Is Indonesia cashless?
Mixed#87 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #13 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Carry rupiah for warungs and markets. If your home app supports QRIS, you can scan local QR codes as well.
Cards work in Jakarta and Bali hotels, malls and cafes, and QRIS codes are everywhere. Outside tourist areas and at warungs, cash is king.
Will my card work?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Indonesia take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Indonesia.
Local currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
How does tipping work?
A service charge is often included. Otherwise 5-10%. Small tips for drivers and guides.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Apps you can use as a visitor
Locals here pay with apps as much as cards. These work without a local bank account.
Your home payment app (QRIS cross-border)
Scan any Indonesian QRIS code with an app from home. Supported apps include Alipay and WeChat Pay, GrabPay and DBS, OCBC and UOB (Singapore), Maybank, CIMB and Touch 'n Go (Malaysia), Bangkok Bank, KBank and SCB (Thailand), and PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm (India).
- How to set it up
- Nothing to set up: open your usual app and scan the QRIS code. The amount is converted from rupiah automatically.
GoPay
A local wallet that pays any QRIS code, plus Gojek rides and food delivery.
- How to set it up
- Reported to accept registration with a foreign phone number and top-ups from an international Visa or Mastercard. Set it up before you need it.
Getting cash: ATMs
Some ATMs are fee-free
Fees vary by bank. Some big banks are reported not to charge foreign cards; others add a flat fee.
Fee-free options
- BCA (reported free)
- Maybank (reported free)
Avoid
- Permata, BRI, CIMB and OCBC (reported higher fees)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Some card terminals add a 2-3% surcharge.
- Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek take foreign cards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Indonesia cashless?
Indonesia scores 50/100 on Cashlessy (mixed), ranking #87 of 197 countries. Cards work in Jakarta and Bali hotels, malls and cafes, and QRIS codes are everywhere. Outside tourist areas and at warungs, cash is king.
Do I need cash in Indonesia?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Indonesia.
Are credit cards accepted in Indonesia?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Indonesia take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do you tip in Indonesia?
A service charge is often included. Otherwise 5-10%. Small tips for drivers and guides.
Which ATMs are free in Indonesia?
Fees vary by bank. Some big banks are reported not to charge foreign cards; others add a flat fee. Best options: BCA (reported free); Maybank (reported free). Avoid: Permata, BRI, CIMB and OCBC (reported higher fees).
What payment apps can tourists use in Indonesia?
Your home payment app (QRIS cross-border): Scan any Indonesian QRIS code with an app from home. Supported apps include Alipay and WeChat Pay, GrabPay and DBS, OCBC and UOB (Singapore), Maybank, CIMB and Touch 'n Go (Malaysia), Bangkok Bank, KBank and SCB (Thailand), and PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm (India). GoPay: A local wallet that pays any QRIS code, plus Gojek rides and food delivery.
Compare with Asia
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.