INTERNATIONAL,JS- PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) continues to strengthen its digital banking ecosystem by expanding QRIS Cross Border services to China. Through this latest innovation, Indonesian customers can now make direct payments in China using only the myBCA and BCA mobile applications without exchanging cash or carrying foreign currency.
This move marks a major step in Indonesia’s financial technology transformation. It also supports the national strategy led by Bank Indonesia to improve regional payment connectivity and accelerate the adoption of Local Currency Transaction (LCT).
As global tourism and business travel continue to recover strongly in 2026, the presence of QRIS Cross Border Indonesia–China creates a faster, safer, and more practical payment experience for millions of travelers.
What Is QRIS Cross Border?
QRIS Cross Border is an international payment system that allows users to make transactions across countries by simply scanning QR codes using their domestic banking apps.
Instead of converting Indonesian rupiah into foreign cash before traveling, users can directly pay merchants overseas through QRIS-supported payment systems.
The transaction value converts automatically into rupiah, making the process transparent and convenient for customers.
This system reduces dependency on cash, minimizes exchange rate risks, and improves transaction security for international travelers.
With China joining the network, BCA customers now gain wider access to seamless payments across Asia.
BCA QRIS Now Works in China
BCA officially announced that customers can now use QRIS for payments in China through supported merchants.
This means travelers visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other major cities can simply scan merchant QR codes using:
- myBCA App
- BCA Mobile App
The system instantly processes the payment and converts the value into Indonesian rupiah.
Customers no longer need to prepare Chinese yuan before departure. They also avoid the inconvenience of searching for money changers or carrying large amounts of cash.
This feature improves both travel comfort and financial security.
At the same time, Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia can also use QR-based payments at merchants that support BCA QRIS, creating stronger bilateral payment interoperability.
Countries That Support BCA QRIS Cross Border in 2026
Before China joined the system, BCA had already enabled QRIS Cross Border services in five countries.
Now, the service covers six international destinations:
1. Thailand
Thailand became one of the earliest countries to adopt cross-border QR payment integration with Indonesia.
2. Malaysia
Travelers can easily shop, dine, and pay transportation services using QRIS.
3. Singapore
Singapore remains one of the most frequently used destinations for QRIS-based transactions.
4. Japan
QRIS helps Indonesian tourists enjoy smoother travel experiences across Japanese cities.
5. South Korea
Korean merchants increasingly support digital payments for international visitors.
6. China
China now strengthens the network with massive merchant acceptance and huge tourism potential.
This expansion significantly increases the usefulness of QRIS for both tourism and business travel.
Strong Growth in BCA QRIS Transactions
BCA reported impressive growth in QRIS Cross Border performance during the first quarter of 2026.
The frequency of transactions increased by 355% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, transaction value grew by 318% compared to the same period last year.
These numbers show that Indonesian consumers increasingly prefer digital payment solutions over traditional cash transactions.
The trend also proves that mobile banking adoption continues to accelerate across all customer segments.
BCA sees this momentum as a major opportunity to expand international financial services and strengthen customer loyalty.
Statement from BCA President Director
BCA President Director Hendra Lembong emphasized that this expansion supports Indonesia’s digital payment transformation.
According to him, QRIS Cross Border Indonesia–China offers more than convenience for travelers.
It also creates opportunities for merchants to receive payments from international tourists and strengthens tourism and economic connectivity between Indonesia and China.
This strategic move aligns with Bank Indonesia’s broader mission to modernize the national payment system and improve regional economic integration.
Digital payments now play a critical role in supporting sustainable tourism growth and cross-border trade.
How to Pay Using BCA QRIS in China
Using BCA QRIS abroad is simple and user-friendly.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open myBCA or BCA Mobile
Launch your preferred BCA mobile banking application.
Step 2: Select QRIS Feature
Choose the QRIS menu or tap the scan QR option.
Step 3: Scan Merchant QR Code
Point your smartphone camera at the QR code provided by the merchant in China.
Step 4: Automatic Currency Conversion
The system automatically converts the transaction amount into Indonesian rupiah.
Step 5: Confirm Payment
Enter your PIN to complete the payment securely.
The process takes only a few seconds and offers better convenience than cash payments.
Why QRIS Cross Border Matters for Travelers
International travel often creates payment challenges, especially currency exchange issues.
QRIS solves several common problems:
- No need to carry large amounts of cash
- No need to search for money changers
- Better exchange transparency
- Faster checkout process
- Higher transaction security
- Easy payment tracking through mobile apps
For business travelers, this system also improves expense management and financial efficiency.
For tourists, it creates a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
Impact on Indonesia-China Economic Relations
The QRIS Cross Border Indonesia–China integration also strengthens broader economic ties.
China remains one of Indonesia’s biggest trade and tourism partners.
By simplifying transactions, both countries can encourage:
- More tourism visits
- Faster retail transactions
- Higher merchant participation
- Better SME international exposure
- Stronger digital financial cooperation
This system supports long-term economic collaboration while promoting local currency settlement instead of heavy dependence on US dollars.
That creates stronger financial resilience for both nations.
FAQ
Can I use BCA QRIS in all stores in China?
You can use it in merchants that support QR-based payments connected to the QRIS Cross Border system. Availability may vary depending on the location and merchant provider.
Do I need to exchange rupiah into yuan first?
No. The system automatically converts your transaction value into Indonesian rupiah, so you can pay directly without manual currency exchange.
Is there an additional fee for using QRIS abroad?
Fees may depend on BCA policy and merchant system integration. Customers should check the latest fee structure directly through official BCA channels.
Which app should I use for QRIS payments abroad?
You can use:
- myBCA
- BCA Mobile
Both apps support QRIS transactions for cross-border payments.
Is QRIS Cross Border safe?
Yes. Transactions require PIN confirmation and use secure banking systems, making them safer than carrying large amounts of cash.
Conclusion
BCA’s expansion of QRIS Cross Border services to China marks a major breakthrough in Indonesia’s digital payment ecosystem in 2026.
Customers now enjoy seamless cashless payments abroad using only their smartphones through myBCA and BCA mobile.
This innovation supports tourism growth, strengthens economic cooperation, and improves daily convenience for international travelers.
As digital banking continues to evolve, QRIS Cross Border will likely become one of the most important financial tools for Indonesians traveling overseas.
For travelers planning a trip to China this year, using BCA QRIS may become the smartest payment decision you make.(*)
