When vacationing in Thailand, Indonesian citizens (WNI) have several payment method options during their stay, ranging from cash in Baht, debit or credit cards, to QRIS.
So, how do you use QRIS in Thailand, and what needs to be prepared?
Can Indonesian Citizens Pay Using QRIS in Thailand?
Yes. Indonesian citizens can use QRIS to pay in Thailand through Indonesian banking or e-wallet apps that support QRIS Cross-Border.
What Is QRIS Cross-Border?
QRIS Cross-Border allows Indonesian users to pay in Thailand using domestic payment apps by scanning a Thai QR code that supports cross-border transactions.
This service is not available at all merchants. Make sure the payment QR displays the Thai QR Payment/PromptPay logo, indicating that the merchant can accept cross-border payments from partner countries, including Indonesia.
Which Banks and E-Wallets Can Be Used?
Not all Indonesian payment apps automatically support QRIS Cross-Border. To make transactions in Thailand, Indonesian citizens can use a number of banking and e-wallet apps that have been registered as supporting payment service providers (PJP). Some commonly used ones include BCA, Bank Mandiri, BRI, BNI, CIMB Niaga, DANA, GoPay, and Bank Permata.
Here is the list of Indonesian PJPs that support QRIS Cross-Border transactions in Thailand:
| Banks | E-Wallets |
| BCA | DANA |
| Bank Mandiri | GoPay |
| BPD Bali | LinkAja |
| BNI | Finpay |
| Bank Permata | Ottocash |
| BRI | |
| CIMB Niaga | |
| BSI | |
| Bank Mega | |
| Bank Sinarmas | |
| Bank Pan Indonesia | |
| OCBC NISP | |
| BTN | |
| Bank Ina Perdana | |
| Bank Nagari | |
| Bank Danamon | |
| Bank DBS | |
| SMBC |
This PJP list is subject to change as service providers are added or updated. Therefore, before leaving, it is advisable to recheck whether the banking or e-wallet app you normally use is still included as a QRIS Cross-Border provider for Thailand.
How to Pay Using QRIS in Thailand?
If the merchant supports cross-border payments, the process is quite simple. Generally, the steps to pay using QRIS in Thailand are:
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Open an Indonesian bank/e-wallet app that supports QRIS Cross-Border.
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Select the Scan/QRIS feature.
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Scan the Thai QR that supports cross-border payments.
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Enter or confirm the amount in Baht.
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Check the merchant name and the displayed Rupiah amount.
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Confirm with your PIN/security method.
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Ensure the transaction is successful.
Tip: Before paying, always check the Rupiah amount and merchant name on the confirmation page.
How Much Rupiah Will Be Deducted?
Prices of goods or services in Thailand are set in Baht (THB). When paying with QRIS Cross-Border, that amount will be converted into Rupiah. Before the transaction is confirmed, the app will display the Rupiah amount to be debited from your payment account.
Exchange rates used may differ between one bank or payment provider and another. Because of this, rates from Google, search engines, or money changers are not always the same as the rate that appears during a QRIS Cross-Border transaction. Also, pay attention to any additional fees if informed by the payment provider.
What If You Have a Baht Pocket or Foreign Currency Account?
Having a Baht balance in a pocket or foreign currency account does not always mean that balance will be used when paying with QRIS Cross-Border. The source of funds used depends on the features and policies of each respective bank or payment app.
In QRIS Cross-Border transactions in Thailand, the transaction amount is set in Baht (THB), and then the app will display the transaction value in Rupiah before the payment is confirmed.
Foreign currency pockets themselves may have different mechanisms. In certain services, foreign currency balances can be used for debit card transactions in the same currency, eliminating the need to convert from Rupiah.
Therefore, before confirming a transaction, users should check the fund source, exchange rate, displayed amount in the app, and foreign currency balance policies from their bank or service provider.
If You Can’t Use QRIS, How Else Can You Pay in Thailand?
Pay Using a Debit or Credit Card
Debit or credit cards bearing the Visa or Mastercard logo can generally be used for international transactions at many hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and tourist spots in Thailand.
Before leaving, ensure your card is active for international transactions and check the foreign transaction fees charged by the issuing bank.
Pay Using Cash
Cash remains essential in Thailand, especially for street food, local markets, small merchants, and places that do not accept QR or cards. Therefore, still prepare Baht cash even if you use digital payments more frequently.
QRIS, Card, or Cash: Which Is Most Practical for Indonesian Citizens?
There is no single method that is the most practical for every situation. QRIS, cards, and cash can all be used to pay while in Thailand, but their usage and availability vary.
| Method | How to Pay | Availability |
| QRIS | Scan Thai QR via Indonesian app | Merchants supporting Cross-Border QR |
| Card | Tap or insert card | Widely used in hotels, malls, restaurants, and tourist spots |
| Cash | Pay directly in Baht | Widely used, especially by small merchants |
Payment Tips in Thailand for Indonesian Citizens
Don’t Rely on Just One Payment Method
Do not rely on a single payment method while in Thailand. Prepare multiple options so you can still transact in various situations: QRIS for merchants supporting cross-border payments, cards as an alternative for merchants accepting international payments, and cash for transactions at small merchants or when digital payments are unavailable.
To be better prepared during your trip, do the following:
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Prepare at least two payment methods.
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Bring sufficient Baht cash and save a portion as a backup.
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Ensure your smartphone battery and internet connection are adequate for digital payments.
Set Up an Internet Connection Before Leaving for Thailand
If you use QRIS as one of your primary payment methods, make sure your smartphone stays connected to the internet when making payments. Internet is also needed for various travel needs, such as opening Google Maps, booking transportation, communicating, checking hotel bookings, searching for destination info, and accessing your itinerary.
For this reason, your internet connection should be set up before departing, rather than looked for only after arriving in Thailand.
Tips for Choosing Thailand Internet Based on Travel Needs
Internet choices can be tailored to the duration and needs of your stay in Thailand. If you want a connection that is ready as soon as you arrive, an eSIM for Thailand from Global Komunika can be an option.
An eSIM can be activated before departure, so you don't need to look for or swap physical SIM cards upon arrival in Thailand. With a ready connection, you can immediately use the internet for various travel needs right from the moment you arrive.
