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Is it better to convert currency to Thai Baht or keep in American Dollars when using Wise QR code in Thailand?
Jan 28, 2026
3 months ago
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhen using the wise QR code to pay. Is it better to convert to baht or leave american dollars?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the use of Wise's QR code payment system in Thailand and whether it is more beneficial to convert American dollars to baht for transactions. Many participants express that while Wise QR may not work effectively for personal accounts, businesses may accept it. There is considerable emphasis on the local currency advantage—most recommend converting to baht for better rates and acceptance, since cash remains essential in markets and smaller shops. Various alternatives and apps (like TagThai and Moreta) are mentioned for making payments.
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Dave ************
In Thailand you need TagThai to pay by QR codes. I believe you can connect Wise cards (physical or virtual) to Tagthai.
As to your question about own currency versus local, you should ALWAYS pay in the local currency if asked. Banks make millions out of people's silly nationalism, choosing their own currency. If you don't believe it, just try it some time. Make a mental note of the conversion offered but decline and pay in local. Compare the actual amount you were charged after conversion and you will see what a rip off it is to choose your own currency 😅
As to your question about own currency versus local, you should ALWAYS pay in the local currency if asked. Banks make millions out of people's silly nationalism, choosing their own currency. If you don't believe it, just try it some time. Make a mental note of the conversion offered but decline and pay in local. Compare the actual amount you were charged after conversion and you will see what a rip off it is to choose your own currency 😅
Levi **********
Steven Kureiji you need a local bank account or a prompt pay with TAGTHAi App PAY&TOUR prepaid card from KBANK
Štěpán *******
Wise supports QR works only in Singapore, Schwitzerland, Hungary and Brazil.
For Thai you can try Moreta but It works only with business accounts, not personal accounts.
For Thai you can try Moreta but It works only with business accounts, not personal accounts.
Simon **********
Wise does not support QR in Thailand 🇹🇭 Easy solution is to add your physical or virtual Wise Card to Apple Wallet & use Apple Pay & problem is solved
Roman **********
try truemoney
ask from thai friend to buy for you a true card in 7 eleven and download truemoney
ask from thai friend to buy for you a true card in 7 eleven and download truemoney
Dzhoel ******
Roman Salvador don't you need to top it up with cash if you don't have a Thai bank account? Thus defeating the point?
Roman **********
Dzhoel Kros You can load money there via credit card.
The advantage is that you can also subscribe online and pay like all Thais.
The advantage is that you can also subscribe online and pay like all Thais.
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Roman **********
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Sebastian ************
Following
Dany ********
longterm stay? Bank account
or TrueMoney
tourist? cash
thats the reality. no need to waste time and money with terrible and expensive systems.
or TrueMoney
tourist? cash
thats the reality. no need to waste time and money with terrible and expensive systems.
Dave ************
Dany Nomads Tagthai app for QR code payment for tourists
Dany ********
Dave Williamson its trash. terrible rates. only foreign cash top up. scarcity of booths. only business QR accepted.
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Dany ********
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Kevin **********
Dany Nomads I'll be there for three months, getting esim with a Thai number and using cash and TrueMoney. I have a linked up Wise card for rent if they'll take it. Good plan?
Dany ********
Kevin Eldridge i just pay rent via Revolut. normal swift transfer. its cheap. and better than Wise.
Michael ***********
Kevin Eldridge use Wise for rent payment 👍. That’s what I do. Just had my rug cleaned and paid them via wise as well. Never tried to use it out. I have the wise digital card on my Apple Pay but never used it so far as I have international CC’s that don’t have fees. If you have DTV visa, you cannot get a bank account.
Have a quick question, how do you use true money if you don’t have a Thai bank account?
Have a quick question, how do you use true money if you don’t have a Thai bank account?
Dany ********
Michael W. Lucas TrueMoney you top up with cash. preferable at a True kiosk/shop. because in 7-11 its limited to 3k baht per transaction which makes it super annoying. and you cant link your foreign credit card in most cases.
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Dany ********
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Markus **********
Use cash as long you haven't a thai bank account to pay via Thai- QR-Code
Cody *********
You can scan business QR codes with Moreta pay, but it doesn’t support personal QR codes that a lot of smaller shops use
Dany ********
Cody Towstik afaik they added personal qr codes already
Cody *********
Dany Nomads they said they are rolling it out “shortly” but when I open to scan it still has the message that personal qr not supported
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Cody *********
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Nongnuch ********
just withdraw at an ATM with the WISE card. However, be aware that after the monthly charge-free 200 USD limit, WISE will charge 1.75% provision, and the ATM will charge 250 baht . .a really bad deal. A SCHWAB BANK card would have been the wiser choice
Johny *****
Wise does NOT support QR in Thailand period !
