How can foreigners use local payments in Indonesia?

Foreigners (non-residents of Indonesia) may face some restrictions in using local payment methods in Indonesia, but payments can be done legally and compliantly by the following methods:

I. Main available local Indonesian payment methods

1. Bank transfers (Transfer Bank)

   • Applicable to: Foreigners with an Indonesian bank account.
   • How it works:
     • Open an Indonesian bank account (KITAS/KITAP work or residence visa required).
     • Transfer funds via ATM, mobile banking or internet banking (e.g. BCA, Mandiri, BNI, etc.).

2. Electronic Wallet (E-Wallet)

   • GoPay (Gojek),OVO, andDANA, andShopeePayetc.
   • Suitable for: short-term visitors or foreigners who are unable to open a bank account.
   • How it works:
     • Register with an Indonesian mobile phone number (local SIM card purchase required).
       take note of: Some wallets require real-name authentication (local ID/passport + KITAS required) and may not have full access to all features.

3. Convenience store cash top-ups (Indomaret/Alfamart)

   • Suitable for: unbanked or e-wallet unauthenticated users.

4. Credit/Debit Card Payment (Visa/Mastercard)
   International credit cards are available at larger merchants, but smaller merchants usually only support local cards.

5. QRIS (Unified QR Code Payment)
   Payment can be made by scanning the code through e-wallets that support cross-border payments.

II. Key steps and precautions for the use of foreigners

1. Authentication problem solutions:

• SIM card: buy a local number (e.g. Telkomsel) to register an account.
• KYC authentication: some platforms allow passport + visa completion, but functionality may be limited.
• OVO and DANA have more restrictions on non-residents, so we recommend trying GoPay/ShopeePay first.

2.What if I don't have a permanent address?
Either use a hotel address or select the "foreign user" option (if provided) when registering.

3. Cash recharge channels.
-Indomaret/Alfamart counters can top up wallets such as GoPay by quoting your mobile phone number.
-Maximum single top-up amount is usually Rp 2 million (approx. US$130)

4. Exchange rate alerts.
It is advisable to compare the official exchange rate with the exchange rate at the point of exchange, as Big Denomination notes usually have a better rate.

5. Alternative programmes.
-Wise cross-border transfers to local accounts
-Seek assistance from a trusted local agent (be careful to verify your identity)

6. Security reminders.
Avoid making large transactions on public WiFi
Enable all available 2FA authentication measures

7. Tax Notes.
A single transaction of more than 10 million IDRs may require a declaration of the source of funds

III Frequently Asked Questions.

Q:Can I open a full-featured eWallet with my travel visa?
A: Basically, you can open an account with limited functions, and the daily cumulative transaction limit is about 5 million IDR (about $320)

Q:Are there any special restrictions for Chinese citizens?
A: No additional restrictions except the standard rules, Alipay can also be used in Bali and other tourist areas.

Q:How can I check the nearest Cash Recharge Point?
All e-wallet apps have a locator function, or you can ask the hotel reception directly.

IV. Advanced Tips for Foreigners to Use Indonesia Payment

1. How can I bypass some of the KYC restrictions?

• GoPay (Gojek): Foreign passports are allowed to register, but transaction limits are low (usually Rp 5 million for a single day).
• ShopeePay: More tourist friendly, basic authentication can be done with passport + hotel address.
• DANA/OVO: KTP (Indonesian Identity Card) or KITAS is strictly required and is more difficult to use for short-term travellers.

✅ prescription: Try registering multiple wallets after purchasing a local prepaid SIM card and choose the one with the least restrictions.

2. How can I collect money if I do not have a bank account?

If there is a need to receive funds in Indonesia (e.g. freelancers, remote workers):

• With Wise (TransferWise) → you can generate a virtual Indonesian bank account to receive payments.
• PayPal withdrawals to local agent's bank account (fees apply).

⚠️ take note of: Avoid frequent large transfers that could trigger anti-money laundering scrutiny.

3. Special advantages of QRIS payments

QRIS is a unified QR code standard implemented by Bank Indonesia to support cross-border payment scenarios:
✅ Visa/Mastercard international cards can be scanned for payment after binding to the e-wallet.
✅ Some merchants support direct scanning of Alipay + WeChat payment (especially in Bali).

🔍 How can I identify merchants with available QRIS?--Look for the blue-green QRIS logo sticker.

V. Recommendation of optimal payment solutions for each scenario

VI. Additional answers to high-frequency questions
❓ Asked, "Can I just register with a foreign mobile phone number?"
→The local app of 90% will force +62 number verification, so it is recommended to buy a Telkomsel/Xl Sim card on the day of arrival.

❓ Asked, "Are local payments not required at all in Bali?"
→ 70% merchants in tourist areas accept credit cards/Alipay, but cash or GoPay is still required for localised areas (e.g. traditional markets).

❓ Asked, "What if my e-wallet is stolen?"
→ Immediately contact customer service to freeze the account, retain the transaction screenshot police record (police report is a mandatory document for complaints)

VII. Special Reminders for Safe Card Use
🔐 High-risk behaviour.
✖️ Saving card information on non-HTTPS websites
✖️ agrees to the merchant's "debit authorisation" (potong langsung).
✔️ Precautionary advice.
- Banks like BCA have more secure virtual account features
- Setting daily transaction limits

If you need detailed instructions on how to do a specific part of the process (e.g. how to accurately express your top-up needs at the Indomaret counter), let me know the part you'd like to dive into!