Answered2 years ago
How does PromptPay work for payments in Thailand, and can expatriates use it safely?
Any one use promptpay. I got caught out at a restaurant yesterday with not the correct amount so they wanted me to use the scan qr code. Any one used this. I believe can use non Thai banks but expensive fees. I can register a BKK bank account but means visiting a branch.
Answer summary
PromptPay is increasingly popular among locals and expatriates for cashless transactions in Thailand, offering a convenient QR code payment system linked to Thai bank accounts. Most comments emphasize that using a local bank account is essential for PromptPay, with many users praising its ease of use for everyday purchases, while some mention the need for cash in specific situations. There's a discussion about the safety of digital transactions compared to cash, emphasizing both benefits and risks associated with using apps for payments.
93 repliesnewest first
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Andy ******
I use it all the time on my Bangkok bank App ,never a problem
Kevin ***********
Prompt pay is for Thai bank I use for bkk bank no problems
Don **********
I use it in my Thai bank account for a few months now with no problems, pay all my bills here, but still use my American visa card at restaurants, and big C.
Jeffrey **********
Everyone speaks how easy inconvenient it is. But nobody speaks of the downside. Banks aren't responsible for any unauthorized transfers from your phone. Someone hacks your phone takes your phone or you lose your phone it's possible to lose all your money and the bank will do nothing
Philip **********
OPI managed to get the BKK app working on the phone. It sent an SMS each time I attempted to set up but failed many times to verify my number. Need to turn wifi off. Need to turn accessibility off on phone. Needed to scan my wife's face. Yes to try the QR code payment. The small market here accepts code and cash.
Kim *********
@Jeffrey *********
so what if you loose your phone - finger print unlock is of course activated. Hacked? several protection apps available. What if your wallet is stolen and the owner was stupid enough to have written the pin codes and keep them in the wallet and so on and on...Paul ********
@Jeffrey *********
But isn't that just the way of the world? You can use the streets and sidewalks, but you might be injured, even killed in an accident. You might get food poisoning at a restaurant. You can leave your house, but someone might break in and steal your possessions, even harm your family during your absence. And so on - you get the idea.Everything in life involves risk. And each of us evaluates risk differently.
But a huge percentage of the Thai and expat population have found using PromptPay to be a an acceptable risk, lower than using a debit or credit card.
You are free to disagree.
Jeffrey **********
@Paul *******
Wow I got quickly lost in whatever you're trying to sayPaul ********
@Jeffrey *********
Bwahaha! Excellent! Your money is MAYBE safer with a credit card, but you can't use it most places in Thailand. 😳🙄Jeffrey **********
@Paul *******
a credit card your liability is limited. I lose the money in my pocket and my bank account is not drainedPaul ********
@Jeffrey *********
Let me try again: name me some things you like that don't have a potential downside.The biggest risk to a happy life is an obsessive devotion to safety.
Paul ********
When you open a Bangkok Bank account at a branch, they issue you an activated Visa debit card on the spot. When you leave the bank, you can literally go directly to an ATM or shop and use the card.
Also, bring your phone when you go to set up the account. They will install the mobile banking ap and make sure it's working properly before you leave.
You can then use an option in that ap to scan, making or receiving PromptPay QR code payments. The money appears instantly in the payee's bank. It's pretty slick and secure, and IMHO far better than using a debit card.
There is no fee or charge for using PromptPay to send or receive money.
Also, bring your phone when you go to set up the account. They will install the mobile banking ap and make sure it's working properly before you leave.
You can then use an option in that ap to scan, making or receiving PromptPay QR code payments. The money appears instantly in the payee's bank. It's pretty slick and secure, and IMHO far better than using a debit card.
There is no fee or charge for using PromptPay to send or receive money.
Rote ***********
*******************************************************************************************************
Fyi
Jarek ************
Big brother loves those who give up cash for convenience...
Paul ********
@Jarek ***********
I could care less what big brother knows about the vast majority of my financial transactions. But for those rare occasions where I DO care, I simply use cash.Governments and financial institutions would love to kill cash for the obvious reasons, many of which are dark and nefarious, but I doubt they will succeed, especially in countries like Thailand.
Pertti *************
I use qr codes line from foreign cards
Philip **********
OP@Pertti ************
what is that?
Dan ********
Has anyone used promptpay or qr codes ? No, never. I've been in a coma for 15 years, completely unconscious and asleep to the advances of the outside world.
Marcus ************
@Dan *******
do you feel angry at someone here? Life in the UK have you feeling grumpy and grey?Dan ********
@Marcus ***********
I live in paradise, on Koh Samui. I've not been back to the UK in over 5 years. But yes, grumpy today, i am sorry. 🙏🏻Marcus ************
@Dan *******
555 sabai sabai
Terary **********
I have just recently started using it. It seems ok. I am apprehensive because I've had really bad luck with credit cards here, but so far, no problems with the QR.
