thailand tourist sim card ais

Best Thailand SIM Card for Tourists in 2024: All You Need To Know

• Last updated: June 10, 2024

Croatian-Slovenian full-time travel duo, photographers, bloggers and travel journalists for over 4 years. We write in-depth travel guides about destinations we have personally visited, providing practical travel tips and recommendations.

On our multiple trips to Thailand, we have tried and tested the different options of Thailand SIMs and eSIMs to know which to recommend and which not.

So in this article, we’ll cover all the essentials you need to know about before buying a SIM card or eSIM package in Thailand.

Simply looking for the best Thailand SIM deals?

Best Thailand eSIM package

SIM for pickup in Bangkok

SIM for pickup in Phuket

SIM Card delivery (Beijing, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong)

Traveling soon?

Check Thailand visa requirements.

Get your Thailand E-Visa photo online. (simple and compliant with regulations and sizing)

Why you should get a Thailand SIM card

While WiFi is widely available in Thailand , in your hotel, hostel, or resort, and almost all cafes and restaurants, getting a local Thailand SIM card is the way to go for a comfortable trip.

The most significant benefit of buying a Thailand SIM card package is comfortably using ride-hailing apps like Grab (Uber), Google Maps for navigation, and Google Translate.

And while it’s true that most locals and businesses in Thailand use apps like WhatsApp and LINE for communicating, having a local number has proven helpful for us.

Since you’re reading this blog, we assume you’re not in the group that wants to explore Thailand while being “offline.” (nothing against those people – respect!)

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Should you get a physical SIM or eSIM for Thailand?

For the last few years, it’s very common for most people to have phones supporting eSIM technology.

Buying a Thailand eSIM is the most hassle-free option, as you simply buy it online, scan the QR code you receive and install it on your phone in minutes—no need to go to any store or mess around with it at the airport.

So if your phone supports eSIMs, there’s no reason not to get one.

eSIM Compatibility

Click here to check if your phone supports eSIMs.

We are big supporters of the eSIM technology and have had it since we got a phone that supported it a few years ago.

Note: Many Thailand eSIM packages you can find online don’t come with any text or calls. However, our favorite, Thailandesim , does have packages that include them.

But that’s also the case with some of the standard SIM packages at the airport. Most only give you data.

So if you need calls and texts, just make sure your plan includes it (we will recommend the best packages below).

Which Thailand mobile carrier is the best?

There are four major mobile carriers in Thailand, with the two best networks being AIS and DTAC, and right behind being TrueMove , with still great coverage, excellent internet speed, and more affordable plans.

The internet coverage and speeds in Thailand are amazing, even 5G. So any of the top carriers will perform well all over the country. And if you want the clearest picture of each carrier’s coverage in Thailand, check out the practical nPerf coverage map .

AIS is the mobile carrier with the best coverage in Thailand and the most expensive packages. However, it’s the best choice for travelers who want the ultimate coverage and the most reliable service.

Click here to find more information about AIS prepaid packages.

DTAC has the second-best coverage in Thailand and, in addition to AIS, is the best choice for great coverage.

And DTAC also offers the famous Happy Tourist SIM Card package, which you can find all over Thailand or buy it online on Airalo .

Click here to find more information about DTAC prepaid packages.

3. TrueMove

We’ve used TrueMove the most and have had great coverage throughout Thailand , with fast internet speeds, even when we hot-spotted it for work on our laptops.

The ONE time where we would have needed to have AIS with better coverage was during our stay on the Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok (AIS was the only one with signal).

TrueMove has the third-best coverage but offers many plans with high internet speeds. And that’s why it’s an excellent choice for most travelers.

Click here to find more information about TrueMove prepaid packages.

Where to buy your Thailand SIM card

The three most common ways to buy your Thailand SIM card are at the airport, online, or at one of the official mobile carrier stores in Bangkok , Chiang Mai , Phuket , Krabi , or any other city.

1. Buy a physical Thailand SIM card at the airport

The simplest way to buy your physical Thailand SIM card is upon your arrival at the airport.

All Thailand airports are full of kiosks selling Thailand SIM card packages from operators like TrueMove, DTAC, and AIS.

Just walk up to the kiosk, and you will get your Thailand SIM card installed and ready to go in minutes.

We highly recommend comparing packages of at least two kiosks to find the best deal, as they don’t always offer the same packages or prices. And while some have better deals for shorter periods, some have better deals for longer trips.

Do note, though, that mobile packages at Thailand airports are more expensive than at official stores or online.

Note:  Please note that to buy a physical SIM card, you need a passport, as they will have to register the package in your name, as is the official requirement. This is not required if you buy an eSIM online .

