Pop quiz: In Singapore, can you leave your wallet at the hotel and pay everywhere with your phone? The answer is almost. Singapore has embraced mobile and card payments, but you’ll still want cash for hawker centers and market stalls. Travel just a few hours away, and you’ll find an entirely different picture. In Vietnam, QR codes dominate—but most require local bank accounts. In Indonesia, contactless cards work, but only up to small amounts. In short: there’s no single solution for paying your way across Southeast Asia.
Why business travelers need to prepare
The region is booming—international arrivals are projected to grow by more than 8% annually through 2030. Business travel to Southeast Asia generally picks up between November and April—the peak dry season across much of the region. With that growth and seasonality comes a rush of travelers who may be surprised by how varied, and sometimes unpredictable, payment systems are. Unlike in Europe or North America, travelers shouldn’t assume cards will work everywhere or that mobile payments will be accessible to visitors.
Paying in Southeast Asia unpacks the details travelers need to manage money safely and effectively on the road. It’s the second in our Principles of Payment series. (If your team also travels to Bangladesh, India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka, don’t miss our guide to paying in South Asia for practical advice there, too.)
Country-by-country insights
Here’s what travelers can expect:
- Indonesia – Cards acceptance is common in cities, but many merchants still insist on cash. Watch for card surcharges and bring small notes for daily expenses.
- Malaysia – Cards dominate in Kuala Lumpur, but cash is necessary in rural areas. Download the Grab app—it doubles as both ride-hailing and payment tool.
- Philippines – In Manila, Cebu and Davao, cards should work fine. Outside those hubs, it’s cash only, and pesos can be tricky to find once you leave the cities.
- Singapore – Nearly cashless, with cards and mobile payment accepted almost everywhere. Carry a little cash for hawker food courts.
- Thailand – Expect card surcharges and keep baht handy, especially outside Bangkok. For city transport, get a Rabbit Card instead of fumbling for cash.
- Vietnam – Contactless is growing but confusing; too many zeros in dong prices can lead to overpaying. Always carry cash as a backup.
What travel managers should highlight
Encourage travelers to read the full report before departure. It covers:
- When and where to exchange money
- How to spot card and ATM fraud risks
- Which mobile payment apps travelers can actually use
- Why surcharges and hidden fees are common—and how to avoid them
- Tips for taxis, hotels, dining and shopping in each market
The rise of super-apps, the persistence of cash, and the quirks of local card systems all make Southeast Asia one of the most complex regions for payments. With the right mix of preparation and flexibility, business travelers can sidestep frustration and stay focused on their goals.
Share the Paying in Southeast Asia report with managed travel team and travelers to help with preparations.