Steve *******
I read that with the TagThai QR, you can only pay business accounts by QR and not to personal accounts which many small vendors use. Is that true?
James *******
Steve Perry interesting... I was wondering why when I tested Tag Thai there were some Prompt Pay QR codes printed at the night market that would not work... Maybe they printed their personal Prompt Pay account QR and didn't register as a business. But I can confirm that some do not work, but the majority did work for me using the Tag Thai app.
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James *******
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Ryan *********
Set up auto convert
Jason ***********
It works with other wise accounts in Thailaind. Wise to wise QR is okay.
Stephen *********
As Nigel Bunney said. Get the Tag Thai app, or better still just use cash
Nigel ********
Download TagThai app and link a card to it, or go to a K kiosk, buy a currency card and link that to TagThai.
Then you can pay using QR code.
Then you can pay using QR code.
David ******
Nigel Bunney complete waste of time. Horrible exchange rate. Only supports actual business merchants who probably accept credit card, for most merchants in Thailand they use a personal account for Promtpay and Tag Thai will not work. I been down this path.
Best bet open an actual Thai Account if you can. 15 baht Atm fee. Low cost wise transfer. All QR codes work.
Tag Thai I found to be a waste.
Best bet open an actual Thai Account if you can. 15 baht Atm fee. Low cost wise transfer. All QR codes work.
Tag Thai I found to be a waste.
Pascal *******
David Earl, You cannot open a bank account in Thailand if you do not have at least an O visa; for tourists it is impossible.
David ******
Pascal Godet certainly, I said if you can open a Thai Bank account. But trust much easier with Thai Bank account, if you can open one. If you are eligible, try to get a NonO if you are in Thailand a lot.
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David ******
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Conor ***********
Wise does not support prompt pay that qr scanner works for Singapore Switzerland and Hungary
Ralph *******
I would convert to Baht first. But I don’t know if it makes a difference.
Graeme ******
I have tried wise QR code and it doesn't work in thailand
Julian *******
Graeme Mort correct. You have to use the debit card and many places demand a 3-5% charge on top
Terence *******
Julian Lewis Not once since 2019 have I ever had that happen lol
Steve *******
I could not get Wise QR code to work in Thailand and when I look at Tag Thai it says my phone has "accessibility" issues and to uninstall some apps (but not which apps) so no further forward for cashless holiday
Steve *******
Julian Lewis I class that towards their tip
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Steve *******
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Trustworthy************
Graeme Mort add it to your phone wallet and scan like a card. I use this method and it works for me. Wise will either take baht from your Baht account of exchange currency to baht on purchase.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraeme Mortso what should i use for cashless places?
Graeme ******
Steven Kureiji you can use the wise card in thailand, tap on the credit card payment machine no probs
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraeme Mortis it better to have american dollars or thai baht on my wise card?
Dave ************
Steven Kureiji are you going to Thailand or the US?? USD is not an accepted currency in Thailand. What's more USD is sinking like a stone, so change them to THB in the Wise app ASAP.
Graeme ******
Steven Kureiji I have thai baht on my card and top up when I need more
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraeme Mortso have to carry the wise card . Cannot use virtually?
Ivan ************
Steven Kureiji you can add it to Google or Apple Wallet and tap to pay with your phone. Don't have to carry the card.
It doesn't matter if you convert in advance or not, if you don't it will convert automatically from whatever balance you have and the fees are the same.
Most places in Thailand take cash, very few places will not.
It doesn't matter if you convert in advance or not, if you don't it will convert automatically from whatever balance you have and the fees are the same.
Most places in Thailand take cash, very few places will not.
Yo***
Steven Kureiji When I visited for short term, I just used cash mostly. In Thailand, using cards has many limits. Many shops do not accept cards. only big shops and markets or seven eleven like that can accept cards. There may be fees extra using cards, or only over 200 THB to pay. But for travelling, cash is always useful. withdraw cashes and use it. That is fine, but if living here in Thailand, needs a Thai bank account.
Graeme ******
I carry a number of credit cards that carry no charges if I use outside of the uk aswell as my wise card/app
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Graeme ******
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BrightDac*********
Have you tried to use the QR code? I have in Thailand that it didn't work. Where did you have luck at?
BrightDac*********
Ok. From my understanding it uses a QR that is not much common. That's why I was asking. If you have luck post and let us know please because that would make the world so much easier if I could use my wise to scan.
John *****
BrightDachshund800it wont work because they are diffrrrnt systems. Like you dont put diesel in a petrol card
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John *****
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Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTERBrightDachshund800i have not tried
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Steven *********
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