If you’re planning to travel around Jakarta, you’ll very likely come across electronic payment cards that also serve as tourists pass. While local officials claim these cards simplify payments for public transport and other services, they can be quite confusing for visitors and even locals. Each card has a slightly different function, top-up method, and purchasing location.
In this article, we’ll compare the most commonly used cards, including JakCard, JakLingko, and e-money cards from banks, and help you decide which one to get.
JakCard
JakCard serves as a Jakarta tourist pass, working for both public transport and entry to popular attractions like Monas and Ragunan Zoo, where cash isn’t accepted.
- Price: 45,000 IDR (includes 20,000 IDR of initial credit)
- Sharing: Yes, JakCard can be used by multiple people.
- Where to buy: You can purchase it at TransJakarta stations, tourist attraction ticket counters, on Tokopedia, or at stores like Indomaret and Alfamart.
- Usage: JakCard is valid for public transport, entry to top tourist spots in Jakarta, parking, and other services. You can find the full list of places where JakCard is accepted here.
Dive into Jakarta’s public transportation with our detailed article Jakarta Public Transportation: A Complete Traveler’s Guide.
JakLingko
JakLingko is built for Jakarta’s integrated transport system. Since you can’t pay with cash on the MRT, LRT, or TransJakarta buses, you’ll need this card for your travels.
- Price: 50,000 IDR (includes 15,000 IDR of initial credit)
- Sharing: No, JakLingko is non-transferable and must be used individually.
- Where to buy: Available at MRT, LRT stations, and certain stores like Indomaret.
- Usage: JakLingko is for payments within Jakarta’s integrated transport system, including MRT, LRT, airport train, and TransJakarta buses. More information here.
Bank e-Money Cards (e.g., Mandiri e-Money, BCA Flazz)
Bank-issued e-money cards, such as Mandiri e-Money and BCA Flazz, are highly versatile and can be used outside of Jakarta as well, including for toll payments. Within Jakarta, they work for public transport in the same way as JakLingko.
- Price: 20,000–50,000 IDR
- Sharing: Yes, these cards can be shared.
- Usage: Public transport, toll payments, and purchases at merchants.
Which Card Do Tourists Need in Jakarta?
Of all the available options, we recommend JakCard for its versatility. It covers public transport and also provides access to select attractions. Plus, it’s transferable, meaning a single card can be used by multiple people in a group.
