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?
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TLDR : 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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