2. Buy your Thailand eSIM online

It’s straightforward to buy a Thailand eSIM online and activate it in a matter of minutes.

Getting an eSIM online is especially smart if you’re entering Thailand by land border from Cambodia , Laos, or Malaysia . If you’re on an organized bus trip, you usually don’t have enough time to sort your SIM at the border.

And, of course, having a pre-installed eSIM when arriving by plane in Thailand means that you’re online as soon as you land.

We’ve been following the providers of Thailand eSIMs since they started offering them and have compiled a list of the best ones below.

Thailandesim

Affordable, Best choice for unlimited plans

Affordable for short and long trips

Great selection of eSIM and prepaid SIM plans

Unlimited data packages for longer periods

Our personal recommendation is to buy an eSIM from Thailandesim , because they offer the biggest selection of plans, local or regional, which are also the most affordable on the market, and even offer a local phone number.

• plans for 3, 5, 7, 8, 15 days
• unlimited data or fixed data packages
• local Thailand and regional plans
• calls & text available (local number)
• data sharing (hotspot)

>> Check packages 5% off with code SHIPPEDAWAY

Airalo is the second-best Thailand eSIM retailer, with a few options of local packages, in addition to regional Asia packages.

• unlimited data
• plans for 10 and 15 days

>> Check packages $3 off 1st order with code MATEJ1033

Much like Airalo, SimOptions offers a great selection of eSIM plans, but in addition provides the service of getting a prepaid SIM card package.

• plans for 7, 10, 30 days

>> Check packages

Holafly is the most expensive Thailand eSIM retailer, but they are great if you want an unlimited data package for longer periods.

• plans for 5, 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90 days
• data sharing not available (hotspot)

3. Order your physical Thailand SIM online

You can order your Thailand SIM card online and pick it up at Thailand or nearby airports or get it delivered to your home address. This way, you get a much better deal than buying it directly at the airport, and you get to skip the line.

The Thailand SIM card pick-up options are great , but the delivery options are currently a bit limited. We could only find reliable options for China and Vietnam.

Please let us know if you find any more options for delivery of Thailand SIM. We would love to update this guide and let others know about it.

Best options for buying a physical Thailand SIM online:

4. Buy your Thailand SIM card at the official store

You can buy your Thailand SIM card at one of the official stores of mobile carriers across all cities.

Buying your package at the official carrier store of TrueMove, AIS, and DTAC can get you better deals than at airports or smaller reseller shops.

Stay protected on public WiFi

We’ve been using NordVPN for over 5 years now and can highly recommend the tool for protecting your privacy and freedom while browsing the internet.

It encrypts your connection and hides your data from potential hackers . Also, with a VPN, you can access blocked/restricted content like some Netflix movies or booking sites.

TIP: Shipped Away readers get a special deal .

How much does a Thailand SIM card package cost?

Thailand SIM Card packages are affordable and cost upwards of 4 USD for a smaller amount of data and about 10 USD for an excellent data package with text and calls included.

Mobile data packages often change names, and what they offer, so we won’t discuss each carrier’s packages. But we will give you a reliable estimated cost of a Thailand mobile package.

Please note that the prices and packages at Thailand airports can be different and often higher than what you would pay at the carrier’s store.

MORE OPTIONS

Do you get calls and texts on your Thailand SIM card package?

Most Thailand SIM card packages you can buy at the airport come with a good amount of calls and texts.

You can also top-up some money to your account and get extra calls and texts if the package you bought doesn’t include them. Calls in Thailand cost about 1 Baht per minute, and texting costs about 2 Baht per SMS.

Our recommended provider Thailandesim , also includes calls and texts with a local number in most of their eSIM packages.

How to top up your prepaid Thailand SIM package?

Topping up your Thailand mobile package is simple in almost every convenience store, like 7-Eleven.

Often, these stores have dedicated systems where you just provide them with your phone number, and they top up how much you want to your account. And if they don’t have that system, you will receive a code on your receipt that you use/call to top up.

Finally, you can buy top-up vouchers or scratch cards and simply use the codes to top up.

And don’t forget that all carriers offer mobile apps where you can register your SIM, top-up your credit, change your plan or buy add-ons.

AIS Thailand add-on options

DTAC add-on options

TrueMove add-on options

Frequently asked questions

It’s absolutely worth buying a SIM card in Thailand, as you can’t always rely on WiFi.

You can buy your Thailand SIM Card online or in many shops at the airport, in official carrier stores, or smaller resellers in any city.

The best Thailand SIM Card is TrueMove H because it’s the most affordable, offers great coverage, high-speed internet, and great package options.

A Thailand SIM Card package costs upwards of 4 USD for a data plan with about 3 to 5 GB of data.

