Paying with QRIS is no longer limited to within Indonesia. In line with efforts to expand the digital payment ecosystem, QRIS can now be used in several other countries, making overseas transactions much easier and more convenient.
As widely known, QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) is the national QR code standard developed by Bank Indonesia (BI) in collaboration with the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI).
With QRIS, Indonesian travelers can shop, dine at restaurants, and use various other services abroad simply by scanning with their usual payment app—no need to exchange foreign currency. This initiative brings a new level of convenience and enhances the travel experience for those visiting other countries.
Benefits of Using QRIS for International Transactions
Using QRIS abroad offers several benefits for Indonesian travelers. One of the main advantages is its practicality. Without the hassle of exchanging foreign currency or carrying large amounts of cash, users can simply scan a QR code using the same apps they use in Indonesia.
From a security perspective, QRIS also helps reduce the risk of cash loss. All transactions are automatically recorded in the app, making it easier and safer for users to track their spending.
QRIS offers transparent exchange rates, as currency conversion from Rupiah to the local currency is calculated in real time. This helps users understand the exact amount they are paying, without any hidden charges.
In addition, QRIS improves travel efficiency. There's no need to look for money changers or queue at foreign ATMs—just scan the QR code at supported merchants and complete the transaction in seconds.
With these benefits, QRIS has become a fast, convenient, and modern payment solution for Indonesian travelers abroad.
Countries Where QRIS Is Accepted
In recent years, QRIS has expanded not only within Indonesia but also to other countries. This international rollout of QRIS has opened new opportunities for Indonesian travelers to transact more easily and efficiently abroad.
Through partnerships with global payment networks, QRIS is now accepted in several popular travel destinations. Below is the list of countries where QRIS is currently supported:
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Singapore
QRIS is integrated with the PayNow network, enabling transactions at stores, cafes, transportation services, and other public utilities. -
Malaysia
Integration with DuitNow allows QRIS payments across a wide range of merchants, eliminating the need to carry physical cash. -
Thailand
Thanks to integration with PromptPay, Indonesian travelers can use QRIS at numerous merchants, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers across Thailand.
Future Expansion Plans for QRIS International
Bank Indonesia (BI) continues to expand QRIS’s international reach as part of its mission to strengthen cross-border payment system integration and support more efficient global transactions.
After successfully launching in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, BI is planning to extend QRIS acceptance to other countries, including:
- Japan: Collaboration with local payment systems will enable QRIS usage across various sectors in Japan.
- South Korea: Currently in the process of integration to support cross-border payments.
- India: Cooperation is underway to allow QRIS transactions in India.
- China: In discussion stages for system integration.
- Saudi Arabia: Aimed at supporting payments for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
BI emphasizes its commitment to expanding QRIS globally, while adhering to principles of reciprocity and mutually beneficial cooperation. This initiative is expected to establish QRIS as a digital payment standard that supports Indonesia’s digital economy growth and strengthens its position in the global financial system.
