How Western Travellers Can Pay with QR Like the Locals Do in South East Asia:

Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, and Mongolia.

Thailand’s QR code payment system — widely known as PromptPay or Thai QR — is ubiquitous. From 7-Eleven stores to market stalls and tuk-tuk drivers, virtually every vendor can accept digital payments through a simple scan. But for Western travellers, tapping into this cashless ecosystem has traditionally required a Thai bank account — until now.

Moreta Pay is changing the game. This app makes it possible for visitors from abroad to pay with Thai QR codes directly from their foreign bank accounts, removing the need for local bank infrastructure or currency exchanges.

What Is Moreta Pay?

Moreta Pay is a mobile wallet designed to let international travellers make payments in Thailand using standard Thai QR codes. The app bridges the gap between Western banking systems and Thailand’s cashless economy by converting foreign currencies into Thai Baht and transmitting the payment through local QR infrastructure.

Crucially, it enables users to scan Thai business QR codes and pay instantly, just like locals do — without the need for a Thai bank account or local SIM card.

Where does it work?

Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, and Mongolia.

How It Works

1. Set Up the App: Download the Moreta Pay app and create an account.

2. Link Your Bank Account: Connect your bank account using the app's integration with financial data platforms (like Plaid).

3. Add Funds: Transfer funds into your Moreta wallet to be used for QR payments.

4. Scan and Pay: At checkout, scan the merchant’s Thai QR code and confirm the transaction in the app.

5. Conversion Done Automatically: Your payment is converted into Thai Baht and processed locally, with no further action needed.

For Non-Americans: How to Fund the Wallet

While Moreta Pay is available to all Westerners, the funding process varies depending on your banking origin:

• For US Account Holders: If you have a bank account with a US issuing bank, you can fund your wallet directly via ACH transfers through the app.

• For Non-US Users: If you’re based in the UK, Europe, or elsewhere and don’t have access to a US bank, you can still use Moreta Pay — but you'll need to route your funds via an account issued by a US-based institution.

The simplest workaround? Use Wise (formerly TransferWise). Wise allows you to open a multi-currency account and obtain US bank details. Once set up, you can link your Wise-issued US account to Moreta Pay, add funds, and proceed as normal.

This method works well for British, European, Australian and Canadian users who don’t have direct access to US banking but still want to benefit from the Thai QR ecosystem.

Key Advantages

• No Thai Bank Account Required
  Moreta removes the biggest barrier to digital payments in Thailand — local banking.

• Instant, Cashless Payments
  Pay in shops, restaurants, or markets with just your phone.

• Competitive Exchange Rates
  Avoid the poor rates and high fees of airport exchange booths and ATMs.

• Cashback Perks
  Earn small rebates on every transaction made through the app.

Important Limitations

• Business QR Codes Only
  Currently, Moreta only works with business-registered Thai QR codes. Payments to personal bank accounts (common among some small vendors) are not yet supported.

• Internet Required
  An active data connection is necessary for the app to process QR scans and confirm payments. Unlike ApplePay which can be used offline.

• Initial Setup Time
  Especially for non-US users, expect to spend a bit of time setting up your Wise account before you can fund your Moreta wallet. There are a few steps involved from adding money, getting verified, etc.

Ben’s Thoughts

I’m not affiliated with Moreta or Wise in any way, I was just told about this process recently and have since started using it. I’m finding it a lot easier than having to pull out Google Translator to find somewhere that accepts Mastercard, or having to pay 220BAHT (approx. £5.20) to get cash out of an ATM – which is an outright scam if you ask me, considering the fee is only 30,000KIP (approx. £1.04) in Laos. https://app.moretapay.com/invite/ben700773

Anyhoo, if you’d like to support me and set up QR Code Payments with Moreta, please use my referral link here: https://app.moretapay.com/invite/ben700773 – where we will both gain 10USD for every 3 people that sign up and spend 10USD.

If you also need to sign up with Wise, please use my referral code here: https://wise.com/invite/ihpc/benjaminronaldc2 – where I gain £75 for every 3 people that sign up and you receive a free gift card and zero fees on transfers up to £500.

Any questions, do drop them below, and remember you can follow my journey around the world here!