Must Download Apps for Thailand 2026
Essential Apps To Install Before Visiting or Moving
Thailand is one of the most app dependent countries you will ever visit. Transportation, food delivery, shopping, messaging, travel bookings, and even everyday communication with businesses all run through apps. If you arrive without the right ones installed, simple tasks become unnecessarily difficult.
I use these apps daily. Some of them multiple times a day. This guide explains what to download, why it matters, and how these apps actually get used in real life, not just what they claim to do.
Why Apps Matter So Much in Thailand
Thailand has skipped a lot of in-between systems and gone straight to mobile based living.
• Businesses message customers through apps
• Food and groceries are delivered constantly
• Ride pricing is app based
• Online shopping replaces physical errands
• Travel tickets are often cheaper online
Once you understand the app ecosystem here, daily life becomes very easy.
1. Grab
Transportation and food delivery
Grab is the single most important app to have in Thailand.
What it actually does in daily life
Grab is not just a ride app. It is how many people move, eat, and function.
I personally use Grab almost daily, especially for food. It saves time, avoids language barriers, and lets you see prices clearly before ordering.
You can use Grab for:
• car rides
• motorbike taxis
• taxis
• food delivery
• courier services
Why it matters
You avoid negotiating, miscommunication, and price guessing. Everything is tracked, priced upfront, and reliable.
Practical tip
Set up your payment method before arriving. Cash still works, but card is easier.
2. LINE
How people actually communicate in Thailand
LINE is not optional. It is how Thailand communicates.
What it actually does
LINE replaces texting, calling, and email in many cases.
I use LINE to communicate with:
• my landlord
• nail and beauty shops
• delivery services
• local businesses
• friends
Many businesses will not email you. They will say “LINE me.”
Why it matters
If you do not have LINE, you will feel cut off very quickly.
Practical tip
Set up your profile photo and name clearly so businesses recognize you.
3. Google Maps
Navigation and survival tool
Google Maps works extremely well in Thailand.
What it actually does
• walking directions
• driving directions
• BTS and MRT routes
• real time traffic
• restaurant reviews and photos
Bangkok is huge and complex. This app saves hours.
Practical tip
Save places ahead of time and download offline maps as backup.
4. Google Translate
Language barrier lifesaver
Even though English is common in tourist areas, it is not universal.
What it actually does
• translates menus using the camera
• converts Thai signs instantly
• helps with simple conversations
Practical tip
Download Thai offline. You will use the camera translation constantly.
5. Hungry Hub
Food reservations and dining deals
Hungry Hub has largely replaced older food apps for dining experiences.
What it actually does
Hungry Hub is used for:
• restaurant reservations
• dining deals
• buffets and set menus
• premium dining experiences
This is especially useful for Bangkok’s restaurant scene, where reservations can matter.
Why it matters
You often get better prices or exclusive menus through the app than walking in.
6. Bolt
Cheaper alternative to Grab
Bolt works similarly to Grab but is often cheaper.
What it actually does
• car rides
• motorbike taxis
Practical tip
Check both Grab and Bolt. Prices can vary significantly depending on time and demand.
7. Shopee
Online shopping for everyday needs
Shopee is one of Thailand’s biggest online shopping platforms.
What it actually does
• household items
• beauty products
• electronics
• clothing
• random daily essentials
Practical tip
Delivery is fast, but quality varies. Always read reviews carefully.
8. Lazada
Everything delivered to your door
Lazada is another massive online shopping app, and one I personally use often.
What it actually does in real life
I order almost everything from Lazada.
• household items
• appliances
• clothing
• storage
• electronics
It is convenient, affordable, and widely used.
Important honesty note
It can be hit or miss. Even when reading reviews, quality can vary. If something is extremely inexpensive and from an unknown shop, be prepared to get what you pay for.
Best practice
Stick with well known branded stores on Lazada when quality matters.
9. 12Go
Travel booking inside Thailand
12Go is essential for travel beyond Bangkok.
What it actually does
• train tickets
• buses
• ferries
• domestic travel routes
Why it matters
Booking transport in Thailand can be confusing. This app simplifies everything into one platform.
10. Wise
Money transfers and currency management
Wise is excellent for anyone staying longer or moving money internationally.
What it actually does
• international transfers
• multi currency accounts
• better exchange rates
Practical note
If you use an iPhone, you can also do quick currency conversions directly in the calculator app, which is what I personally use for day to day pricing comparisons.
11. Revolut
Alternative banking option
Revolut works similarly to Wise and is popular with travelers.
What it does
• international spending
• currency exchange
• card payments abroad
Choose Wise or Revolut based on what you already use.
12. BTS Skytrain App
Getting around Bangkok fast
The BTS app helps with navigating Bangkok’s Skytrain system.
What it actually does
• route planning
• station maps
• fare estimates
BTS is often faster than cars during peak traffic.
13. AirBKK
Air quality monitoring
Air quality matters in Bangkok.
What it does
• real time AQI
• PM2.5 alerts
• location specific data
This is especially useful during pollution season.
Final Tips Before You Arrive
• Download apps before landing
• Set up payment methods early
• Enable location services
• Screenshot hotel info and addresses
• Expect to rely on apps daily
Thailand becomes incredibly easy once you have the right apps. They remove friction from transportation, food, communication, and daily errands. Without them, simple tasks feel harder than they need to be.
If you only download three apps, make them:
• Grab
• LINE
• Google Maps
Everything else builds from there.
