfers, code payments and online shopping.
  • ShopeePay(Shrimp Payments): an exclusive payment tool for e-commerce platform Shopee.
  • Bank APP: QR code payment is provided by such as BCA Mobile (most commonly used in Indonesia), Mandiri, etc.

2. Registration & Binding

  • Download the corresponding APP and register with your mobile phone number (local number required).
  • Real name verification may require an Indonesian ID (KTP) or passport (for foreigners).
  • Bind your bank card or top up via convenience store/ATM.

3. Usage Scenarios

  • on-line: E-commerce platforms (Tokopedia, Shopee), takeaway services.
  • below the line: Supermarkets, restaurants scan code payment, some support cashless parking fee.

4. caveat

  • Most wallets at 🇮🇩 only support Rupiah transactions;
  • 📱Keep your network open, some services require SMS verification code;
  • 💳 Don't have a local bank card? You can top up with cash at Indomaret/Alfamart;
  • 🚫 Large transactions may be restricted, be aware of account balance caps;

Tip: Electronic payment is highly popular in big cities such as Jakarta, but cash is still needed in remote areas. It is recommended to install more than two payment tools for different scenarios.

An Advanced Guide to Electronic Payments in Indonesia

5. Cross-border payments and tips for foreigners

  • 🌏 Programmes for foreign tourists/expatriates::
    • Some wallets (e.g. GoPay, DANA) allow passport authentication, but functionality may be limited (e.g. lower transfer amounts).
    • GrabPay is relatively friendly and supports international credit card bundling (Visa/Mastercard) for short stays.
  • 💱 Exchange and top-up::
    • Transfer money to a local account via an authorised exchange point (e.g. MoneyGram) or a bank before transferring it to your e-wallet.
    • ⚠️ Avoid private exchange of foreign currency and beware of fraud.

6. QRIS - Indonesia's Unified Code Scanning Payment System

  • 🖥️ What is QRIS?: A standardised QR code introduced by Bank Indonesia that integrates platforms such as GoPay, OVO, DANA, etc. Merchants can accept all payment instruments by displaying just one code.
  • 🔍 How do I recognise it?: Look for blue and green QRIS logo stickers or standing signs.

7. B2B and large transaction solutions

  • 🏦 Enterprise-level payment requirements: Bulk transfers or API interfacing can be done through bank digital services (e.g. BCA BizNet, Mandiri Corporate).
  • 📊Tax tip: A single payment of more than Rp 10 million (approximately US$650) requires a declaration of the source of funds.

Examples of practical scenarios ✨

1️⃣ Checking out at a restaurant in Jakarta → Scan the QRIS code on your desktop and select GoPay for payment;
2️⃣ Online Shopping Tokopedia → Use ShopeePay to enjoy a fee-free offer;
3️⃣ Paying rent to the landlord → Direct transfer to the other party's mobile phone number via DANA;
4️⃣ No cash for the bus. → Some TransJakarta buses in Jakarta already support TapCash cards (issued by Bank Mandiri).

❗ Risk aversion alerts