Answered4 years ago
Is Apple Pay commonly used in Chiang Mai and Phuket?
is Apple Pay commonly used in Chiangmai? Phuket?
Answer summary
Apple Pay is generally not commonly used in Chiang Mai or Phuket, as the payment culture in Thailand tends to rely heavily on cash. While some places, such as the Apple Store, may accept Apple Pay, it is not widely recognized or accepted. Instead, mobile payments via Thai bank accounts using QR codes are much more common. Visitors are often recommended to carry cash or use alternative payment methods like TrueMoney for transactions at popular stores like 7-Eleven.
41 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Richard *******
OPThank you for the information
Brett **********
After all those incorrect answers, yes apple pay and Google pay work at places that take contactless card payments which is the major convenience stores, supermarkets, upscale restaurants and mall shops
Todd *********
@Brett *********
one more incorrect answer... It definitely depends where u are in the country. And your own banking institution/ country. Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Pa Tong definitely have contactless card payment capability for SOME international cards or customers. As you say at a few major places. But one will experience zero joy with attempting apple and google pay in much of the country. And as Natasha noticed, not foreign cards work for NFC ATM's.Brett **********
@Todd ********
so which part of my response is incorrect?Todd *********
@Brett *********
one person using Apple pay (clearly u never shop local), is hardly 'common use' of them. Will you see an Apple pay sign? For sure not. But fire away, ask at every cashier... or just use cash like is commonly done in Chiang Mai and PhuketBrett **********
@Todd ********
well I don't knwo where you're shopping because I've been here a year and use it practically every day here I Phuket so it suggests yyiure talking nonsense. Will you see an Apple Pay sign? No you won't. It's just apple's branding for RFID payments and it works just fine at places that take those cardsBrett **********
If the type of contactless payment they take is RFID the Apple pay and Google pay will generally work. If it's QR contactless then it won't but Apple pay isn't QR so there is nothing wrong in my statement.
Todd *********
@Brett *********
as with many of the others you identified as incorrect, it hardly provides an answer to the question. For the question, is Apple Pay commonly used in Chiang Mai and Phuket' , the best answer i see here is 'no'... It's not commonly used
Natasha *******
@Brett *********
Thanks for the advice! I got back last week and indeed this is true, thankfully! No NFC ATMs would accept foreign cards, but got around this by just "tapping and forgetting" everything 🙏Brett **********
@Natasha ******
glad it all worked out for youRichard *******
OPThanks y'all!
AxMdob *******
Thaigirls accept all sort of money but gold is better
Thai ******
Simple answer No
Joe *********
I've got a Thai bank account and often pay with SCAN, but 7-11 does not take it. What alternative to cash works at 7-11? (I discovered this when I tried to pay a 3200thb electric bill with limited cash in my pocket.
Jonas *************
Your foreign visa card works in 7-11 thailand. No lower limit. If it's decor card you might need to say "credit". Bangkok bank visa debit does NOT work...
Tony *********
@Joe ********
I don't know why 7-Eleven is so behind the times. They don't accept QR code or a debit card. They do accept the True Money app or cash of courseOliver *******************
@Joe ********
you can use the card machine at 711
Vlurx *******
Yes it's works where there is EDC payment terminal available like you can use in most of the shops and even in 7-11 but since Apple Pay isn't available in Thailand so most staff will not understand what you're trying to do.
Alain ***************
@Vlurx ******
they really thought wtf falang do you try there? Luckily my cognitive issues are visible and it’s a valid excuse
Marguyvin **********
No ApplePay here.
Alain ***************
I used it inside the Apple Store. That’s the only place I’ve seen the logo. Use nfc card payment many times though. Unfortunately some payment options require a local bank account and isn’t available for most tourists. And even as a customer of true, they make it hard to sign up for TrueMoney app. I see this payment option a lot in stores
Steve *******
From what I've seen the common way to make payments is from your thai bank account with a qr code. Don't know if foreigners are allowed to do this or not.
