Indonesia has officially rolled out a new digital payment system designed to make life easier for foreign tourists.
Bank Indonesia has launched the Indonesia Tourist Travel Pack, a one-stop setup available on arrival at Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The pack gives visitors an Indonesian SIM card and instant access to a chip-based e-money wallet that connects directly to the country’s QRIS cashless payment network.
The move is part of Indonesia’s broader push toward a cashless economy, aiming to make everything from paying for hotel rooms and café bills to entering tourist attractions faster, simpler and more secure.
Officials say the overhaul will strengthen Indonesia’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination, while still recognising that cash continues to play an important role in daily life for locals and visitors.
More than 1.5 million Australians travelled to Bali last year, meaning the new system will affect a huge number of holidaymakers heading to the island.
‘Ease of transactions is an important part of the tourist experience in Bali,’ Bank Indonesia deputy governor Fillianingsh Hendarta said.
‘These initiatives are aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s position as a tourist-friendly country, and increasingly preparing for a cashless and digital tourism system.’
A new digital payment system has been rolled out for foreign tourists heading to Bali and other Indonesian hotspots
The initiative aims to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a tourist-friendly country as it moves one step closer to becoming a cashless society. Pictured are tourists in Kuta
While cash remains an essential element of day-to-day life in Bali for locals and visitors, officials hope the initiative will open up opportunities for businesses to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
A new digital payment system has now been rolled out for foreign tourists heading to Bali and other Indonesian hotspots.
‘As a world-class tourist destination, ease of transactions is a crucial part of the tourist experience in Bali,’ the national bank added in a statement.
‘With the support of various parties, the experience of international tourists in Bali will be more convenient and practical.
‘The hope is that they can easily conduct transactions, from paying for hotels, shopping, relaxing with coffee, to entering tourist destinations.’
A new information centre has been set up at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to help foreign arrivals make a smooth transition to cashless payments.
The move comes after Indonesia’s finance ministry recently unveiled plans to redenominate the rupiah to improve economic efficiency and strengthen the currency’s credibility.
The proposal to slash three zeros from the rupiah is expected to be finalised in 2027.
More than 1.5 million Aussies visited Bali in 2024.
