Life in Thailand is already relatively easy, but it could be a lot easier if you have the right apps. From transport and food delivery to payments, utilities, and everyday services, here are some essential apps for Expats that can help save time, money, and effort while living and working in Thailand.

Communication

Line – the most useful app you can have in Thailand. Other than its default use as a free communication app (text and voice), Line has other features as well, such as paying bills, shopping, gifts, stickers, banking, and more.

Google Translate – not just useful in Thailand, but Google Translate is a must if you want to quickly translate between languages. Works with images, text, and voice.

Transport and navigation 

Google Maps – another essential Google app that helps you find places, read reviews, and get directions wherever you need to go. Super handy for finding the most popular spots and underrated, hidden gems. 

Grab – similar to Line, Grab is another important app to have in Thailand. The app has several transportation and delivery services. Grab a car, bike, or a van to your favorite spot. Get something delivered quickly. You can even ask someone to drive your car. 

Bolt – an alternative to Grab but with limited services and options.

Bangkok City Metro – navigate Bangkok with all transport lines in one app. BRT, MRT, ARL, SRT, and BRT with routes, fares, timetables, exits, and more. 

ViaBus – find bus stops and routes in over 70 cities in Thailand. You can even track where the buses are for the route that you wish to take.

Anywheel – a bicycle-sharing app available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and select universities in the great Bangkok metro area. Find nearby bicycle stands, scan the QR code to unlock it, and return it to a designated parking area. In some places, you may even find e-bikes or e-scooters.

Food and grocery

Grab (again) – beyond transport, Grab is a go-to app for ordering food, groceries, household essentials, office supplies, electronics, medicine, and convenience-store items. You can find almost anything you need and have it delivered the same day. Availability varies by location, with a wider selection in major cities.

Lotus’s / Makro / Tops – get groceries, household products, and more delivered to your home. Makro and Lotus’s have local brands, while Tops has more international variety.

Eatigo – search and instantly book restaurants in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The best part is that they have hourly discounts, and if you go during off-peak hours, you can save up to 50% on buffets or select menu items.

Online Shopping

Shopee / Lazada – the two biggest online shopping platforms in Thailand. They have everything beyond your imagination. Both have frequent flash sales. Shopee is generally better for variety and deals, while Lazada is often preferred for electronics, appliances, and official brand stores. Most Thais prefer Shopee. 

Bills and utilities

MEA Smart Life – MEA stands for Metropolitan Electricity Authority. They distribute and manage electricity in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan. The MEA Smart Life app helps residents manage electricity bills and view power outage information. If you live outside the great Bangkok metro area, download PEA Smart Life (Provincial Electricity Authority). 

myAIS or True – these are two major cellular and internet service providers in Thailand. Download their app for managing your mobile and internet packages, depending on whether you are an AIS or True customer.

TrueMoney – most places allow you to scan QR codes for payments, but you might have noticed that 7-Eleven does not. That is because they want you to use the TrueMoney app. Beyond paying at 7-Eleven, it has a lot of other financial services such as transfer/receive funds, making bill payments, buy/top up internet packages, and much more. Because of its vast financial options, the app requires identity verification (especially for foreigners) via face scan, passport image, and other supporting immigration documents. 

Banking and Payments

Your Thai bank app – if you finally get to open a bank account in Thailand, make sure you download that particular bank’s app. Having a Thai bank app makes life so much easier here. Bank apps let you manage multiple accounts, make transfers, pay bills, scan QR codes, and much more. 

Wise – Transferring money into and out of Thailand is not always as straightforward as it used to be, but Wise remains a convenient option for international transfers and currency conversion. Availability and transfer methods may vary depending on your country, currency, and account verification status.

DeepPocket – A digital wallet that allows tourists and expats to scan QR codes without having a Thai bank account. Users can register with a passport and top up through an international card. 

Government

DLT QR Licence and DLT Smart Queue – for driving licence. Smart Queue is used for booking an appointment to apply for a licence, while QR licence is for accessing information about your existing licence.

QueQ – booking and queuing appointments at various government offices, hospitals, or banks.

Tourist Police “I Lert U” – useful for requesting Tourist Police assistance.

Housing and rental

DDproperty – a popular property marketplace of condos, houses, townhouses, and commercial property for sale or rent. Has a broad range of listings with filters for property research.

PropertyHub – a good option for comparing available units for rent or sale within a specific project or neighborhood.

Fazwaz – a more contemporary app and is considered more than just a listing platform. Other than property search with filters, Fazwaz also has virtual tours, property inspections, and agent chat support. It is becoming the go-to platform for foreigners buying or renting in Thailand.

Entertainment and activities

GoWabi – a fantastic app/website for finding the best deals in beauty, health, and wellness. 

It has everything from massages and spas to dental and beauty clinics to fitness classes and various fun activities.

Ticketmelon / Eventpop / Eventbrite – find concerts, conferences, festivals, and nightlife events in Thailand with these apps.

Meetup – a perfect way to meet friends, groups, and join activities in major Thai cities.

SF Cinema / Major Cineplex – if you are planning to go to the movies, check out the timings, promotions, and deals at one of these two major movie theater chains.

All-in-one app

TagThai – this is Thailand’s official all-in-one travel app for discovering attractions, restaurants, activities, and local experiences. It includes digital city passes that bundle multiple experiences into one price and are available for major provinces in Thailand. It also has an easy pay feature that allows users to scan QR codes and make local payments at shops, restaurants, bars, and other business establishments.

Important Notes

Most everyday transport, food, shopping, and communication apps require only an email address or phone number. 

Financial or government-related apps have stricter legal requirements, such as face scans, a photo of your passport, or even a work permit. Be sure to have these documents ready.

You may not need every app on this list, but choosing the ones that fit your lifestyle can make everyday life in Thailand easier and more convenient.