Travelling between Indonesia and Singapore is becoming increasingly convenient, not only because of frequent ferry connections but also because of the growing availability of cross-border digital payment services.
One of these services is QRIS Cross Border, which allows users of supported banking and digital payment applications to make transactions by scanning compatible QR codes in participating countries.
To introduce this payment option to more travellers, BatamFast and Bank Indonesia held a QRIS Cross Border socialization campaign onboard selected ferry services on 10 July 2026.
Introducing QRIS Cross Border to Ferry Passengers
The campaign was conducted onboard two BatamFast ferry journeys:
- Batam Centre to HarbourFront Centre at 07:00
- HarbourFront Centre to Batam Centre at 19:10
Passengers travelling between Batam and Singapore were introduced to the benefits and practical use of QRIS Cross Border during their journey.
The activity gave both Indonesian and foreign passengers the opportunity to experience a small cross-border digital transaction directly from their mobile devices.
How the QRIS Cross Border Campaign Worked
During the onboard campaign, Bank Indonesia provided complimentary snack packages to passengers who completed the designated QRIS Cross Border transactions.
Foreign passengers were invited to make an IDR 1,000 transaction using QRIS Cross Border. Indonesian passengers travelling towards Singapore could complete an SGD 0.01 transaction.
The small transaction values made it easy for passengers to learn how the system works without making a significant purchase.
The initiative received a positive response and helped passengers understand that digital payments can also be used when travelling across national borders.
What Is QRIS Cross Border?
QRIS stands for Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard. QRIS Cross Border expands the use of QR-based payments by connecting compatible payment systems between participating countries.
Instead of exchanging or carrying cash for every transaction, eligible travellers can open a supported payment application, scan the merchant’s QR code, review the transaction details, and confirm the payment.
The amount is processed according to the supported cross-border payment arrangement between the participating countries and payment providers.
Availability may vary depending on the user’s bank, digital wallet, merchant, and destination. Travellers should therefore check their payment application before relying on the service.
Can Tourists Use QRIS in Batam?
Non -locals or visitors may be able to make QRIS payments in Indonesia when using a supported overseas banking or payment application connected to QRIS Cross Border.
At participating merchants, tourists can scan the displayed QRIS code and complete the payment through their supported application.
This can be useful for various travel expenses in Batam, such as:
- Shopping at participating stores
- Paying at restaurants and cafés
- Purchasing souvenirs
- Paying for selected tourism services
- Completing small everyday transactions
The merchant must support QRIS, while the traveller’s payment application must support cross-border transactions with Indonesia.
Digital Payments for QRIS users Travellers in Singapore
Travellers who are QRIS users may also be able to use supported Indonesian payment applications at participating merchants in Singapore.
When a compatible QR payment code is available, travellers can scan it through their application and complete the payment digitally.
This gives travellers an additional payment method alongside cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
However, not every merchant or application supports cross-border QR payments. Travellers should always prepare an alternative payment method and confirm any applicable exchange rates, transaction fees, or limits through their payment provider.
Benefits of QRIS Cross Border for Travellers
Cross-border digital payments can offer several practical advantages for tourists travelling between Indonesia and Singapore.
Easier Small Transactions
Travellers can complete smaller purchases without needing to prepare exact cash or search for currency exchange services.
Familiar Mobile Payment Process
The payment process generally follows the familiar scan-and-pay method already used by many mobile banking and digital wallet customers.
Reduced Dependence on Cash
Although carrying some cash remains advisable, supported digital payments can reduce the amount of physical currency travellers need for daily expenses.
More Convenient Shopping Experience
QR payments can make transactions at participating shops, restaurants, and tourism businesses faster and more straightforward.
Tips for Using Cross-Border QR Payments
Before travelling, passengers should take several steps to avoid payment difficulties:
- Check whether the banking or digital payment application supports QRIS Cross Border.
- Ensure the application is active and can be accessed while abroad.
- Confirm that the merchant accepts a compatible QR payment method.
- Review the amount and currency displayed before approving the transaction.
- Check applicable exchange rates, fees, and daily transaction limits.
- Maintain a stable internet connection when making the payment.
- Carry an alternative payment method in case a QR transaction is unavailable.
These simple preparations can help travellers enjoy a smoother payment experience during their trip.
BatamFast Supports Continued QRIS Cross Border Awareness
Following the positive response to the campaign, BatamFast has been entrusted by Bank Indonesia to continue supporting QRIS Cross Border awareness through future promotional programs and activities.
The collaboration is expected to introduce more ferry passengers to convenient digital payment options and help travellers feel better prepared before arriving in Indonesia or Singapore.
For passengers travelling by ferry, initiatives like this can help create a more connected journey, combining convenient transportation with practical information about payments at the destination.
Planning a Trip Between Batam and Singapore
Whether travelling for shopping, leisure, business, or a weekend getaway, visitors should prepare suitable payment methods before departure.
QRIS Cross Border can provide an additional digital payment option for participating merchants, but travellers should confirm support through their respective payment applications.
By combining ferry travel with better access to cross-border digital payments, visitors can enjoy a more convenient experience while exploring Batam and Singapore.
