Does WeChat/Alipay work in Thailand? Real life experience

The real experience of using WeChat Pay and Alipay in Thailand is as follows for reference:

1. Coverage

  • Popular tourist areas: Business districts in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya with a high concentration of Chinese tourists (e.g. Royal Duty Free, 7-11 convenience stores) are largely supportive, and some night markets and stalls may also be acceptable.
  • non-tourist area: Coverage is low and it is advisable to have cash or credit cards on hand.

2. Conditions of use

  • Alipay, online payment platform::
    • Scan the merchant's QR code (must have "Alipay" logo) and settle the RMB at the real-time exchange rate.
    • Some merchants may require real-name authentication with a mainland Chinese ID.
  • WeChat Payment::
    • Overseas payment function must be enabled (Path: Wallet → Identity Information → Change the region to "Thailand").
    • Supported by a few merchants and less popular than Alipay.

3. Cautions

  • network stability: Ensure that your mobile phone has a smooth internet connection (local traffic cards are recommended).
  • monetary limit: There may be an upper limit on a single transaction (e.g. 50,000 baht) and it is recommended that large purchases are paid in instalments.
  • *The issue of handling fees::
    user terminal : Usually at no extra cost;
    merchant side : If a handling fee (about 1%-3%) is charged, it may be passed on to the consumer.

4. Alternative programmes
- Cash essential: cash (Baht) is still required for taxis and street shops.
- Credit Card/Visa/Mastercard: Common to large shopping centres and hotels.

5. Practical tips
- Take the initiative to ask before paying: "Alipay/WeChat Pay ได้ไหม?" (Alipay/WeChat Pay ได้ไหม?)
- Enable SMS alerts to prevent theft.
- Exchange rate comparison: Alipay's exchange rates are usually better than airport exchange points.

More details and tips on using WeChat/Alipay in Thailand

1. Which merchants are most often supported?

✅ Large Chain Stores & Duty Free Shops::

  • 7-11, Big C, Tops Market(selected shops)
  • High-end shopping malls such as King Power, Central Mall and Siam Paragon.
  • Boots Pharmacy, Watson's

✅ Dining & Entertainment::

  • Chinese restaurants such as Haidilao and MK Hot Pot
  • Some Starbucks, McDonald's (see outlets)
  • Some of the gold and speciality shops in Bangkok's Chinatown

❌ Less supported scenarios::