Cashless Society During Christmas Holidays: Digital Payments Become a Mainstay for Tourists

NoLimit Indonesia – Christmas and New Year (Nataru) holidays are always the peak moments for tourism movements in Indonesia. Millions of people flock to tourist attractions, hotels, culinary centers and souvenir shopping locations. In the midst of this busy activity, the way people make transactions has also changed. Digital payments are now increasingly popular and are slowly replacing cash.

Starting from scanning QRIS to using an electronic wallet, tourists can now make transactions quickly and practically. This phenomenon marks the increasingly strong culture of a cashless society, especially during the holiday season.

Digital Payments Increasingly Popular During Christmas

The use of digital payments continues to increase from year to year. Bank Indonesia noted that QRIS transactions and non-cash payment services will grow rapidly throughout 2025. This spike is usually more pronounced during big moments such as the Christmas holiday, when shopping and tourism activities increase sharply.

In various tourist destinations, QRIS is now easy to find, from ticket counters, food stalls, tourist rental services, to street vendors. Travelers simply scan the QR code via cellphone, then the transaction is completed in seconds.

This condition makes digital payments the main choice because it is more practical than carrying large amounts of cash.

Tourist Destinations Are Increasingly Cashless Friendly

A number of tourist areas such as Bali, Yogyakarta, Bandung and coastal cities are starting to implement the concept of cashless tourism. Destination managers and MSME players are encouraged to provide digital payment options so that services are faster and more modern.

Apart from making it easier for tourists, this system also helps business people. Every transaction is recorded automatically, making it neater for bookkeeping and financial management. For MSMEs, this is the first step towards a business that is more professional and connected to the digital ecosystem.

The Role of Technology in Encouraging a Cashless Society

The increasing use of digital payments cannot be separated from technological support. Banking applications and electronic wallets are now equipped with various security features, such as PINs, fingerprints and facial recognition.

On the other hand, the increasingly extensive internet network means that transactions can be carried out almost anywhere. The cloud computing-based system also allows millions of transactions to be processed quickly, even though there was a spike during the Christmas holiday.

This technology is the backbone of changes in the way people transact in the digital era.

Problems Still Faced in the Field

Even though the trend is positive, the implementation of digital payments during the Christmas holiday still faces a number of obstacles.

1. Unstable Internet Network

In several tourist destinations, especially in remote areas, internet signals are still weak. This causes digital transactions to sometimes be delayed or fail.

Solution:
Local governments and cellular operators need to strengthen networks in tourist areas. Managers can also provide Wi-Fi at busy points for visitors.

2. Digital Literacy Is Not Yet Evenly Distributed

Not all MSMEs and tourists are used to using digital payment applications. Some are still doubtful or confused when making transactions.

Solution:
Simple education is needed, such as a short guide, poster, or light training for business people at tourist locations.

3. Transaction Security Risk

There are still concerns regarding digital fraud, such as fake QRs or suspicious links.

Solution:
Users are advised to always check the merchant name before paying, activate security features, and not use public networks when making transactions.

Huge Benefits for Local MSMEs

For MSMEs, digital payments bring many benefits. Apart from being safer because it reduces the risk of losing cash, digital transactions also expand sales opportunities.

Tourists, especially the younger generation, tend to choose places that provide non-cash payments. By accepting QRIS, MSMEs can reach more customers and increase turnover during the Christmas holiday.

Apart from that, transaction history can help MSMEs when applying for financing from financial institutions.

Safe Tips for Using Digital Payments While on Holiday

To stay safe when making transactions during the Christmas holiday, tourists are advised to:

• Use official applications and always update to the latest version.
• Enable PIN and other security features.
• Do not share the OTP code with anyone.
• Save proof of transactions.
• Still carry a little cash as a reserve.

These simple steps can help avoid risks during the holidays.

Towards a More Modern Christmas Holiday

Digital payment trends show that Indonesia is increasingly ready to move towards a cashless society. The Christmas holiday is an important moment to prove that technology can make tourism activities more practical, safe and efficient.

With the support of infrastructure, education, and cooperation between the government and industry players, it is hoped that a cashless society in the tourism sector will continue to develop and be evenly distributed.

Digital payments are now no longer just an option, but a necessity for many tourists during the Christmas holidays. The presence of QRIS and electronic wallets makes transactions easier in tourist destinations, while also opening up great opportunities for local MSMEs.