When expats in Thailand need to buy anything from electronics to daily groceries, they quickly learn that online shopping is the most convenient way to shop. The two giants of the e-commerce world in Thailand are Shopee and Lazada. While both platforms are excellent and widely used, they have key differences that make one a better choice depending on your shopping style.
So, which one do expats use more? The answer is simple: most expats use both, but for different reasons. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which platform is right for you.
Shopee is famous for its lively, engaging platform and daily promotions. It's often the first choice for expats looking to save money.
Best for Everyday Deals & Vouchers: Shopee is the king of flash sales. You can find incredible deals on everything from phone accessories to kitchen gadgets. The app constantly offers discount vouchers and rewards you with Shopee Coins that can be used for your next purchase. This makes it the go-to platform for budget-conscious shoppers.
A Wide Variety of Sellers: With a massive number of individual sellers and small businesses, you can find a huge variety of products, from affordable fashion to unique items. The platform has a very active community and a social feel.
Lazada, which is owned by Alibaba, is known for its strong logistics and focus on brand authenticity.
Best for Official Brands & Authenticity: Lazada's biggest strength is LazMall. This is a special section of the app dedicated to official brand stores (like Samsung, Apple, Nike, etc.). When you buy from LazMall, you are guaranteed that the product is 100% authentic and comes with a direct warranty. This is a huge benefit for expats buying high-value items like electronics, home appliances, or skincare products.
Reliable Logistics: Backed by Alibaba’s advanced logistics network, Lazada’s delivery service is very reliable and efficient. They are known for their fast and dependable shipping, which is a major advantage for customers who need their items quickly.
Both platforms are excellent and have a great English interface, but the best one for you depends on what you are buying.
Choose Shopee if: You are looking for the lowest price, love daily flash sales, and need a wide variety of sellers for general goods and household items.
Choose Lazada if: You want to buy from official brands, need to ensure the product is 100% authentic (especially for electronics), and prefer a more structured shopping experience.
Ultimately, both Shopee and Lazada are essential for expats in Thailand. Many use Shopee for everyday items and great deals, and they turn to Lazada for high-value purchases where authenticity is key.