Yes, many Thailand SIM Card packages come with calls and texts, but check the offer before buying.

You can get a Thailand eSIM (embedded SIM) from many online providers, some even with unlimited data.

It’s best to get a Thailand eSIM if your phone supports it.

SIM Cards in Thailand are usually active for 7, 8, 15, or 30 days.

Yes, you can get a Thailand SIM Card at the kiosks at Bangkok Airports or by pre-ordering it online .

Yes, you can get a Thailand SIM Card at the kiosks at Phuket Airport or by pre-ordering it online .

Yes, you can get a Thailand SIM Card at the kiosks at Chiang Mai Airport.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, we answered all of your questions about getting the best Thailand SIM card deal for your trip.

Got any extra questions? Leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you!

Have you found a better deal than one of the recommended ones in this article?

We are happy to hear about it!

We’re continuously searching for the best deals for travelers to Thailand, so we’d appreciate any feedback.

Looking for more travel guides and Thailand travel inspiration?

Bangkok – Krabi – Phuket

Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai

Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong

Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan

Similan Islands – Surin Islands

Khao Sok Floating Bungalows

Best Time To Visit Thailand

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We're Arijana and Matej, a couple and travel blogging duo from Croatia and Slovenia who thrive while slow-traveling. And we have been doing it for over 4 years.

During and after our travels, we love publishing in-depth, researched and above-all, useful travel guides, full of personal first-hand information on the places we personally visited.

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2 Responses

I followed this article and bought 2. DTAC.

They have 8 minute youtube videos for installation guide it’s hell long.

Also nowhere in the process did they warn that activation policy says it starts counting on installation, and i installed it when my holiday is far out and the plan will be expired in the middle of my holiday, very bad.

The youtube also made it seem like there are 2 setup steps, one done locally before going, and other when reach destination. It misleads people into thinking the local step can be done first, and user can choose to do 2nd phase when arrive. But they actually start counting when installed locally.

Good to warn in this article.

Thanks for this review of DTAC! We’ll make sure to include this information in the article.

Happy travels!

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Terms & conditions.

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Special offers for international tourists who use ais amazing thailand sim, redemption counter:.

SIAM PARAGON: Tourist Service Center, G floor, (Star Dome), near Bangkok Bank Tel. 02-610 8216 SIAM CENTER: Information Counter, G Floor SIAM DISCOVERY: Information Counter, G Floor

• This special offer can be redeemed during 17 October 2023 – 31 May 2024.
• Free access to Tourist Service Center (limit 2 hours) can be redeemed at Tourist Service Center, G floor (Star Dome), near Bangkok Bank, Siam Paragon only.
• Free welcome vouchers for shopping & dining (up to 6,000 THB) included Welcome Back Tourist Privilege voucher and Siam Paragon Shopping Paradise voucher. Limited to 300 privileges (1 privilege/number/person). Expiry date of vouchers are on 31 December 2024.
• Siam Gift Card 300 THB (requires minimum spend of 600 THB) is limited to 300 privileges (1 privilege/number/person). Expiry date of Siam Gift Card is on 30 June 2024. Siam Gift Card cannot be exchanged or refunded for cash or extend the expiry date.
• Receipts from Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery must be redeemed at Tourist Service Center, G floor, Siam Paragon (except receipts from Paragon Department Store, Gourmet Market, and Gourmet Food Hall) or Information Counter, G floor, Siam Center and Information Counter, G floor, Siam Discovery.
• Receipts from Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery can be combined.
• Receipts must be issued on the same date as redemption date.
• Jung Saem Mool Make up Voucher (Requires minimum spend of 1,500 THB) is limited to 300 privileges. (1 privilege/number/person).
• Fresh Coconut Juice coupon is limited to 300 privileges throughout the campaign (1 privilege/number/person) and cannot be exchanged or refunded for cash. Free welcome set coupon, which included 1 Coupon can be redeemed at Coco Walk Café, 4 th floor, Food Passage, North zone, Siam Paragon or 4 th Floor, ICONSIAM only. Expiry date of Fresh Coconut Juice coupon is 31 May 2024.
• Free extra internet 2GB (when purchase SIM with on top up to 250 THB) is limited to 300 privileges throughout the campaign (1 privilege/number/person) and cannot be exchanged or refunded for cash. It can be redeemed at redemption counter when picking up Fresh Coconut Juice coupon.
• Siam Gift Card, free welcome vouchers for shopping & dining, Jung Saem Mool make up voucher and Fresh Coconut Juice coupon cannot be exchanged or refunded for cash or extend the expiry date.
• Cannot use in conjunction with other promotion from Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery or ICONSIAM.
• Purchase made with Siam Gift Card is not eligible for this promotion.
• The company reserves the right to change or adjust the promotion at any time without prior notice.

