Cards, QRIS and ATMs in Indonesia for Malaysians

Malaysians can pay in Indonesia with a mix of cards, QR codes and cash, and a little preparation at home makes each one work. Hotels and larger restaurants take cards, QR is growing in shops, and cash still helps at markets, warungs and for drivers.

This guide covers what to set up before you fly and what to ask your own bank. For the wider picture, see our budgets and package decisions hub.

What is QRIS and can Malaysians use it?

QRIS is the Indonesian national QR payment standard, and you will see its black and white square at shop counters across tourist areas. The two central banks announced the commercial launch of a QR payment linkage on 8 May 2023. A scan of QRIS or DuitNow QR codes then works across the two countries ^[1].

Whether your own app joins in depends on your bank or e-wallet. Ask your provider whether it supports payments abroad through this link, and whether it shows the rupiah amount before you confirm.

Test it at home if you can, and keep a card and some cash for the places that show no QR code.

Do cards work in Indonesia?

Cards work well in hotels, larger restaurants, malls and tour operators in tourist areas. Small warungs, village shops and markets lean on cash or QR.

When a terminal asks whether to pay in ringgit or rupiah, choose rupiah. The ringgit option converts at a rate set by the shop’s provider, which can cost you more than your own bank would charge.

Keep a second card in a different place from the first. A lost or blocked card is then an inconvenience, not a stranded evening.

How do ATMs work for Malaysians?

ATMs are the easiest way to top up rupiah mid-trip. Use a debit card with an international logo, and ask your bank about three things before you go:

• The foreign withdrawal fee.
• The conversion margin on top of the rate.
• The daily limit abroad.

Large, infrequent withdrawals cost less in fixed fees than small, frequent ones. They also mean more cash on you, so find a balance that suits your group.

Use machines attached to banks. Our ATM and money safety guide lists what to check at the machine.

When is cash still the better choice?

Some moments call for notes in your pocket:

• Tips for drivers, guides and spa staff.
• Parking, small entry fees and donations at temples.
• Street food, warungs and market stalls.
• Small taxis, scooters and boat landings.

Our cash-to-carry guide helps you set a number for each day. If you need to change ringgit, read where and how to change ringgit to rupiah.

What should you set up before you fly?

Work through this short list a few days ahead:

1. Switch on overseas use for your cards in your banking app.
2. Check your daily limits, and raise them if needed for a hotel deposit.
3. Turn on payment notifications so odd charges stand out.
4. Test the QR feature of your app, if it has one.
5. Write down your bank’s lost-card number and keep it off the card.

Keep a screenshot of your hotel and package confirmations too, so you can show them if a payment is questioned.

What do you do next?

Decide which items in your trip are already paid in ringgit and which you will pay on the ground. The trip cost calculator separates the two, so your cash and card plan covers only the second group.

Ask the agency which charges appear at the hotel on check-out, since those are the ones that land on your card.