Payments & Banking Safety
How payments really work in Thailand in 2026 — QR codes and PromptPay, paying rent and bills, Thai transfer fees — and how to keep your money safe from scams and sort out a transfer that goes missing.
really pays
and avoided
in Thailand
Guides in this section
View all International Banking guides →
Thai QR Payments for Foreign Visitors
PromptPay, scan-to-pay and the apps tourists can actually use.
Read the guide →
Paying Rent and Utilities in Thailand
Deposits, monthly rent, electricity, water and internet.
Read the guide →
Thai Bank Transfer Fees Explained
What moving money in, out and around Thailand costs.
Read the guide →
Protecting Yourself from Payment Scams
Call-centre, QR, rental and romance scams — and what to do.
Read the guide →
When an International Transfer Is Delayed
Tracing, chasing and recovering money that hasn't arrived.
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Insurance for Thailand
Get covered before you go — quotes for visitors, expats and businesses, arranged through our team.
Ways to Pay in Thailand
From street food to rent: who can use each payment method, whether it works at a street stall, and what it costs a British visitor or expat.
Read the QR Payments Guide →| Method | Who can use it | Street stalls and taxis? | Typical cost | Best for | Read Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ฿Cash (baht) | Everyone | Yes | ฿220 per ATM withdrawal on a UK card | Markets, street food, small shops | Read → |
| CFee-free UK card | Everyone | Rarely | Nothing extra on Chase, Starling, Kroo | Hotels, malls, restaurants, Grab | Read → |
| PThai bank app (PromptPay) | Residents with a Thai account | Yes | Usually free | Everything, if you live here | Read → |
| TTAGTHAi Easy Pay card | Visitors, with a passport | Yes (PromptPay QR) | Free card; top up in cash | Short stays, scanning QR codes | Read → |
| MTrueMoney Wallet | Visitors (limited) and residents | With full verification | Free to use; cash top-ups | Longer stays, 7-Eleven | Read → |
Compiled October 2026 from published app and bank information and independent guides (January–May 2026). Tourist QR options change quickly; check limits and verification rules in each app.
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How to pay like a local
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs →Can tourists use PromptPay in Thailand?
Not with a UK bank app — PromptPay needs a Thai account or a Thai e-wallet. Visitors can use options such as the TAGTHAi Easy Pay card or a verified TrueMoney Wallet to scan Thai QR codes.
Do street vendors in Thailand take cards?
Rarely. Street stalls, markets, taxis and songthaews usually take cash or a Thai QR code. Carry some cash and use a fee-free card where cards are accepted.
Can I pay Thai QR codes with Wise or Revolut?
Not directly from a UK account in most cases. Some business QR codes can be paid through third-party apps, but personal PromptPay codes generally need a Thai account or wallet.
Is it safe to pay by QR code in Thailand?
Generally, yes — but always check the name that appears before you confirm, and be wary of QR codes stuck over a shop's original code.
Which UK card is best for paying in Thailand?
A card with no foreign fees, such as Chase UK or Starling for debit, or a fee-free credit card for bigger bookings. Always pay in baht.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Fees, limits and eligibility change; we check every figure on the date shown, but always confirm the current terms with the provider before you apply or travel. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means JLIT may earn a commission if you open an account — this never changes the price you pay.