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Terms and conditions

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To apply for cover,

For more information,.

Self drive car rental starting at 899 Baht/day

Self-Drive Rental special car rental as follows ;

How to get privileges

• Press ∗545∗83∗2# to get the code to use the car rental rights
• Press ∗545∗83∗3# to get the code to use the Limousine Service Transfer service
• Call Center 1798 every day from 8.30-20.00 or line ad @sixtthailand notifies the customer's Privilege Code when booking

Location 16 Branch

• Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Bangkok Rama 4
• Bangkok Ladprao
• Bangkok Pattanakarn Srinakarin
• Chiang Mai Airport
• Nan Nakhon Airport
• Udon Thani Airport
• Khon Kaen Airport
• Ubon Ratchathani Airport
• Phuket Airport
• Intercontinental Hotel Phuket
• Hat Yai Airport
• Krabi Airport
• Samui Airport
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Conditions for receiving rights

Rental car (Self-Drive)

• All rights reserved for AIS Amazing Thailand SIM
• Rent at least 2 days next to each other
• Price includes car insurance Class 1 (ECDW) and VAT 7%
• The price above is only Monday – Thursday
• In case of rentals on Friday – Sunday for Toyota Yaris, Honda City, Toyota Altis, Honda Civic and Electric Car Group, an additional charge of 200 baht per day (including VAT7%)
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• Pay the rent on the branch page at the date of receiving the car by credit card
• If the car is busy, We reserve the right to rent according to the conditions of the company
• Reserved the right to refrain from providing offsite transportation

Receive Limousine Transfer Service

• The price exclude VAT
• In case of receiving-sending services Bangkok, the outer layer will have an additional 100 baht and the metropolitan area will have an additional 200 baht service fee (excluding VAT7%)
• If booking is canceled or changed Can cancel before 24 hours, will not cost anything to cancel
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before using the service Or not present as scheduled (No-Show) There will be a fee
• Toyota Camry for up to 3 customers with no more than 2 large luggage ( no more than 28 inches per leaf )
• BMW 5 Series for up to 3 customers with no more than 2 large luggage ( no more than 28 inches per leaf )
• VIP Van for customers up to 5 people with no more than 4 large luggage ( no more than 28 inches per leaf )
• If the customer wishes to change the type of car or travel off the route according to the agreement between AIS and Sixt Limousine, they will be responsible for the cost. And if the car reservation is less than 48 hours, the arrangement of the car will depend on the time
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before using the service or not present as scheduled (No-Show) There will be a fee
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• In case event that an emergency cannot deliver the car in time due to an accident / traffic jam / road being blocked / we will provide a replacement vehicle that is equivalent. Or higher in service

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Enjoy 10% off at the restaurant and up to 100 Baht off activities!

Farm tour packages

• Discount 50Baht off for 300Baht Package : Farm tour + Animal food x3 + Beverage coupon
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Restaurants :

Free! Internet Max Speed 8GB

Welcome to Thailand

Let’s get connected with.

• International call via IDD prefix 00300 starting at 1 baht
• Not allow to change main promotion
• Not allow to convert Prepaid to Postpaid
• Not allow to port out
• To maintain the service quality and to offer efficient services to all our users in general, the company reserves the right to manage our network as deemed appropriate. This may be done by reducing the internet speed in case excessive continued data transfer, BitTorrent use, mobile connection sharing by Hotspot, downloading and/or uploading large files, commercial use, or use that may affect other users or the company’s network is detected.
• The company reserves the right to change the details without prior notice.

Terms & Conditions : Amazing Thailand SIM

• Amazing Thailand SIM is available only for pre-registered via TAT’s partners
• Amazing Thailand SIM is available to redeem at AIS Shop in Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport ,Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Samui International Airport, and Krabi International Airport
• Free Internet 8 GB 1 Day by dialing ∗777∗7637#Call
• Call credit : 5Baht
• Network : 4G/3G
• Not allow to change main promotion, convert Prepaid to Postpaid, and port out
• The privileges and service rates above are only for domestic and general use.
• Pre-register to get Amazing Thailand SIM >> https://m.ais.co.th/register_aisamazingsim .

