If you’re traveling to Thailand from India, you might wonder whether your usual UPI app will work once you land. The good news is that UPI can be used in Thailand at participating merchants, so you may not need to depend entirely on cash.
The catch is that UPI isn’t accepted everywhere. Some shops and businesses support international UPI payments, while others may ask for Thai Baht or a card.
So, before you leave, it helps to know where you can actually use UPI, whether you need to activate anything, and what to do when a merchant doesn’t accept it. Keeping a card and some Thai Baht with you is still a good idea, even if you plan to pay mostly through UPI.
How Does UPI Work in Thailand for Indian Travelers?
Indian travelers can use UPI in Thailand when a merchant supports international UPI payments. You can scan an eligible Thai QR code through your supported UPI app and make the payment from your linked Indian bank account.
Before using it, check a few things on your side. Your UPI app and bank should support international transactions, and the merchant must accept payments from Indian UPI users.
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Use a supported UPI app: Make sure your app allows international UPI payments.
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Look for eligible QR codes: Not every Thai QR code can be scanned and paid through Indian UPI.
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Check international transactions: Enable the relevant setting with your bank or UPI provider if required.
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Check the amount before paying: The payment involves currency conversion from Thai Baht to INR.
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Keep another payment option: UPI acceptance varies, so carry a card and some Thai Baht as backup.
Where Can You Pay With UPI in Thailand?
UPI acceptance in Thailand depends on the merchant. You’re more likely to find it at businesses that cater to international tourists, but you shouldn’t expect every shop or restaurant to accept an Indian UPI payment.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops
Some restaurants, cafés, and retail stores may accept international UPI through supported QR payment systems. Before placing an order or making a purchase, ask the staff if they accept Indian UPI.
Hotels and Tourist Businesses
Some hotels and businesses in popular tourist areas may offer UPI as a payment option. Availability can still differ from one property or business to another, so checking before payment is the safest approach.
Markets and Smaller Local Shops
UPI may be less useful at small local businesses, street markets, and shops that mainly deal in cash or local Thai payment methods. For these purchases, having some Thai Baht with you can save you from having to search for another payment option.
How to Use UPI in Thailand
Using UPI in Thailand is fairly similar to making a QR payment in India, as long as the merchant supports international UPI.You’ll need an internet connection to open your payment app, scan the QR code, and complete the transaction. A Thailand eSIM from SimJu can help you stay connected when you need to make payments, check maps, or access travel apps on the go.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Check UPI Acceptance | Ask the merchant if they accept international UPI payments. |
| 2. Scan the QR Code | Open your supported UPI app and scan the merchant’s eligible QR code. |
| 3. Check the Amount | Review the Thai Baht amount and the INR conversion shown in the app. |
| 4. Confirm Payment | Verify the merchant details and complete the payment using your UPI PIN or required authentication. |
| 5. Save the Confirmation | Keep the payment confirmation until the merchant confirms that the payment was received. |
Charges for Using UPI in Thailand
Using UPI in Thailand does not necessarily mean the payment will be completely free. The total cost can depend on your Indian bank, UPI app, the exchange rate used for the transaction, and any fees that apply to international payments.
Currency Conversion
When you pay a Thai merchant, the transaction involves converting the amount from Thai Baht to Indian Rupees. Your bank or payment provider may use its own exchange rate, so the amount deducted from your account can be slightly different from a simple INR conversion you see online.
Foreign Transaction Charges
Your bank or UPI provider may apply a foreign exchange markup, cross-border transaction fee, or another applicable charge. These costs vary between providers, so there isn't one fixed fee that applies to every UPI payment made in Thailand.
Check the Charges Before Your Trip
Before traveling, check your UPI app and linked bank account for their international payment terms. Knowing the applicable exchange rate and fees in advance can help you understand the amount that will be deducted and avoid unexpected charges during your trip.
Should You Carry Cash or a Card Along With UPI?
UPI can make payments convenient in Thailand, but it’s better not to depend on it alone. Some merchants may not accept international UPI, and you could also run into situations where a QR payment fails or your phone has no internet connection.
A card and some Thai Baht give you an easy fallback. You can use them when UPI isn’t available, while keeping UPI as a convenient option where it is accepted.
| Payment Method | Best For | Why Carry It |
|---|---|---|
| UPI | Participating merchants | Convenient for Indian travelers |
| Card | Hotels, restaurants, larger stores | Useful when UPI isn't accepted |
| Thai Baht | Markets, small shops, local purchases | Works without an app or internet |
What If UPI Doesn’t Work in Thailand?
A UPI payment can fail even when you have used the same app without any problem in India. The issue could be the merchant’s QR code, your bank’s international payment settings, or simply a weak internet connection.
If a payment doesn’t go through, check the following before trying again:
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Make sure the merchant accepts international UPI, not just local Thai QR payments.
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Check that international transactions are enabled for your UPI account or bank.
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Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection.
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Check your bank or UPI app to confirm whether the first payment was actually deducted before retrying.
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If UPI still doesn’t work, use your card or Thai Baht instead.
Having mobile data while traveling also helps because UPI payments, banking apps, OTPs, maps, and travel bookings may all require an internet connection. A Thailand eSIM from SimJu can keep your phone connected without relying on public Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
UPI can be a convenient way for Indian travelers to pay in Thailand, but it shouldn’t be your only payment option. Acceptance depends on the merchant, so keeping a card and some Thai Baht with you can make things easier when UPI isn’t available.
Before your trip, make sure your UPI app and bank are ready for international payments and that you have a reliable internet connection. A Thailand eSIM from SimJu can help you stay connected for UPI payments, maps, bookings, and other travel needs while you’re in Thailand.
FAQs About Using UPI in Thailand
Does UPI work without an Indian SIM card in Thailand?
No, You should not assume UPI will work without access to the mobile number linked to your bank account. Some transactions may require OTPs or other verification.
Can I use UPI for online bookings in Thailand?
Yes, Some Thai travel websites and services may offer UPI or other international payment options, although availability depends on the booking platform.
Can I get a refund for a UPI payment made in Thailand?
Yes, A refund may be possible if the merchant supports refunds for the transaction, but the process and time taken can vary between the merchant, bank, and payment provider.