Can I use Revolut or Wise for payments in Thailand instead of opening a local bank account?

Revolut Wise Mobile Payments Bank Account Alternatives Thailand Expat Banking QR Code Payments Cashless Transactions

Dec 18, 2024

4 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Guys 

I know that opening up a bank account on the DTV can be difficult, so I am thinking of other options. I basically just want the convenience of being able to use my phone to pay and not having to carry cash around everywhere. Would revolut or wise accounts work for this? Is there anyone that uses their revolut or wise accounts for this and what are the fees?I am trying to decide which account to get. Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is exploring alternatives to opening a bank account in Thailand, specifically considering Revolut and Wise for mobile payments to avoid carrying cash. Comments suggest that Wise operates well in Thailand, particularly for payments at locations like 7-11, although fees may be incurred by merchants. Other suggestions include using local apps like True Money and ensuring multiple payment options for convenience.

Sefton ********

Wise works as a card.. but Thailand is more QR codes..

This refillable app works for QR codes

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4 days ago

Jane ***********

It really depends where you are - in most 'tourist' areas you can use Wise ok in many places but some will charge you 3% for using card (Wise doesn't charge). The more local/rural the harder it becomes and cash or QR code is required. Another issue is if you get a fraud block on your Wise card you've got a big problem as they won't deliver a new one to Thailand. Suggest maybe having at least 3 usable cards (Wise/Revolt etc) if you plan to be in Thailand long term. There are also online banks like Monzo that offer the same, depending on your residency. If you want to open a Thai Bank Account use an agent. Apparently Pattaya has the cheapest.

4 days ago

Kit **********

@Jane **********

I got Wise to deliver cards to Thailand, just make sure that your main address on Wise is in another country, then you can request a card to be delivered to Thailand. You can change the address on Wise back to Thailand afterwards

4 days ago

Jane ***********

@Kit *********

Interesting. My main address is in another country (UK) but they told me they didn't deliver to Thailand, full stop 😉

3 days ago

Kit **********

@Jane **********

After some fraudulent transactions I ordered a replacement card from Wise in April/May last year - which was delivered to Thailand. A few years before they complained when I ordered a replacement card to be delivered to Thailand because my address was in Thailand, so I changed my address to UK and successfully ordered a replacement card to be sent to Thailand. There's the story of my two Wise cards which arrived in Thailand.

3 days ago

Reply to

Kit **********

Uli *********

I use wise visa for all payings at

****

over 200 bath. Put the card in my Google wallet and pay with NFC of my mobile phone. There are no extra costs, if you changed some money into Thai bath before. Grab and bolt also working, same as in Vietnam.

4 days ago

Uli *********

With this link the card is free for you.

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4 days ago

Luit *****************

@Uli ********

without the link to make money for you, the card is also free for anybody...

4 days ago

Uli *********

@Luit ****************

4 days ago

Uli *********

@Luit ****************

for the digital one you are right. If you want an ordinary one it's 7 Euro.

4 days ago

Reply to

Uli *********

Dave ****

Try true money. Easier to open than a bank accounts and can pay at a lot of places.

4 days ago

Romain ****

@Dave ***

I tried many times to authenticate KYC for true and never succeeded as a foreigner. I also did recently with DTV and same luck

3 days ago

Reply to

Romain ****

Adam ********

I use wise and it works fine out here. I also have a Bangkok bank account which works well with scan but is temperamental the old fashioned way.

If you want a bank account use an agent. My wife is Thai so I was fine 😆

4 days ago

Reply to

Adam ********

Can I open a Thai bank account with a DTV visa, or how can I use digital payments without one?

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