Terms & Conditions : AIS PLAY FAMILY & be IN SPORTS CONNECT

• Get a special entitlement to access the PLAY FAMILY package and be IN SPORTS CONNECT with no additional charge.
• Entitled customers can start streaming the PLAY FAMILY package on AIS PLAY application is available for Android 4.4 and iOS 10.2 or above. Watch concurrently on 2 screens at the same time per account.
• beIN SPORTS CONNECT service available on 1 device via beIN SPORTS CONNECT APP or https://connect-th.beinsports.com/
• The service and service fee are only for domestic use, and not for commercial use or any use that may affect other users.
• แพ็กเกจ 2Gbps ของเรามีความเร็วในการดาวน์โหลดสูงสุด 2Gbps และความเร็วในการอัพโหลดสูงสุด 500Mbps บนอุปกรณ์ High speed optical converter (2.5Gbps) โดยมีพอร์ต 2.5Gbps WAN 1พอร์ต ซึ่งสามารถส่งด้วยความเร็วสูงสุด 2.5 Gbps ไปยัง Linksys Mesh WiFi AX5400 (หรือ เราเตอร์/Mesh WiFi ของบริษัทอื่น) ผ่านการเชื่อมต่อแบบมีสาย แพ็กเกจ 2Gbps ของเรามีความเร็วในการดาวน์โหลดสูงสุด 2Gbps และความเร็วในการอัพโหลดสูงสุด 500Mbps บนอุปกรณ์ High speed optical converter (2.5Gbps) โดยมีพอร์ต 2.5Gbps WAN 1พอร์ต ซึ่งสามารถส่งด้วยความเร็วสูงสุด 2.5 Gbps ไปยัง Linksys Mesh WiFi AX5400 ผ่านการเชื่อมต่อแบบมีสาย
• แพ็กเกจ 2Gbps ของเรามีความเร็วในการดาวน์โหลดสูงสุด 2Gbps และความเร็วในการอัพโหลดสูงสุด 500Mbps บนอุปกรณ์ High speed optical converter (2.5Gbps) โดยมีพอร์ต 2.5Gbps WAN 1พอร์ต ซึ่งสามารถส่งด้วยความเร็วสูงสุด ย

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Best SIM Card In Thailand For Tourists: Cost To Buy And Mobile Networks

The good news is that buying a SIM card in Thailand is easy and relatively inexpensive. It is possible to visit Thailand without a SIM card, but if you plan to travel throughout the country on your own, then it might be a good idea to get one.

What is the best SIM card in Thailand for tourists? The best tourist SIM card in Thailand is AIS TRAVELLER SIM card. It costs 599 Baht, and it has unlimited internet for 15 days. Additionally, it offers 100 Baht free call bonus. AIS mobile network operator provides decent 4G availability everywhere in Thailand. 

AIS is the biggest mobile network operator in Thailand, and it has the best mobile network coverage. But of course, there are alternatives to it.

Best Mobile Networks In Thailand

There are three mobile networks that operate in Thailand:

All of them has a very similar SIM card offers to tourists. The only noticeable difference is the 4G coverage – AIS and True Move are better compared to DTAC.

Other mobile network brands that are run either by AIS, True Move or a DTAC are Penguin SIM, Tune Talk, My and others.

How Much Does A SIM Card Cost In Thailand

Here are price and performance comparison for AIS, True Move and DTAC 15 day prepaid SIM cards.

AIS TRAVELLER SIM

• 15 DAYS Unlimited Internet
• 6GB Max Speed
• 100 BAHT Free Call Credit

TRUE MOVE TOURIST SIM

• 8GB Max Speed
• 50 BAHT Free Call Credit

DTAC HAPPY TOURIST SIM

19.16 USD is 599 Baht, 16.96 EUR, 14.86 GBP.

Here is what Thai mobile networks have to offer for 7-day visitors to Thailand.

• 8 DAYS Unlimited Internet
• 3GB Max Speed

19.16 USD is 299 Baht, 8.46 EUR, 7.41 GBP.

Basically, all plans are the same.

There is one alternative to consider, and it is a 199 Baht 7-day unlimited interned (500MB max speed) SIM card from DTAC.

Where To Buy SIM Card In Thailand

Everywhere 🙂 If you’re in a hurry just grab one at the airport and you’re good to go, but if you’re willing to save a few bucks here are some options where to buy SIM card elsewhere:

• Official provider store (AIS, TrueMove, DTAC)
• 7-Eleven and FamilyMart
• Various street vendors

Buying the SIM card at the airport is easy. You have to look for the companies selling the SIM cards. In both Bangkok International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport (also in Bangkok) the booths of companies that sell SIM cards are next to each other. You have to choose the shortest queue. When it is your turn, you will be asked for your ID.

Note that buying the SIM card somewhere elsewhere than in the airport will cost you less. So if you’re not in a hurry to start browsing it might be a good idea to get the card at any shopping mall or convenience store in Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand.

It is a good idea to stick around SIM card selling booths to make sure your balance comes through. Once it’s there, you’re good to go.