Paul ********
@Terary *********
I think in time, as you gain confidence and use it more often, you'll wonder how in the world you got on without it before. I'm amazed that something like this isn't available in the west.
Ally ************
You can even pay the ice cream man with a QR code.. lol 😂
Pui *****
Promptpay / QR scan payments are becoming the most common way to pay. Every single shop, food vendor and service provider accepts payment this way, and for many people, they may use QR scan to pay dozens of times a week, and only use cash once every month or less.
John ********
I Use scan and promptpay all the time I never use or carry cash anymore no need to
Jennifer ******
I can use my Singapore bank account to pay via Prompt pay, and the rates are great!
Bill **********
As a traditionalist ,I hope paying cash remains an option .
Paul *******
It's the only way I've paid for anything in Thailand for the past 2 years, other than 7 eleven and stuff on Lazada.
Frank ********
@Paul ******
. ****
and Lazada with TrueMoney.Paul *******
@Frank *******
7 eleven with TrueMoney, Lazada with Bank account link, although it is also possible to pay with TrueMoney and QR code.Ivan ************
@Pa**
you can use QR code to pay on Shopee as well. Not sure if Lazada have it yet.Paul *******
@Ivan ***********
yeah I know you can pay with QR on Lazada but it's easier just to link with your bank account.Ivan ************
@Paul *******
I know all that, I can use Lazada with a card fine. But @Paul ******
said he linked his bank account with Lazada Wallet. There are certain advantages to being able to use that, such as extra discounts, I had Shopee Wallet for a long time but they took that away from foreigners due to Thai regulations.Paul ********
Here's where you fill in your debit card details. You might even be able to use a western bank card here - not sure - I just use the debit card I got with my Bangkok Bank account.
Paul ********
@Ivan ***********
Ah, I see your problem. You're trying to use Lazada Wallet to check out. And that does indeed require a Thai ID card.Fortunately, Lazada offers many other options for payment, one of which is to use a debit card. No need to use the Lazada Wallet.
When you check out, you get to the payment part and you can pull up a list of options, as shown in the attached screen grab. The first time you do this, go down to the "Credit/Debit Card" option. There you enter the details for your Thai bank's debit card.
You can choose to save the card to your Lazada account, as I did, and all the details will be remembered for faster checkout next time. Easy!
Paul ********
@Ivan ***********
Lazada linked to my Bangkok Bank account with no drama.Paul *******
Maybe it's not a direct link, it's a "Fast top up" I think you're right originally it was a direct link but they changed the rules.
Ivan ************
@Pa**
thanks, I may look up KBank as would be handy to be able to link bank accountsPaul *******
@Ivan ***********
it works for me, linked to my KBank account via Lazada wallet.Ivan ************
@Pa**
the bank account link doesn't work if you are a foreigner and the bank requires a Thai ID to link, as some of them do.
Shane ******
Only way I pay now. Scan or prompt pay
Bob ********
My wife has a Kbank acc. The app is great to use to pay
Klaus ********
I started using prompt pay with BKKBank three months ago and it is so convenient, provided you are online. I buy even my mango smoothies from beach vendors with prompt pay. only at
****
they did not accept it. And before I only paid with cash, I stuck with Frank Z.
Dana ******
Thai bank account... QR code is so convenient. Makes the west feel 100 years behind.
Pascal ********
@Dana *****
It's just stupid, use cash as any normal person.
Joseph *******
@Dana *****
is there not 1000 hoops to jump through as a foreigner? or is it relatively easy?Dana ******
@Jos***
, it is very challenging without a long-term visa and/or certificate of residency. Once you have that bank account, their online service is amazing.
Paul *********
Cash dude, cash!!!
Brian *******
@Paul ********
not everyone takes cash just like in america lolPaul *********
@Brian ******
this not America dude, this thailandBrian *******
@Paul ********
and ive seen places not take cash here too
Vin *********
@Brian ******
Never been anywhere in the States that doesn't take cash; coast to coast and AK and HI. A few secluded business such as theme parks, but that's it.
Tony *********
@Paul ********
cash? What's that?Philip **********
OP@Tony ********
cash is being phased out in Australia but slowly. Armaguard the cash movers last I heard were struggling. The only time I have seen qr codes is in the sausage sizzle at Bunnings.
Andy **********
@Philip *********
getting rid of cash, it seems to be a world wide thing, governments see the cash economy as being linked to criminality, or money moving around that hasn't had tax paid on it, at least in Thailand there are lots of ways to pay cashless that doesn't cost anything, in the UK it's all chip and pin contactless payments, where there are lots of charges, the companies that supply the card readers, by basically being the middle man, between you and the bank are making millions in transaction fees, it is all wrong.
