In Thailand, you can pay both in cash and by card, but cash remains very important in many situations.
To avoid issues and unnecessary fees, it is useful to understand how payments work in the country before your trip.
Although cards are accepted in many places, cash is still necessary in numerous situations.
Especially for:
- street food
- local markets
- small taxis
- local shops and restaurants
Cards are commonly accepted in:
- hotels
- shopping malls
- supermarkets
- international restaurants
- modern stores
ATMs are widespread in Thailand and easy to find.
However, many banks charge fees for international withdrawals, so it is worth checking your card conditions before traveling.
An increasingly interesting option for tourists is Moreta Pay, an app that allows payments via Thai QR / PromptPay codes without a Thai bank account.
It can be useful in many places where locals prefer QR payments instead of cards.
Advantages include:
- quick payments directly from your phone
- useful in places where cards are not accepted
- local-style payment experience
- may reduce the need to carry cash in some situations
Important to know:
- not all QR codes are compatible
- some personal/private QR codes may not work
- it is still recommended to carry cash or a card as backup
For a stress-free experience in Thailand, it is recommended to have both cash and a travel-friendly card.
This way you will be prepared for different situations and payment limitations.
See also our guide about using Revolut in Thailand for one of the most popular travel payment options.