Essential Apps for Expats in Thailand: Must-Have Apps to Make Daily Life Easier
When moving to Thailand, one of the first things you will notice is how much daily life depends on smartphone apps. Communication, transportation, payments, food delivery, and shopping are all handled digitally.
For foreigners who have just arrived—or are planning to relocate—knowing which apps to install first can make a huge difference. This guide introduces the essential apps for expats in Thailand, with specific app names and practical explanations to help you settle in smoothly.
目次
1. Communication Apps You Must Have
LINE
In Thailand, LINE is not optional—it is essential.
LINE is used for almost all communication, including landlords, condominium management, schools, workplaces, restaurants, hospitals, and service providers.
Many foreigners use LINE seriously for the first time in Thailand. Fortunately, it is easy to use and highly intuitive. Without LINE, everyday tasks can become surprisingly difficult.
2. Transportation and Mobility Apps
Grab
Grab is the most important transportation app in Thailand.
It works as a taxi-hailing app and also includes food delivery and shopping services. Prices are shown in advance, making it stress-free for foreigners who do not speak Thai.
Google Maps
Google Maps is indispensable in Thailand.
Addresses can be confusing, and many people share locations instead of written addresses. Google Maps is used daily for navigation, meeting points, delivery locations, and checking reviews and opening hours.
3. Food Delivery Apps
foodpanda
foodpanda is widely used across Thailand and offers a user-friendly English interface.
It covers everything from local street food to international restaurants, making it ideal for newcomers.
GrabFood
GrabFood is part of the Grab app and is one of the most popular food delivery services in Thailand.
With a huge selection of local restaurants, it is commonly used by both Thais and expats on a daily basis.
4. Banking, Payments, and Money Apps
Thai Mobile Banking Apps
If you open a Thai bank account, you will use one of the following official banking apps:
- Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking
- SCB EASY (Siam Commercial Bank)
- K PLUS (Kasikorn Bank)
These apps allow you to transfer money, pay bills, and use QR code payments. Thailand is highly cashless, and QR payments are accepted even at small local shops and street stalls.
5. Shopping and Daily Life Apps
Lazada
Lazada is one of Thailand’s largest online shopping platforms.
You can buy daily necessities, electronics, furniture, and household items—extremely helpful when setting up a new home.
Shopee
Shopee is another major e-commerce app, popular for competitive pricing and frequent promotions.
Conclusion
For expats in Thailand, having the right apps installed is key to a smooth and comfortable life. At a minimum, you should prepare:
LINE, Grab, Google Maps, food delivery apps, mobile banking apps, and e-commerce apps.
Especially for foreigners who are new to LINE, adapting to Thailand’s app-based lifestyle may feel unfamiliar at first—but once you get used to it, these apps become powerful tools that simplify everyday life.
Install these essentials early and enjoy a stress-free start to your new life in Thailand.
