Answered4 years ago
Is it possible to live in Thailand without using cash and which finance apps are accepted?
Is it possible to live without using cash? Are there any finance apps to pay in shops? (Eg. Venmo, Gopay, Gcash in other countries). Where is mastercard accepted?
Answer summary
Living without cash in Thailand is possible, especially in urban areas like Bangkok, where many establishments accept mobile payments through QR codes and apps such as True Money Wallet and PromptPay. While some bars, restaurants, and even street food outlets utilize scan payment systems, foreigners may encounter difficulties in using local finance apps without a Thai ID. Mastercard and Visa are also accepted in various locations, but users may face additional charges. Overall, for expats looking to minimize cash usage, obtaining a Thai bank account is advisable to fully engage with the local payment ecosystem.
26 repliesnewest first
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Ken ******
most thai local money app can not accept registration with only foreign passport, even 7 11 required thai ID card, same for TRUE corp
Corey *******
OPTony, which bank do you have and what's the process to open an account?
Corey *******
OPHow did you load up the true money wallet?
Peter ****************
@Aude *******
I loaded mine up with cash 🙂 at ****
Tony *********
@Ken *****
foreigners can use the true money wallet.
Robert **********
@Tony ********
you have to call to verify. Need a thai speaker. I gave up.Tony *********
@Robert *********
I had True Wallet before the verification process came into force. When I got the notification that I had to verify through some kind of live chat I couldn't be bothered and stopped using it. I only got it to pay at Makro because they wouldn't accept debit cards. But that has all changed. They now accept QR scanning from a normal banking app which is all I use now. So I don't miss True as I have no need of it.Corey *******
OPDoes Lazada accept foreign cards? (MasterCard/visa)
Marcos **********
@Aude *******
yes
Chris *****
MasterCard you will be charged a lot
Line app payement is popular hère (QR code)
Many others payement solution in thailand but for sure thailand like casch 😈😈😈
Line app payement is popular hère (QR code)
Many others payement solution in thailand but for sure thailand like casch 😈😈😈
Markus **********
The question is why?
Greg ********
@Markus *********
why not?Markus **********
@Greg *******
their is many benefits to use cash. I come from a cash less society and know what kind of problems it create.That's why both options should be available and that's why I wanted to know why it was so important to be without cash.
Marcos **********
I never saw shop who accepts Google Pay in Thailand. Using Wise is not easy too. The withdrawal taxes is not cheap. there are few stores that accept credit cards.
if you are going to stay in thailand for a long time, choose to open a bank account and use a local app to pay.
if you are going to stay in thailand for a long time, choose to open a bank account and use a local app to pay.
Paul ********
Yup. Get a Thai bank account with a banking ap and then you can use the PromptPay QR codes to pay or accept payments. Very heavily used here by all types of businesses.
Brooke ******
Go to the trendy countries... Japan and China use cards only or apps on phones... We are dinosaurs
Kay ***********
Prompay , use your bank app to scan their QR code.
Martyn ***********
I spend my life waiting for some goon to pay 30 baht online in the 7-11...
Tony *********
I never use cash these days. Scan the QR code every time.
Ken ******
can not understand authority's wisdom - one can use money app for money laundering, it'd take hundred years?!
Ken ******
same for RABBIT LINE PAY, very strict, the central bank bank of thailand imposed strict requirement to guard against money laundering
Graham ******
Yes, many Thais pay with their phone
Colin **********
Depends on where you stay, if in Bangkok or the like it would be possible, however, your miss out on a lot of local shops, restaurants and street food.
Bobby ********
Many places use VR code but that means having a local bank account. Even street food outlets accept it
Paul ********
Lots of bars and restaurants use a scan pay system
Garrett ***********
Yes
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