What Actually Works in Thailand Now Instead of Russian QR Codes?

Good news: without Russian QR codes, Thailand hasn't been left without payment options, and most of them are even more advantageous than QR codes. Here are seven working methods that will definitely come in handy on your trip.

Payment methods in Thailand: comparison of losses

Payment method	Works?	Losses to the best rate	Pros	Cons
Old-style US dollar cash	Yes, everywhere	0% (benchmark)	Best rate, accepted everywhere	Dangerous to carry and keep a lot of cash
Euro or yuan cash	Yes, everywhere	1–1.5%	Good rate, easy to exchange	Need to buy currency in Russia in advance
New-style US dollar cash	Yes, everywhere	2%	Easier to buy at a Russian bank	Rate slightly worse than old bills
UnionPay card (RSHB, ATB)	Yes, almost everywhere	0% for payments, 1–3% for withdrawals	Convenient, safe	Double commission for withdrawal
Money transfers (Senate, Ex24)	Yes	3–7%	No need to carry cash	Worse rate, risk of scammers
TrueMoney (Thai wallet)	Yes, everywhere	0.5–1%	Pays by QR, easy to top up	Limit 30,000 baht
PAY & TOUR card	Yes, everywhere	1–2%	Safe replacement for cash	Only within the country
Sber / MTS QR	Hit or miss	4–7% + risk of stuck payment	Was convenient initially	Cashiers refuse

Briefly on each method: old-style US dollar cash (strictly in perfect condition) — still the benchmark of profitability. Then come euros and yuan, then new-style dollars, and ruble cash is at the very end of the list. UnionPay cards work great, but only from certain banks: RSHB and ATB. TrueMoney — the closest functional analogue of Russian QR, topped up with cash at 7-Eleven. Transfers from Russia — an option for those who don't want to carry cash. And cryptocurrency is almost closed for Russians.

It's most profitable to exchange currency at chain exchangers: in Bangkok — Superrich, in Pattaya — T.T. Exchange. We've compiled a complete guide to currency and money in Thailand here.

We've thoroughly and honestly analyzed each option with calculations in the article QR codes of Russian banks in Thailand no longer work: what else works in 2026 — we recommend reading it in full before your trip.

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