Can I use Apple Pay in bangkok?

Another thing to keep in mind: your hotel might have a currency exchange desk, but the rate is usually terrible. If you're going to pull cash, do it at a SuperRich branch near BTS Chit Lom or use the ATMs inside malls, not the ones on the street, they're less likely to be skimmed.

Apple Pay works fine on the MRT and BTS ticket machines if you have a contactless card set up, but the airport rail link still wants cash at some counters. I'd say carry a mix, physical card for the bigger hotels and restaurants, cash for anything that looks like it's been there more than ten years.

One more thing, some smaller cafes will have a sign saying they take cards but the machine will "be broken" if you're buying just a coffee. That's normal, just pay cash and move on.

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yeah apple pay works at most malls, 7-Eleven, and bigger chains like Central or Siam Paragon. but street stalls, local markets, and smaller shops are still cash only, so don't leave the hotel without some baht.

honestly, I'd bring your physical cards anyway. some places outside the tourist zones have iffy card readers, and international transactions can randomly get flagged. cash is king for taxis too, though grab and bolt let you pay in the app.

my rule: keep like 2000-3000 baht on you for the day, use apple pay at air-conditioned spots, and save the cards for emergencies. atm withdrawal fees are annoying af, so just bring enough cash from home or exchange at superrich.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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