New Digital Payment System Enhances Travel Experience for Tourists in Bali

Indonesia has launched a new digital payment system aimed at improving the travel experience for foreign tourists, particularly those visiting Bali. The initiative, known as the Indonesia Tourist Travel Pack, is now available at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. This system provides visitors with an Indonesian SIM card and access to a chip-based e-money wallet, which connects directly to the country’s QRIS cashless payment network.

Streamlining Transactions for Tourists

The introduction of this digital payment system is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to transition towards a cashless economy. It is designed to facilitate smoother transactions for various activities, including hotel bookings, dining, and entry fees at tourist attractions. According to Fillianingsh Hendarta, the Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, “Ease of transactions is an important part of the tourist experience in Bali.” This initiative aims to bolster Indonesia’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.

In 2024, over 1.5 million Australians visited Bali, highlighting the significance of this new system for a large number of holidaymakers. The move is expected to simplify the payment process, making it more convenient for tourists to engage in local experiences. Hendarta added, “These initiatives are aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s position as a tourist-friendly country, and increasingly preparing for a cashless and digital tourism system.”

Balancing Cash and Digital Payments

While the digital payment system represents a significant advancement, officials acknowledge that cash remains an essential part of everyday transactions in Bali for both locals and tourists. The implementation of this system is intended to create opportunities for businesses to thrive in a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

In addition to the digital payment system, an information centre has been established at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. This centre is designed to assist foreign arrivals in adapting to cashless payment options smoothly. The initiative also comes amidst Indonesia’s finance ministry’s recent announcement regarding plans to redenominate the rupiah. This proposal aims to improve economic efficiency by removing three zeros from the currency, expected to be finalized by 2027.

The overall goal of these changes is to enhance the travel experience for international tourists in Bali, ensuring that they can easily conduct transactions for hotels, shopping, dining, and visiting tourist destinations. As Indonesia continues to evolve its approach to tourism and finance, the new digital payment system marks a significant step towards modernizing the visitor experience.