Buying the SIM card in a retail store is the best option. First of all the variety of packages will be better compared to the tourist SIM card offers at the airport. Various SIM card prepaid packages are available at every 7-Eleven store in Thailand. And 7-Eleven’s are everywhere.

Note that most prepaid packages in 7-Eleven’s will be for the short term visitors.

The only downside to buying a SIM card in 7-Eleven is that there might be no one to help you with the activation of the SIM card.

What Documents Do You Need To Buy a Thai SIM card

You will need your passport if you buy the SIM card from the official resellers.

Street vendors do not pay attention to that, and you will be able to buy the SIM card from them without having a passport with you.

Thailand Travel Essentials Protip #1: When planning a trip to Thailand I recommend to prepare several copies of your passport. In Thailand, you will face situations where you will be asked to leave your passport at a hotel, scooter rental, etc. If you’re staying at a nice hotel most likely, everything will be fine. But it can be a different story with the small scooter, jet ski, bicycle, etc. One of the most common tourist scams in Thailand is to rent a damaged transport and to ask for extra cash on its return. Leaving a passport copy at transport rental will be safer in case someone will try to scam you.

Where To Buy SIM Card In Thailand Online

Technically it is possible to buy a SIM card online although there is no advantage in paying for it in advance.

An exception could be long lines waiting for the SIM cards at Klook booth in the airport. Pre-purchase fast tracks you through the line.

To buy a SIM card for Thailand online, you can do it in Klook’s online store. Klook is a trustworthy website, and most of its provided services and activities are confined mostly to Asia.

Google for Klook reviews online if you want to and then get your tourist SIM card HERE .

Here is what people have to say about it:

Great SIM card. Buying in advance saves the stress of finding a sim upon arriving in Thailand. —  kailin , klook.com

The 4G SIM card is extremely convenient to pick-up and use! The counter is easy to locate, and Klook staff is helpful with inserting the SIM card so we can use this immediately. —  Shu Xian , klook.com

Very fast service provided by local dtac staff. Easy and simple. Stable 4G connection and free 100 baht call credit. Will come back again if the deal still available in future. —  Du Hong , klook.com

Will my phone work in Thailand?

Before going to Thailand, you should check with your mobile network operator either your phone is locked to it or not. If your phone is locked to a specific operator, you won’t be able to use it with a Thai SIM card.

If your phone appears to be locked you have two options on how to use the mobile phone in Thailand:

• Ask your operator for services while traveling outside your country
• Buy a cheap phone when in Thailand

Every large mobile operator has to have a specific plan for travelers. Most likely these offers will cost a lot.

If you believe that you can travel without worrying that people won’t be able to reach you to your current phone number the most convenient way how to use a mobile phone is Thailand is to have an unlocked phone and a Thai SIM card.

If you have no other options than to travel to Thailand with a locked phone then maybe it is worth buying a cheap phone and a Thai SIM card when in Thailand.

Should You Get A SIM Card

When I traveled to Thailand for the first time, I did it without a local SIM card. Of course, I had situations when I wished I would have a SIM card, but I managed to get around by downloading maps while in the hotel or at a bar or restaurant. I think it was okay not to have a SIM card with me because that way I used my cellphone lesser than I usually would.

I would recommend getting a Thai SIM card if you’re planning to get around by scooter or a car, because if you will get lost it will be easier to find a way back. As locals and especially in more remote areas don’t speak English, it will be easier to use a navigation app.

All hotels and Airbnb’s in Thailand has good Wi-Fi and if your destination in Thailand is Phuket and the islands around it I would say you don’t need a tourist SIM card at all.

Related Questions

Does Thailand have 4G? Yes, all the Thai mobile network operators provide 4G. Its availability throughout the country is good, but the speed could be better. I did a quick research, and apparently, its average speed is 9,60Mbps while the average 4G speed in the world is 16,9Mbps. By looking at numbers, the difference is enormous although in real life it feels okay and I’ve never felt annoyed by its speed.

Does AT&T work in Thailand? There is no AT&T in Thailand, but you can use its International Day Pass service. It will cost you $10 per day, but if you want to be reachable on your US number, it is the only option.

You can read more about on AT&T’s website  HERE .

Will my Verizon phone work in Thailand? First, you have to find out either your phone is locked or not by calling to Verizon. If your phone is locked to Verizon, you won’t be able to use your phone with a Thai SIM card. Verizon has similar service to AT&T, and it is called TravelPass. It also costs $10 per day.

You can read more about it HERE .

Is Smoking Allowed In Thailand? The Law And The Fines.

Is there uber in thailand 2022, comment (1).