Jordi ********
@Paul ********
Short time solution with the 200 baht fee.
Steve *******
Most local people use qr scan or promptpay, instead of cash here in Pattaya. I basically never carry any cash around.
Philip **********
OPWe went to Bangkok bank this morning mugdahan. Probably about an hour while she tried installing on my phone. In the end I think a week before it gets updated so can get it working with account. I don't think my wife knew what is happening, she says she has been in Australia too long and doesn't understand what the teller is saying and in usual style just says yes when she probably means no.
Philip **********
OP@Steve ******
and I was about to say must be only in non tourist areas because it seems the QR code promptpay is not tourist friendly. Can't just simply link it up to a visa card.
Harry *********
@Steve ******
but why ? Surely cash is always quicker and not everywhere lets you pay by scan . Scan is good for purchases over say 300 baht but why not carry small cash for purchases under that ? If you buy an ice cream for 25 baht just put a 20 note and a 5 coin down and away you go
Felix ****
@Harry ********
Nowadays it’s hard to find a place that doesn’t accept any sort of online payment method. The only ones are usually super old sellers or migrants that don’t have bank accounts (Burmese/Cambodian etc I suppose, but also rare).Felix ****
@Rob *****
and even the “cash only” places usually accept online bank payments (transfer or qr scan) lol
Rob ******
@Felix ***
have not been to a cash only place in years. Have been to quite a few No Cash (QR or card payments only) places in the past three years. Maybe "cash is king" for tourists but I haven't touched it in months.Steve *******
@Harry ********
because it's much easier and almost every place, even little stands in the market, have QR codes for payments. And you don't need to have those coins on you
Chuck *********
@Steve ******
thanksSteve *******
@Chuck ********
they only accept true money.Chuck *********
@Steve ******
I thought 7-elevan did not accept payment by QR codes?Harry *********
@Steve ******
even in Bangkok not everywhere takes them . My point being why not have at least SOME money on you for emergencies . I always go out with about 1000 baht in smaller notes just in case
Peter *******
i use it all the time with my thai banking apps
Marty *********
If you have a Thai banking app there will be a QR code scan feature
Philip **********
OP@Marty ********
my wife has a BKK bank account might be worth while making the effort and get the online access.
Olivier *********
@Philip *********
let her pay. Problem solved :P
Radost **************************
@Philip *********
if it's your bank account then you can use her id
Mark ********
@Philip *********
very popular now, even the food carts accept the scan paymentsMark ********
@Philip *********
The App can only be used on one device! If it is your first device, you are still required to visit a Bank to set up the app. Might be questions asked setting up the app on a device with a different phone number associated with her account. CheersPhilip **********
OP@Carsten ***********
we are only here for another 2 months. We have been here a month and the first time we have eaten out. Fresh food markets still accept cash haven't seen qr codes.
Pom ********
@Philip *********
you have to go to the bank to setup scan payment feature.
Carsten ************
@Philip *********
you can setup a new number at the branch. SIM usually never expire, as long you top-up regularly.Carsten ************
@Marty ********
I don't know. I'm using fingerprint plus pin.Philip **********
OP@Carsten ***********
we are not sure who's phone number we gave the bank. Our Thai phone numbers will be expired in 3 months. Dtac esim.Marty *********
@Carsten ***********
Isn’t there also facial recognition for some banking apps?Carsten ************
@Philip *********
Her account is connected to her phone number. You can't use the app on a 2nd device.Marty *********
@Philip *********
It would probably be better if you had your own bank account.Philip **********
OP@Olivier ********
I just tried with the BKK app. Needed her id date of birth the other number on the back of id, debit card number. Then error saying contact bank.
Brandon ************
You cannot use a non-Thai account. It's only for Thai bank accounts.
Che ********
@Brandon ***********
I too use my Singapore bank, exchange rate amount not significant.
Bunny *****
@Che *******
I prompt pay myself every day. Exchange rate depends on which bank you use. Uob is the best. Ocbc the worse.
Graeme *******
@Brandon ***********
not true. Promptpay is becoming open to other counties, as an example I can use my Singapore Bank account to and send to a thai promptpay, and there are no transfer fees, just the Singapore banks does the currency conversion and sends the amount in baht., same thing with Malaysia.
Incognia **********
@Graeme ******
yeah they started it.It is cool.But i think currency puts 1 2 percentDan ********
@Graeme ******
almost exact same conversion as XE, the interbank rate ? Like 1 or 2% less than ?Graeme *******
@Incognia *********
I get almost the exact same conversion as XE conversion so if ok for me and instant transfer.Activity
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