Oliver *******************
@Steve ******
you are if you have a a Thai accountSteve *******
@Oliver ******************
I have an account with Bangkok Bank. Just not that well up with this modern technology. May I need to speak to them and try to get sorted. Maybe easier than keep going to ATM and carrying lots of cash.Todd *********
@Steve ******
the BKK Bank app can definitely eliminate of minimize any need to carry cash or visit ATMOliver *******************
@Steve ******
on your app your see a section where is says scan. Press that and your off it will come up with the price ect and then confirm
Stuart *********
Most places these days accept QR code payments. Unfortunately they’ll only work if you have a Thai bank account and phone app.
Brian *****************
I see many people paying with their mobiles scanning a qr code on the register.
I don’t know what system it is.
I don’t know what system it is.
Tony *********
@Brian ****************
I scan with my phone all the time. I never use cash now.Oliver *******************
@Brian ****************
through the bank appBrian *****************
@Oliver ******************
thanks
Lisa ********************
@Brian ****************
they are paying from their Thai bank account, using scanned QR codes.
Jason ******
Only western unioin
*****
Sam *******
Thailand is all about cash. Some 7s take Samsungs version but it’s far and few between.
Tony *********
@Sam ******
I don't use cash anymore.Oliver *******************
@Sam ******
your very wrong. There are QR codes in almost every shop these days and can pay via your phone banking app
Felix ****
@Sam ******
That’s true for the very old people here.
Alastair ******
@Sam ******
Wrong! Over the last few years Thai Banking apps are taking over: Scan QR, PromptPay are huge. Obviously contactless payment during Covid has increased confidence No-end!
Danny ******
No
Brandon ************
Don't think Apple Pay exists in Thailand
Activity
24 joined24
people
Related
25Can I use QR code payment methods in Thailand without a Thai bank account or phone number?
1.3k10192d
What are the current experiences of living and costs in Thailand for expats?
14.9k1511125mo
What are the benefits of having a bank account in Thailand when using a DTV Visa?
2.9k27219mo
What is the best app to scan and pay in Thailand?
3k15910mo
What are the best alternatives for QR code payments in Thailand apart from TrueMoney?
5.5k322810mo
Will having accommodation in Phuket while attending a Muay Thai school in Chiang Mai cause issues for my DTV application?
371121y
What are the best Muay Thai gyms in Thailand to obtain a DTV visa?
3k2891y
What are some recommended Muay Thai gyms in Thailand for successfully applying for the DTV Soft Power visa?
2.3k19122y
What are some good tips for traveling solo in Thailand?
2.4k15242y
Can I use Revolut or Wise for payments in Thailand instead of opening a local bank account?
5.6k13112y
Which city in Thailand has the coolest weather right now?
3.3k12222y
Which schools in Thailand offer remote classes suitable for an Education Visa?
1.8k1472y
Where do most retired Americans live in Thailand?
10.4k811143y
Which immigration office is better for visa extensions in Thailand, Chiang Mai or Phuket?
2.1k1974y
What are the options to travel by train from Phuket to Chiang Mai, including any potential stops?
3.7k20324y
Is it easy to travel around Thailand with suitcases while visiting Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui, and is it worth renting a car?
2.4k2294y
Is the smog in Chiang Mai really serious for retirement plans?
8.9k73954y
Do you need a vaccine passport for domestic flights in Thailand, specifically from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
691334y
Can I use the drive-through at immigration on a motorbike in Thailand?
2.5k17275y
What are the current domestic travel requirements for the sandbox region in Thailand?
1.3k985y
Can you switch from a nonB work visa to an education visa for Thai language studies?
558225y
Can I request a COVID extension in Chiang Mai if my current extension ends while I’m there?
656265y
Will alcohol sales at establishments be allowed in Thailand after the curfew ends on November 1?
3.2k22365y
Has anyone successfully obtained the 60-day Covid visa extension in Phuket or other regions?
2.2k19146y
How soon can I apply to extend my tourist visa in Thailand?
2.3k20149y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served