Colombia’s payment system has entered a significant new phase with Bre-B, the country’s interoperable instant-payment system. Bre-B became operational in October 2025 and is designed to allow payments and transfers between participating financial institutions using digital “keys” or QR codes. By April 2026, the Banco de la República reported more than 34 million registered users. For travelers, however, a modern local payment network does not automatically mean direct access. Local payment systems are generally designed around accounts or deposits held with participating institutions. Ownly Pay is designed to connect supported digital assets with supported local payment infrastructure where available.
The short answer
Keep supported stablecoins in Ownly Pay, use a supported local payment method, review the transaction and confirm.
01 Fund before you travel
02 Use a supported QR or payment flow
03 Review and confirm
Colombia is moving toward interoperable instant payments
Bre-B was designed specifically to improve interoperability between Colombia’s instant-payment systems. Users can initiate payments using identifiers such as phone numbers, documents, email addresses or QR codes through participating financial institutions. This matters because Colombia historically had a fragmented electronic-payment environment. The Banco de la República noted that cash remained the preferred everyday payment instrument for 78.6% of adults in 2023, even as digital wallets and transfers expanded. The direction is changing quickly, but travelers should still expect a mix of digital payments, cards and cash.
Fig. 01 — Colombia’s payments are becoming more connected. Access still depends on the payment method you hold.
Pay in three steps
01
Fund your wallet
Keep supported stablecoins available in your Ownly wallet before you need to pay. That gives you a ready digital balance rather than requiring you to arrange a local financial setup at the moment of purchase.
02
Look for a supported local payment flow
At participating merchants, use only payment methods currently supported by Ownly Pay. This could include an eligible QR-based payment flow where supported.
03
Review and confirm
Check the amount in Colombian pesos and confirm the merchant and transaction details. Once authorized, Ownly Pay handles the supported payment connection. You authorize the payment. The local system handles the merchant side.
Cash still belongs in the wallet
Colombia’s digital-payment infrastructure is advancing rapidly, but cash remains widely used, particularly for small purchases, informal commerce and businesses outside fully digital payment environments. Keep some Colombian pesos available rather than relying on one payment method for every situation.
Common questions
Is Bre-B available to travelers directly?
Bre-B operates through participating Colombian financial institutions. Ownly Pay’s role is separate: it can connect eligible users to supported local payment flows where available.
Can I scan every Colombian QR through Ownly Pay?
No. Use only payment methods explicitly supported in Ownly Pay.
Do I need a Colombian bank account?
Ownly Pay is designed so eligible users can make supported payments without opening a local bank account for the payment itself.
Should I carry Colombian pesos?
Yes. Cash remains useful and widely accepted.