You can buy a Thai SIM card at the AIS office for 50B. Then pick the unlimited 10MBPS plan for just $6/month. They do it all at the store! It’s this package: max. 10 Mbps: 200 THB, activation: *777*968*306650#

Check this link for more info on Thai SIM cards in thailand. The one they are “selling” here is convenient but hardly the best.

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Buying a SIM Card in Thailand: AIS vs Dtac vs TrueMove

Want to buy a SIM card for your travels but don't want to waste your time shopping around? Buy one in advance and have it shipped to your door within 1-5 days by tracked express post (DHL, UPS or similar).

These SIM cards will keep you connected in all of Asia, not just Thailand - much easier than buying a new SIM card in each country!

Browse Asia SIM cards and delivery times

SIM cards are getting easier to obtain all around the world, but few make it as easy as tech-savvy Thailand.

It's a country of beautiful beaches, amazing food and stunning landscapes, bringing in millions of tourists every year. And the fact is that almost all of these visitors experience some sort of scam during their time there - whether it's getting ripped off at the markets, the infamous tuk-tuk tours, or simply buying a local SIM card. It's all part of the experience!

Also see: Best Dual SIM Android Phones for Work & Travel

Having the right information is the best strategy to stay on top of the hilarious, organised chaos that Thailand has to offer, so today, we'll be covering everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Thailand.

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Best SIM Card Providers in Thailand

There are three main companies in Thailand, and who you choose depends on what you're planning to do, where you're planning to go, and for how long. These three companies are AIS, Dtac and TrueMove.

Here's a quick summary:

*only on the more expensive packages

I've tried all three networks for the purposes of this article, and my personal preference is TrueMove - but read on to see what suits you best.

AIS is the largest company in Thailand with the biggest market share of customers. In terms of pricing, they're in the middle ground between Dtac and TrueMove, but their 4G/LTE networks are almost non-existent and the speeds aren't that great. Still, they have the best coverage across the entire country, so if you're planning to leave the main tourist areas, AIS is a good choice.

• Great coverage
• Reasonably priced
• Free hotspots on the more expensive packages
• Relatively slow speeds (3G)
• No free hotspots on the cheaper packages

Dtac is a good balance between great coverage and network speeds, and is the network choice for many tech-savvy travellers. However, they're also the most expensive - the 299 Baht package that gets you 4GB on TrueMove gets you 2.5GB on Dtac. Their hotspots also aren't free, even if you're a paying customer. But if you can afford it, Dtac is a great choice that has the best of both coverage and network speeds.

• Fast network speeds (4G/LTE and 3G)
• Most expensive of the three networks
• No free wifi hotspots (but still quite cheap)

TrueMove is the cheapest network in Thailand, has the fastest 4G/LTE and 3G, and has thousands of free wifi hotspots all around the big cities. In Bangkok, it's almost impossible to find somewhere without a hotspot - in fact, the first draft of this article was written using a TrueMove hotspot. The downside of TrueMove is the coverage: it's not as comprehensive as Dtac, and definitely not as good as AIS - but you'll have no problems if you're heading to popular destinations such as Chiang Mai and even Pai.

• Fastest network speeds (4G/LTE and 3G)
• Free wifi hotspots for all packages
• Cheapest network in Thailand
• Coverage could be better in rural areas

Note: if you're staying in Thailand for less than seven (7) days, all three networks have special tourist packages for around 299 Baht for 1-1.5GB data. These can be found at the airports, convenience stores, branded company stores and most resellers.

Buying a SIM Card in Thailand

If you're flying into Thailand, the easiest way to buy a SIM card is the pick one up at the airport. The only problem is that some of these stores only carry the tourist packages and not the month-long SIM cards. If that's the case, I'd generally recommend holding off until you reach the city.

Buying a SIM card is a simple process, and the shop you buy it from should be able to set up everything for you. Most shops will have sales staff that speak great English, and they should be able to guide you from start to finish.

All you need to bring are the following:

• Your passport
• 49 Baht for the SIM card Your choice of data package

The monthly SIM cards offer far better value and more data, so if you're staying for longer than a week, your best bet is to find a branded company store. Keep an eye out for a big logo and (often) bright company colours with dozens of staff walking around inside.

Once you have your SIM card, all you need to do is open up the SIM card slot (usually located on the side or under the battery) and pop in the new one.

A problem that you might encounter is a sales staff member telling you that the SIM card you want is "out of stock". Other stores might even try to tell you that 7-day SIMs are the only option for tourists - this is simply not true.

If you run into this issue, simply try another store and ask for "one month SIM card with data" until someone can help you out. I found it rather odd that so many stores didn't have SIM cards (which is their main product, after all) - but this is just one of many strange things that you'll encounter during your time in Thailand.

