QRIS Can Be Used in China

Bank Indonesia (BI) has begun expanding the use of the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) across borders to China, effective Thursday, 30 April 2026. With this programme, Indonesian and Chinese citizens can conduct inbound and outbound transactions by scanning QR codes.

BI Governor Perry Warjiyo stated that this convenience is expected to encourage cashless transactions among the populations of both countries. “So, every time we go to China or Chinese citizens come to Indonesia, don’t use cash; just use your mobile phone and voila, you can buy anything,” said Perry at Grha Bhasvara Icchana, Bank Indonesia, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, 30 April 2026.

The use of Chinese QR codes is currently limited to China UnionPay QR, Alipay QR, and unified QR with UnionPay and Alipay logos. Meanwhile, other Chinese QR codes, including WeChat Pay QR, are still in the development and technology adjustment phase.

Bank Indonesia also inaugurated the Indonesian Digital Innovation Centre (PIDI) as part of efforts to build a national digital innovation ecosystem. This inauguration aims to promote job creation and economic growth through sustainable business value for the industry, supported by talent development, implementable innovation, and synergy between policies and public needs.

On the same occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, expressed appreciation and stated that the banking sector needs to adapt to innovation, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation through strengthened investment in technology and human resources.

He also looks forward to the official launch of QRIS connectivity with Chinese QR and will expand participation by involving more banks and payment institutions.

Previously, Bank Indonesia targeted that the cross-border QRIS payment system could be used in eight countries this year. For now, cross-border QRIS can be used in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.