The 5 Essential Phone Apps You Need When Moving to Thailand (2026 Expat Guide)

The right phone apps can make the difference between struggling in Thailand and settling in smoothly!

Moving to Thailand brings excitement and challenges. One of the quickest ways to settle in and avoid daily headaches is by having the right phone apps. These apps help with everything from getting around to staying connected and managing money. This guide covers five must-have apps for expats, digital nomads, retirees, and long-term visitors in 2026. Each app is explained with practical tips, common pitfalls, and insights into how they work differently in Thailand compared to Western countries.

Grab for Transportation and Food Delivery

Grab is the go-to app for getting around Thailand’s cities and ordering food. It combines ride-hailing, food delivery, and even package services in one platform. Unlike Western ride apps, Grab offers motorbike taxis, which are often the fastest way through Bangkok’s traffic.

Why Grab works well in Thailand:

• Motorbike taxis are cheap and quick for short trips.

• Food delivery covers a huge range of local and international restaurants.

• You can pay by cash or link your Thai bank card or GrabPay wallet.

  
  

Common mistakes newcomers make:

• Not setting up a local phone number or payment method, which limits app features.

• Expecting fixed prices like in Western apps. Grab uses dynamic pricing during busy times.

• Forgetting to check the driver’s vehicle type; motorbikes and cars have different fares.

  
  

Grab is essential for daily life, especially if you don’t want to rent a car or deal with public transport schedules.

LINE for Daily Communication

LINE is the most popular messaging app in Thailand, far more than WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. It’s used for everything from chatting with friends to official communication with landlords, schools, and businesses.

Why LINE is essential:

• Almost everyone in Thailand uses it, including government offices and local shops.

• It supports voice and video calls, group chats, and even payment features.

• Many expat groups and communities organize meetups and share info on LINE.

  
  

How LINE differs from Western apps:

• Stickers and emojis are a big part of the culture here.

• Businesses often use official LINE accounts for customer service.

• You need a Thai phone number to register, so get a local SIM card early.

  
  

Newcomer tip: Don’t rely on WhatsApp alone. Download LINE and start building your contacts there to avoid missing out on important updates.

Wise for International Money Transfers and Finances

Managing money across countries can be tricky. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a low-cost, transparent way to send money internationally and hold multiple currencies.

Why Wise is useful in Thailand:

• It offers better exchange rates than banks or traditional transfer services.

• You can get a multi-currency account to receive payments from abroad.

• It’s easy to link Wise to your Thai bank account for quick transfers.

  
  

What to watch out for:

• Wise is not a local bank, so it doesn’t replace your Thai bank account.

• Transfers can take 1-2 days depending on the currency and bank.

• Always double-check recipient details to avoid delays.

  
  

For expats receiving income from overseas or sending money home, Wise saves money and hassle.

Google Maps for Navigation and Getting Around

Google Maps is the most reliable navigation app in Thailand. It helps you find addresses, plan routes, and check public transport options in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

Why Google Maps is a must-have:

• Many Thai addresses don’t follow Western street numbering, so maps help avoid confusion.

• It shows real-time traffic, which is crucial in congested areas.

• You can save offline maps for areas with poor internet.

  
  

Differences in Thailand:

• Some small streets (sois) may not be fully mapped, so double-check with locals.

• Public transport info is improving but still limited outside major cities.

• Use Google Maps with Grab or local taxi apps for smoother rides.

  
  

Tip: Always confirm your destination’s name in Thai script to show drivers, especially taxi or motorbike riders.

Tinder for Dating and Meeting People

Tinder is popular in Thailand but works differently than in many Western countries. It’s used not just for dating but also for making friends and networking.

How Tinder is different here:

• Profiles often include more photos and detailed bios to build trust.

• Many users are cautious about meeting strangers, so conversations may start slower.

• It’s common to use Tinder for casual meetups or expat socializing, not just dating.

  
  

What newcomers should know:

• Be respectful of cultural norms around dating and relationships.

• Avoid rushing meetings; take time to build rapport.

• Use Tinder alongside other social apps or expat groups for better connections.

  
  

Tinder can be a helpful tool to meet locals and other expats, but patience and cultural sensitivity go a long way.

Dating apps are widely used in Thailand, but expectations and norms are often very different from back home.

Getting these five apps on your phone before or soon after arriving in Thailand will make your life much easier. They cover the essentials: transport, communication, money, navigation, and socializing. Each app has its quirks in Thailand, but learning how to use them well will help you avoid common frustrations and settle in faster.