QRIS in Bali vs Thailand: Why Indonesia Leads in Digital Payments

The QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) system has become the digital “heart” of Bali, leaving behind even developed neighbors like Thailand. Indonesia sets trends in Asia.

2025 Statistics: How Bali Switched to Cashless Payments

Business Coverage:

959,000+ QRIS acceptance points on the island (every 3rd store);

96% — small businesses: warungs, workshops, rice terraces with entrance tickets.

Users:

1 million+ active users (70% local, 30% tourists);

10.7 million transactions per month — that’s every 2nd payment on the island.

Turnover:

Rp 1.54 trillion ($93.7 million) monthly;

Growth over the year: +45% (Bank Indonesia data).

Use cases:

Payment for parking at Tanah Lot Temple;

Donations to temples via QR code;

Rent scooters in Canggu without deposit.

Thailand's main problems:

Weak support for SMEs: In the villages of Northern Thailand, only cash is still accepted.

No cross-border payments: A tourist cannot pay with a QR code in Pattaya from an Indonesian account.

Bureaucracy: To register with PromptPay, you need a Thai ID or WORK PERMIT.

How does QRIS make life easier in Bali?

For tourists:

Pay for taxis, excursions, souvenirs in 1 click;

Currency conversion at the bank's rate (without losses in exchange offices).

For expats:

Rent a villa, school, health insurance - everything via QR;

No commission for transfers between Indo-banks.

For business:

Reduced risk of theft;

Automated accounting through Gofood/Traveloka applications.

Why is QRIS Important for Investors?

Increased real estate liquidity:

Rental payments through QRIS reduce late payments by 70%;

Guests are more willing to book villas with online payment.

Rising cost of commerce:

Properties with QRIS infrastructure are becoming more expensive by 15-20%;

A café in Canggu with a QR menu is sold for $500,000 (an analogue without the technology is sold for $350,000).

Simplification of management:

Collection of utility payments from 20 villas in 10 minutes;

Automatic reporting for the tax office.

Bali did not just adapt digital payments - it created an ecosystem where QRIS has become the same symbol of the island as the ocean or temples. It will take Thailand 2-3 years to achieve such a breakthrough, but investors have a window of opportunity right now: properties in QRIS-friendly locations (Canggu, Ubud) bring in 12-18% more income.

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