Traveling in Bali is getting easier by the day. From 5G connectivity to apps for transport and travel, it has never been easier to explore the island.
A new digital payment system, rapidly adopted by international travelers, is making it easier than ever to spend and experience Bali with just the click of a button.
The QRIS system is a QR-code-based digital payment system that allows international travelers to pay using their home currency on their smart devices.
The system has been widely adopted by travelers from Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore and looks set to be rolled out to more of Bali’s top international visitors.
The Head of the Bank Indonesia (BI) Bali, Erwin Soeriadimadja, told reporters that data shows that inbound cross-border QRIS transactions from Malaysia increased by 196% year-on-year, followed by Thailand at 183%, and Singapore at 156%. With this payment technology saving tourists both time and money, it seems a no-brainer for Bank Indonesia to roll out the service to more potential users.
Soeriadimadia told reporters, “Bank Indonesia continues to expand the use of QRIS Cross Border through collaboration with various transaction service providers in tourist areas, while service expansion is currently being tested in China and South Korea.”
This convenient system means that international tourists visiting Bali no longer need to exchange or carry cash. Tourists can simply use their home country’s payment app for transactions at hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, with an automatic conversion system to rupiah that goes directly into the merchant’s account.
With most tourists and holidaymakers sticking very much to the beaten path, and many tourists visiting Bali for short, all-inclusive tour visits, an increasing number of tourists do not even need to carry cash for those unforeseen or off-path moments.
Soeriadimadia explained that QRIS has further solidified its position as a game-changer in the payment system in Bali. Throughout 2025, QRIS transactions reached 172 million with 1.1 million users. By December 2025, the number of merchants had reached 1 million and is targeted to increase to 1.1 million by 2026.
QRIS is being used by both big and small businesses, and even solo entrepreneurs are able to get the system up and running. Bank Indonesia Bali will also continue to promote payment digitalization to support the national target of 140 million QRIS merchants by the end of 2026.
Bank BPD Bali President Director I Nyoman Sudharma explained to reporters that the expanded adoption of QRIS Cross Border provides a practical and efficient cross-border payment solution for tourists.
He noted, “Digital innovations like QRIS Cross Border and NFC are strategic bridges to ensure that every transaction made by foreign tourists in Bali can be directly felt by businesses, even in remote villages, efficiently and securely.”
The QRIS System has also been a game-changer for Indonesian nationals, who can now use the cashless system to pay for everything from groceries to utilities.
It may be some time before the QRIS System is rolled out for tourists from Australia, Europe, and around the world, but the rapid adoption and scaling of the network is being deemed a positive sign.
Tourists traveling to Bali must be aware that if they are planning on traveling outside of the major tourism resorts, it is essential to carry cash.
In fact, here at The Bali Sun, we are big advocates for carrying at least a little cash at all times. From quick snacks at corner shops to tipping staff and drivers, to the spontaneous trips to hidden waterfalls, to unexpected parking fees, cash is still a real asset in Bali and around Indonesia.
Tourists should read up about the money exchange scams happening in Bali and how the government is tackling the situation to make sure they are not caught out.
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