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Payment Methods in Thailand: A Guide for UK Travellers
by
iFAST Global Bank
Thailand consistently ranks among the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers. Whether you’re munching on delicious street food at bustling night markets, going on a shopping spree, lounging on the beautiful beaches of Phuket and Krabi, or soaking up the vibrant city life of Bangkok, there’s something for every kind of traveller.
When it comes to making payments in Thailand, travellers have plenty of options. While cash remains widely used, card and QR payments have become increasingly accepted, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.
This guide covers the main payment methods available in Thailand, along with practical tips to help UK travellers pay more conveniently throughout their trip.
Do You Need Cash in Thailand?
Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand. While cards and QR payments are commonly accepted in major tourist areas, it is still advisable to carry some cash, particularly when visiting smaller shops, street food stalls, local markets or areas outside major cities.
Smaller merchants may prefer cash or QR payments, while some may not accept international cards. It is also useful to carry smaller denominations, as vendors may not always have sufficient change for larger notes.
Need extra cash? UK travellers with the iFAST Global Bank’s Multi-Currency Debit Card^ can withdraw cash instantly at ATMs in Thailand without any withdrawal fees. Additional service charges may be imposed by ATM operators.
E-wallets and Mobile QR Payments in Thailand
QR payments have become a common part of everyday transactions in Thailand, with a range of local and international payment options available.
Popular options include:
TrueMoney Wallet
PromptPay QR
Alipay
WeChat Pay
Don’t have these apps? iFAST Global Bank customers can use Worldwide Scan & Pay* to make cross-border payments directly from the iFAST GB mobile app at Alipay+ compatible QR merchants and supported national QR networks.
Simply scan the merchant’s QR code and confirm the payment in the app — no physical debit card or separate payment app required.
*Scan & Pay is for cross-currency payments only. Availability of QR payments may vary by country and merchant. T&Cs apply.
Payment with Debit or Credit Cards
Credit and debit cards are convenient payment options in major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, cafés and airports, although smaller local businesses may still prefer cash or QR payments.
Tip: Before travelling, compare the foreign exchange rates, overseas transaction fees and other charges that may apply across your cards. When given the option to pay in GBP, it is also worth checking the exchange rate and any applicable fees before confirming the transaction.
Travellers with iFAST Global Bank’s Multi-Currency Debit Card^ can make payments globally, with compeititve real-time exchange rates and acceptance across 200 countries and territories. When spending in Thailand, payments can be automatically converted from GBP to THB.
^Multi-currency debit card is available for UK residents only.
Travel Effortlessly in Thailand
A little preparation can make paying in Thailand much easier. Consider having some Thai Baht on hand, preparing your debit or credit cards for overseas use, and setting up Worldwide Scan & Pay before your trip.
Using a combination of cash, cards and QR payments gives you greater flexibility wherever you are travelling in Thailand.
iFAST Global Bank is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
iFAST Global Bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Our Financial Services Register number is 716167. We are registered in England and Wales, our company number is 4797759.
Please note that the provided details serve as general information and should not be considered as financial advice or endorsements. We strongly advise customers to diligently carry out their own research and consider seeking expert guidance for tailored financial choices.
