How to save this Black Friday in Thailand

Black Friday’s here again. It comes around fast, doesn’t it? November 29 is the big day this year, and the usual frenzy will hit both stores and websites, packed with deals begging for attention. Shoppers in Thailand, get ready. Whether you’re browsing Lazada, Shopee, or even global sites like Amazon, Black Friday has plenty of opportunities to save. But let’s be real: with the cost-of-living pressures, not everyone feels thrilled about it. It’s a tricky spot, isn’t it? Spending feels harder, but here’s the thing—there are ways to shop smarter, save money, and still grab what you need.

I’ve got tips for navigating the madness in Thailand. Read on.

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Plan Before You Pounce

The holidays always bring some expense, especially in Thailand as we head into the New Year celebrations. But don’t get pushed into blowing your budget. Money’s yours to manage. Simple enough? Jot down what’s essential—gifts, food, decorations, whatever—and work out a rough cost. Knowing the numbers makes it easier to stick to them. Also, if you’re shopping for others, asking them what they want isn’t a bad idea. Imagine skipping the guesswork!

Senior couple celebrating Christmas via AleksandarNakic from Getty Images Signature
PHOTO: via AleksandarNakic from Getty Images Signature

Be a Detective

Start your Black Friday prep early. Thai e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada often leak their offers beforehand, so keep an eye out. Checking prices now means you’ll know if a “deal” is legit or just hype. Got your wishlist ready? Good. Compare prices at multiple retailers to find the sweet spot. A little homework pays off big. Also, consider exploring physical stores like Central or Power Buy, which sometimes host in-store deals during the sale season.

Money Rules

Making a budget is one thing—staying within it? Harder. But crucial. Look at your savings, decide what you can spend, and don’t budge. The sales can feel like a race, and emotions take over fast but trust me—control matters. It’s not fun to overspend and regret it later. A simple tip? Track everything while you shop. In Thailand, many credit cards offer cashback or instalment options for big purchases. Use these wisely to manage your spending without piling on debt.

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Cash is king on Black Friday!

Look Beyond Borders

Here’s a sneaky trick. Did you know prices for the same item can change depending on where you shop? Weird but true. For instance, tech gadgets like laptops or gaming consoles might be cheaper in one country than another. Tools like a VPN can help you browse in other regions and unlock discounts not visible locally. Cool, right? Shopping globally could cut big chunks off your bill, but remember to check shipping fees and customs duties when buying items from abroad.

VPN How-To for Tech Deals

  1. Switch regions—countries like Malaysia or Singapore often have competitive prices.
  2. Browse local stores, such as Amazon Japan or Lazada Malaysia, using your VPN.
  3. Double-check import fees and shipping times to ensure your “deal” remains worthwhile.

Impulse? No Thanks

Impulse buying is the enemy. You’ve got your wishlist, right? Stick to it. Those flashy deals can distract but focus. You’ve done the research. You know what’s worth the money. Trust your prep work. While you’re at it, keep receipts—returns are lifesavers if something doesn’t work out. Most Thai platforms allow returns, but policies can vary, so check them before you buy.

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Google: The Secret Weapon

When hunting for bargains, Google Shopping works well for Thai users, too! Search for the exact product you want, hit the shopping tab, and bam—prices from all over, side by side. Simple filters help, too. Want big discounts? Sort by percentage off. Hunting for small essentials? Low-to-high pricing works wonders.

Don’t Skip the Fine Print

Black Friday isn’t all it’s cracked up to be sometimes. Some Thai stores start their sales earlier—like mid-November on Singles’ Day or special year-end sales. Others drag discounts into Cyber Monday or beyond. December might even hold better bargains, especially during 12.12 sales. Don’t panic-buy thinking everything’s one day only.

Timing Is Everything

Everyone shops early on Black Friday, right? That’s why the morning feels chaotic. The trick? Go later. Evening shoppers find quieter stores and often snag deals others overlooked. On Thai e-commerce platforms, flash sales tend to happen throughout the day, so monitor them if you’re shopping online.

Online Is Your Friend

Hate the idea of mall mobs? Shop online. It’s calmer, and most Thai stores mirror in-person deals. Lazada and Shopee often feature additional coupons or free delivery promotions during Black Friday. Just don’t get too comfortable—hot items sell out fast, even online. Pro tip: If you’re buying a lot, check out multiple times. That way, your cart doesn’t empty out while you’re still browsing.

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Quick Final Thoughts

Every year, Black Friday pulls people in. Some love it, some avoid it. Wherever you stand, one thing’s true: planning and patience make it less stressful. Start early, stick to your plan, and don’t let the noise overwhelm you. Shopping smart is the real win—whether you’re browsing deals in Thailand or from global sites.

Happy shopping!

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Mitch Connor

Mitch is a Bangkok resident, having relocated from Southern California, via Florida in 2022. He studied journalism before dropping out of college to teach English in South America. After returning to the US, he spent 4 years working for various online publishers before moving to Thailand.

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