How to Use Alipay & TrueMoney in Thailand (2026)

TrueMoney is Thailand's leading digital wallet. It's widely used for everyday payments across retail stores, restaurants, transport services and street vendors – letting users pay quickly via QR codes without relying on cash or cards. For international visitors, this has made travelling to Thailand significantly easier.

Thanks to the Alipay TrueMoney cross-border integration, tourists don't need a Thai bank account to make payments at participating merchants. Instead, they can simply scan supported QR codes using the Alipay app – or compatible partner wallets like Wise – making it easy to shop and spend in THB.

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Alipay and TrueMoney: How the Integration Works

TrueMoney is an official Alipay+ partner wallet in Thailand.¹ Alipay+ acts as the bridge connecting international wallets with local Thai merchants, enabling cross-border QR payments without requiring a local bank account.

When you scan a supported QR code in Thailand, the payment is processed through the Alipay+ network. The merchant, meanwhile, still receives the payment through TrueMoney or their connected bank account.

The integration works in both directions:

• International tourists can use the Alipay TrueMoney integration to pay Thai merchants
• Thai users can also make payments abroad at participating TrueMoney Alipay merchants

Here's a quick comparison of how the two options differ across usage², access³, functionality⁴ and requirements⁵.

How to Pay in Thailand Using the Alipay App

Instead of bringing cash on your trip to Thailand, download the Alipay app before you go and use it to pay participating Thai merchants. Here's how to get started:

1. If this is your first time using the Alipay app, enter your mobile number to register.
2. Select your country or region.
3. Select Add Now and add your debit or credit card details.
4. Once your card is added, return to the home page and select Scan – you're ready to pay.
5. Scan the merchant's QR code. Make sure the code displays the Alipay+ logo alongside or below it, or you might get a pop-up saying Unsupported QR code.
6. Enter the payment amount in THB.
7. Select Confirm payment and enter your PIN.

Benefits of using Alipay in Thailand

There are plenty of reasons to reach for Alipay over cash in Thailand:

• No need to exchange large amounts of cash
• Faster checkout
• Upfront fees and exchange rate shown before completing a purchase
• No local bank account necessary
• Easier to track your spending

How to Pay in Thailand Using the Wise App (via Alipay+)

Don't have the Alipay app? No problem. You can still pay local merchants in Thailand with Wise. Wise lets you scan local QR codes anywhere the Alipay+ logo is displayed. This feature is currently available to Wise customers residing in Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

The payment process is simple:

1. Open the Wise app and tap on the scan button.
2. Alternatively, select the Card tab.
3. Swipe left to the picture of your card.
4. Select Scan QR code to open your camera, or Import QR code if you already have a picture of the QR code saved.
5. Follow the steps to complete your payment. To check the status of your transaction, return to the homepage on the Wise app.

One of the biggest advantages of using Wise is access to the mid-market exchange rate – the same rate you'll typically see on Google. This helps you avoid the higher currency conversion markups that other providers often hide in the exchange rate, making your international spending more transparent and cost-effective.

What If You Cannot Scan the TrueMoney QR?

Not every merchant in Thailand supports cross-border QR payments.

If you can't scan an Alipay TrueMoney QR using Wise, you still have a few payment options:

• Tap your physical or virtual Wise card if the merchant accepts card payments.
• Use your physical Wise card to withdraw Thai Baht from a nearby ATM.

Many street food stalls and smaller local businesses still operate on a cash-only basis in Thailand, so it's worth carrying a small amount of cash just in case.

Can Foreigners Use a TrueMoney Wallet in Thailand?

Yes – foreigners can register for a TrueMoney wallet in Thailand. That said, the setup process is more involved than simply using the Alipay or Wise app.

To register, follow these steps⁶:

1. Download the TrueMoney app and select Register/Sign In.
2. Enter your Thai mobile number and select Continue.
3. Wait until you receive a one-time password (OTP) and enter it to verify your mobile number.
4. Select Foreigner, then take a clear picture of your passport.
5. Take a picture of your face to verify your identity.
6. Input your address in Thailand and your occupation.
7. Within 8 hours to 3 business days, you'll receive a success notification via SMS.

Already in Thailand? Don't want to wait up to 3 business days? Paying through Wise is much easier. There's no local setup required, no lengthy verification process, and you don't need a Thai number. Better yet, you can complete your Wise account setup from home – so the moment you land, you're ready to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use TrueMoney internationally?

Yes. TrueMoney supports international payments through the Alipay+ network.⁷ Thai users can make purchases abroad at participating merchants that accept Alipay+-enabled wallets.

Can tourists use PromptPay in Thailand?

PromptPay is Thailand's national real-time payment system that allows individuals to send or receive money instantly using a mobile number, national ID or merchant QR code. It requires a Thai bank account and phone number, so tourists generally can't use PromptPay through the native app.

Instead, travellers can use the PAY&TOUR prepaid card from TAGTHAi to scan PromptPay QR codes and pay local merchants.⁸

Convert and send THB with low, transparent fees and the mid-market rate with Wise

Looking for a quick and easy way to send money to Thailand? Consider using Wise to manage your international transfers.

Converting money to Thai baht and transferring it from abroad can get very expensive when using traditional banks and remittance services. On top of transaction fees, you might end up paying more due to hidden charges like conversion fees and exchange rate markups.

Wise transfers use the mid-market rate, also known as the rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees that are shown to you upfront. This makes it easy to see how much you’ll be sending or receiving at a single glance.

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