Seamless payment in Thailand. A travelers guide to QR Payments

“In Thailand Cash is King- or not anymore?”

Seamless payment in Thailand. A travelers guide to QR Payments while traveling without the hassle of bringing tons of cash.

If you've been to Thailand in recent years, you've likely seen Thai people scanning a QR code to make payments at local food market stalls, small restaurants and shops and may have wondered how this works, and if you can do this too, you're not the only one!

Up until very recently, the answer to this question was: no. QR payments were only possible between Thai banks. Thai people (or expats with Thai bank accounts) were using the mobile banking app from their Thai bank to scan QR codes and make transactions.

It kind of sucked because you simply can't pay everywhere in Thailand with your debit/credit card. Big hotels, malls, and some restaurants may accept credit cards, typically with a 3% extra charge but for markets, local shops, and street food, cash is king. Small family owned businesses don't usually have card machines. Then there is the fact that the ATM's have limits on the amounts of cash you can take out and everytime you take out cash you pay a transaction fee.

You likely need some cash as soon as you land at the airport to make your way to your hotel or destination. But the exchange boots at the airport are a rip-off and the exchange rates are never in your favor.

Those are now problems of the past as Thailand has transformed and fully embraced QR code payments, and trust me, they’re a total lifesaver. Just open your phone, scan the code, confirm the amount, and boom—you’re good to go. No more struggling with cash or waiting around for a slow card machine, and no extra fees while using you’re credit card abroad. Within seconds, your payment is complete—no hassle, no more risk of losing big sums of cash, no more withdrawal fee, and no stress!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up QR payments and why they’ll make your trip to Thailand, especially Koh Samui, hassle free. Let’s dive in! 🚀

Why should you use QR Payments while traveling?

✅ Super Convenient – No need to carry a lot of cash or deal with ATM fees. Just pay with your phone—quick and easy! 

✅ Better Exchange Rates – Some apps offer better rates than exchanging money at traditional exchange counters. 

✅ Safer Than Cash – If you lose your wallet, your money stays safe in your phone’s app. 

✅ Widely Accepted – From small shops to big retailers, QR payments work almost everywhere if you are in Thailand. And the vendor receives 100% of what you pay. No hidden fees on either's end.

✅ No More Getting Stuck with Pockets full of Change – Sounds familiar, your holiday is over and your stuck with pockets full of change that you can't exchange back to your hom currency? QR is the way to go.

✅ Easier Budgeting – Every payment is recorded in your app, making it super simple to track your spending.

Are QR Payments available in Thailand?

Yes. Absolutely. Like Indonesia and the Philippines, Thailand’s payments landscape was traditionally cash-dominated. In 2017, The Bank Of Thailand reported that 93% of daily transactions in the kingdom were in cash. So, the Thai Government pushed for digital transformation. The Government took measures to shift the Kingdom to the digital future. The COVID-19  pandemic accelerated Thailand’s adoption of digital payments. 

The benefits of Qr Payments in Thailand.

Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Thailand, except in big chains, malls, larger hotels, and upscale restaurants. Small, family-run businesses, street vendors, and market stalls typically do not have card machines, making cash or QR payments the most convenient choice for everyday transactions.

QR payments have a lot of benefits in Thailand. If you don’t want to carry a lot of cash every time you go out, QR payments to the rescue!

It’s widely accepted, quick, and easy, eliminating the need for cash. QR payments work for everyone, from small vendors to tuk-tuk drivers to cafes and restaurants. They make cashless transactions super convenient—just one click, and voila. 

Better security as there is no risk of losing your cash. Your money stays safe in your electronic wallet.

Which digital wallet is available and traveler friendly in Thailand?

TAGTHAI Easy Pay

-is a digital payment solutions developed by TAGTHAI which is linked to the Prepaid PAY&TOUR  card in collaboration with Kasikorn Bank where this enable tourists and travelers in Thailand to make payments using Thai QR Payment at thousands of locations nationwide with a “Scan and Pay like a local feature”

TAGTHAi: A Super App for Travelers in Thailand 🇹🇭

If you're travelling in Thailand, TAGTHAi is a must-have app! It’s a one-stop travel companion that offers cashless payments, city guides, e-tickets, and exclusive travel deals—all in one place.

To register with the TAGTHAi Easy Pay e-wallet, download the TAGTHAi app, register as a tourist, and then top up your wallet with an international credit/debit card or bank transfer or top up your TAGTHAi e-wallet free of charge at the KASIKORNBANK foreign exchange booth at the airport.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Download the TAGTHAi App:

✅ Available on iOS (App Store) & Android (Google Play)

🔍 Search for "TAGTHAi" and install it on your phone.

2. Register as a Tourist:

Open the app and follow the registration process, ensuring you select the "tourist" option.

You'll likely need to provide your passport details and other personal information. 

3. Top Up Your Wallet:

Once registered, you can top up your TAGTHAi Easy Pay wallet with an international credit/debit card or via bank transfer.

The app will guide you through the process of adding funds. 

4. Start Using TAGTHAi Easy Pay:

After topping up, you can use the app to scan QR codes at participating businesses to make payments.

The app allows you to easily manage your transactions and view your balance. 

How to Pay via QR Code:

1️⃣ Look or ask for a QR code at the counter.

2️⃣ Open the app and select "Scan to Pay".

3️⃣ Scan the QR code at the shop or restaurant.

4️⃣ Confirm the amount and complete the payment!

PS. If you ask cashiers or market vendors if they accept TAGTHAI payments they may say no and have no idea what you're talking about! -EVEN WHEN THEY DO ACCEPT TAGTHAI PAYMENTS. The reason for this is that TAGTHAI is still very new and promotion and awareness is focussed on the user (a.k.a you), not the local Thai people. So, instead: just ask if you can scan to pay.
Or in Thai: Scan dai mai (kha/krub)?

Additional Information:

• TAGTHAi Easy Pay is designed to make it easier for foreign tourists to make payments in Thailand without needing a local bank account. 

• You can also apply for a PAY&TOUR prepaid card at KBank Foreign Exchange Booths to use with the TAGTHAi app. 

• For more information or inquiries, you can contact TAGTHAi customer service via Line (@tagthai) or WhatsApp (+66 66 114 1955). 

Final thoughts about QR Payments

If you’re planning a visit to Thailand, setting up QR payments in advance is one of the best things you can do. Whether, buying delicious street food, sipping a fresh coconut by the beach, or hopping on a tuk-tuk for your next adventure, QR payments make every transaction quick, hassle-free, and secure. You won’t have to stress about carrying too much cash, dealing with ATM fees, or struggling to find small change when paying vendors.

Unlike in Western countries, where credit cards are widely accepted, Thailand still operates on cash and digital payments. Many small businesses, market vendors, and transport services prefer QR payments over card transactions. Plus, using QR payments helps you track your spending effortlessly, making it easier to stick to your travel budget.

With Thailand embracing digital payments more than ever, QR transactions are becoming a new normal. So why not take advantage of the convenience? Before you land in Thailand, download a QR payment app, link your card, and enjoy a stress-free and seamless travel experience.