Essential Apps for Traveling to Thailand
36 apps · Apps verified August 31, 2026 · Guide written August 29, 2026
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in Thailand?
In Thailand, Grab is the essential app for taxis and food delivery (there is no Uber), with Bolt a strong alternative across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and many regional cities. LINE is the default messenger and Google Maps works well for navigation. PromptPay QR codes are everywhere, but foreign visitors generally cannot pay them directly, so carry a card for malls, hotels and chains and cash for markets and tuk-tuks. An eSIM from Saily or Yesim gets you online the moment you land, which matters more now that Thai SIM cards require in-person passport registration. Everyone must file the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entry; the visa-free stay is 60 days for now, though a Cabinet-approved cut to 30 days is awaiting publication.
Sources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in Thailand?
Essential apps for Thailand are Grab (ride-hailing), LINE (messaging), Google Maps, a VPN for accessing blocked content, and the Bangkok MRT Mobile App for transit.
Does Uber work in Thailand?
Uber is not available in Thailand. Grab is the dominant platform, covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Do I need a VPN in Thailand?
A VPN is useful in Thailand for accessing certain streaming services. NordVPN and ExpressVPN work reliably.
What is the best payment app for Thailand?
Most tourists use cash or a travel card. PromptPay is the local system; Grab Pay is accepted at many merchants.
Can I drink tap water in Thailand?
No, tap water is not safe to drink in Thailand. Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap (7-15 THB) and available everywhere. Ice in restaurants and bars is generally safe (made from purified water).
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in Thailand — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber
- For ride-hailing, locals in Thailand typically use Grab and Bolt.
- If you use Uber Eats
- For food delivery, locals in Thailand typically use GrabFood and LINE MAN.
- If you use WhatsApp Works, locals prefer local apps
- WhatsApp works in Thailand, but locals mostly use LINE.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in Thailand. Locals also use ViaBus and 12Go.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in Thailand typically use Wise.
- If you use Amazon
- For online shopping, locals in Thailand typically use Shopee.
- If you use Netflix Works here
- Yes — Netflix works in Thailand.
Finance & Payments
2 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
3 apps
Public Transit
3 apps
Navigation
2 apps
Food Delivery
3 apps
Communication
3 apps
Shopping
2 apps
Tours & Experiences
2 apps
Health & Insurance
4 apps
Media & Entertainment
3 apps
Dining & Reservations
2 apps
Border & Entry
3 apps
💳 Payment Methods in Thailand
Tourist Accessibility
Very tourist-friendly
International Cards
ATM availability: widespread
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 PromptPay QR codes are ubiquitous, even street vendors accept them, but they are built for Thai bank accounts. Bank of Thailand's inbound QR links currently cover visitors from a handful of Asian countries only (including Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Lao PDR, Korea and China), who scan Thai QR codes using their own home banking app. Visitors from the UK, EU, US and Australia generally cannot pay PromptPay QR directly and should plan on cards plus cash. International cards are accepted at malls, hotels, chain restaurants and most tourist-facing businesses; keep cash for markets, songthaews and tuk-tuks.
Travel Information for Thailand
Common Requirements
- Passport valid 6 months
- Proof of onward travel
- 20,000 THB cash or equivalent
🏧 ATM Tips
ATMs everywhere but charge 220 THB fee per withdrawal for foreign cards. Maximum withdrawal usually 20,000-30,000 THB. Krungsri (yellow) allows 30,000 THB. Use Wise/Revolut cards at shops to avoid ATM fees.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
SuperRich (green/orange) and Vasu offer best rates. TT Currency Exchange also excellent. Avoid airport exchanges except for small amounts. Never exchange on the street.
Best Time to Visit
Nov-Feb (cool and dry, peak season). Mar-May very hot (40C+). Jun-Oct rainy season but fewer tourists, lower prices, and greener landscapes.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
AIS and True are the two networks (dtac merged into True in 2023). Since 16 May 2026 every Thai SIM must be registered in person against your original passport, copies are not accepted, with a face check at the counter, and foreigners are capped at 3 SIMs per operator. Tourist SIM kits run 299-799 THB at airport counters, 7-Eleven or operator shops, and the 299 THB kit (around 30GB for 30 days) is outstanding value if you don't mind the queue. A travel eSIM bought before you fly skips the counter entirely. TRUE has the best coverage on the islands.
Cultural Notes
Don't touch heads or point feet at people/Buddha images. Dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders/knees). Remove shoes indoors. Wai greeting. Respect monarchy (lese-majeste laws strict). Buddha tattoos can cause issues.
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap (7-15 THB) and available everywhere. Ice in restaurants and bars is generally safe (made from purified water).
Power Outlets
220V, 50Hz
Mix of US-style (A/B) and European (C) outlets. Most hotels have universal sockets. US plugs work without adapter in most places.
Tipping
Tipping is not part of Thai culture. Small tips (20-50 THB) are appreciated for good service but never expected.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Fastest and cheapest option to city center. Connects to BTS at Phaya Thai. Runs 5:30am-midnight.
Join the official taxi queue at Level 1. Insist on meter. 50 THB airport surcharge applies. Expressway tolls (25-75 THB) paid by passenger.
Pick up at designated ride-hailing area (Level 2, Door 4). Fixed price shown in app. No need to negotiate.
Routes to Khao San Road, Silom, Sukhumvit. Runs until midnight.
Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
A1 to BTS Mo Chit, A2 to Victory Monument. Most convenient budget option.
Official taxi queue outside arrivals. Insist on meter. 50 THB airport surcharge.
Pick up at designated area. Check both Grab and Bolt for best price.
Connects to MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue Grand Station. Runs 5:30am-midnight.
⚠️ Temple/Palace Closed Today
A friendly local near Grand Palace or temples tells you it's closed for a holiday/ceremony and offers to take you to a 'special' gem shop or tailor instead.
Ignore anyone who approaches you outside major attractions saying they're closed. Walk to the entrance yourself — they're almost never actually closed.
⚠️ Tuk-Tuk Tour Scam
Tuk-tuk driver offers a suspiciously cheap city tour (20-40 THB) but takes you to gem shops, tailor shops, and travel agencies where they earn commission.
Use Grab or metered taxis instead. If using a tuk-tuk, agree on destination and price upfront. Decline any 'quick stops' at shops.
⚠️ Jet Ski Damage Scam
After renting a jet ski (common in Phuket, Pattaya), the operator claims you caused pre-existing damage and demands thousands of baht in compensation.
Take photos/video of the jet ski from all angles before renting. Consider avoiding jet ski rentals from beach vendors altogether.
⚠️ Overpriced Taxi/No Meter
Taxi driver refuses to use meter and quotes a flat rate 2-5x the actual cost, especially from airports and tourist areas.
Always insist on the meter ('meter dai mai?'). If refused, exit and find another taxi. Use Grab for fixed pricing.
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