Thailand is a cash-heavy country that is rapidly going digital. Knowing when to use what will save you from awkward moments at checkout.
The short version
Carry cash (Thai Baht) for street food, markets, and taxis. Use a card at malls, hotels, and chain restaurants. Skip the international payment apps, they mostly do not work here.
Cash is still king for street food
Bangkok's street food scene, Chiang Mai's night markets, and island food stalls are cash-only. ATMs are everywhere and dispense 1,000 and 500 baht notes. Most ATMs charge a 220 baht fee per withdrawal for foreign cards, so withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
Tip: 7-Eleven stores accept cards and are on every corner. If you are low on cash, buy something small and get cashback at the register.
Cards work at most established businesses
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at:
- Shopping malls and department stores
- Chain restaurants and cafes
- Hotels and hostels
- Grab rides
- Major supermarkets (Tops, Big C, Lotus's)
Amex acceptance is more limited. Notify your bank before traveling so they do not block transactions.
PromptPay: Thailand's QR payment system
PromptPay is Thailand's national QR payment system. You will see QR codes at nearly every vendor, even small ones. The catch: it requires a Thai bank account. As a tourist, you cannot use it directly.
Some workarounds exist through certain fintech apps, but do not count on this. It is better to have cash as backup.
What about Google Pay and Apple Pay?
Contactless payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay work at many terminals in Bangkok, especially in malls and at convenience stores. Coverage drops significantly outside Bangkok. Do not rely on these as your primary payment method.
Grab is your best friend
Grab handles ride-hailing and food delivery across Thailand. It accepts international credit cards, so you never need cash for rides. It also does grocery delivery and has a built-in wallet.
Currency exchange tips
- Exchange at SuperRich (green or orange) for the best rates in Bangkok
- Airport exchange booths give poor rates, only change enough to get to the city
- 7-Eleven ATMs (yellow machines) tend to have lower fees than bank ATMs
Bottom line
| Situation | Best payment method |
|---|---|
| Street food and markets | Cash (Thai Baht) |
| Malls and restaurants | Visa/Mastercard |
| Taxis and tuk-tuks | Cash |
| Grab rides | Credit card via app |
| Hotels | Card or cash |
| 7-Eleven | Card or cash |
Bring a card with no foreign transaction fees, keep 2,000-3,000 baht in cash on you, and download Grab before you land. That covers 95% of situations.