How Much Are SIM Cards in Thailand?

The SIM card itself is 49 Baht, but the more confusing part is figuring out which data package to get. Data packages typically range from 199 to 599 Baht, though there are some more expensive options as well.

I generally recommend the 399 Baht option, which should be more than enough data to get you through a month.

This will get you:

• Dtac: 2.5GB
• TrueMove: 4GB

Once you have a SIM card, make sure you hang onto it until your next visit to Thailand to avoid paying the 49 Baht SIM card fee again.

How Do Wifi Hotspots Work in Thailand?

The sales staff that's helping you set up your SIM card should be able to give you more specific information, but getting yourself set up with wifi hotspots around the city is a simple process. Keep in mind that hotspots for AIS customers are limited to the most expensive packages (from memory, 499 Baht and above), while hotspots are totally free for all TrueMove customers.

If you're planning to get some work done, TrueMove is probably your best bet. A lot of digital nomads that spend a lot of time in Thailand vouch for TrueMove for this reason (and so do I). In city hubs, it's difficult to find a place that doesn't have the ".@ TRUEWIFI" hotspot name on your list of available wifi connections.

Using one of the hotspots on TrueMove is as simple as checking your text messages for an automatically generated 4-digit passcode, and using this with your phone number after connecting to the network. Within seconds, you'll stop using data and start using TrueMove's wifi hotspot - completely free of charge.

How to Top Up on Phone Credit

To get more data credit (or to get phone calls as well), simply head into a company store. Some kiosks and corner stores might be able to help you out as well, but I prefer going to an official store to get mine directly from the company.

If you buy a top-up off the street, they’ll give you a receipt with instructions on how to recharge your SIM card – in Vietnamese, of course. But if you ask, most sales assistants should be happy to do it for you.

Wonderfully helpful! Thank you! TrueMove sounds like the winner! And I like the name, but maybe I'm just biased! 🙂

You're welcome! I like the name too 🙂

Currently dtac has 2300MHz wave service. Why do you think dtac expensive? ^^

Hi Arthit, I wrote that Dtac is more expensive than the other two options. I found that getting a SIM card in Thailand is generally very affordable compared to a lot of places!

DTAC is the best option. Fastest and reliable. Now also have additional LTE 60Mhz to outperform other networks in terms of speed and capacity.

Hi Samujjal, I found TrueMove to be the best value - but thanks for sharing your experience. Good to hear that the network has been expanded!

Very helpful. I am travelling to Rayong, Thailand where no Truemove store will be available. Is there a possibility of Top up or recharge online website

Hi Piyush, I've never topped up online but it looks like it's possible on TrueMove's website .

dtac is the cheapest in Thailand Both top-up and monthly. Very fast internet too.

Great . Really helpful. Thank you .

You're welcome, thanks for reading!

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• Travel Sims

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Thailand in 2024

If you plan on visiting Thailand, having a sim card is essential for convenient navigation and connectivity. When traveling to new cities, having internet access allows you to easily find the best restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book taxis, and share photos with your family on the go.

While roaming is an option, international fees can quickly accumulate, so we strongly recommend either an eSIM or a local sim card to access local phone rates. The good news is that obtaining either an eSIM or a local sim card in Thailand is incredibly simple, but it helps to know which option is the most suitable for you.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to know about purchasing a sim card in Thailand, including current prices and the absolute best sim card for your needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in thailand for tourists.

The best sim card in Thailand is an Airalo eSim. For 350 THB (9.90 USD) or 700 THB (19.95 USD) you can get unlimited data for 8 or 15 days respectively. This offers roughly comparable value to the local sim cards but with the added convenience of not needing to visit a store and purchase a physical sim card.

Although AIS offers the best network speeds, Dtac is the cheapest sim card you can buy in Thailand offering unlimited internet for just 199 THB and is valid for 30 days. You will need to register when purchasing these sim cards, so if privacy is a concern to you then you may prefer the Airalo eSim above.

Thailand Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in Thailand costs between 299 THB and 899 THB in June 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in Thailand will cost between $9.90 USD and $19.95 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Thailand which includes Unlimited GB of data which is valid for 15 days and costs $19.95 USD.

Thailand Sim Card Providers

In Thailand, the main SIM card providers are AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC. AIS (Advanced Info Service) is the leading telecommunications company in the country, offering various prepaid and postpaid SIM card options. TrueMove, a subsidiary of True Corporation, is known for its reliable network coverage and competitive data plans. DTAC (Total Access Communication) is another major player in the Thai market, providing affordable voice and data services to its customers. These three providers have a strong presence nationwide and offer a wide range of services including mobile internet packages, international roaming, and value-added services. AISTrueMove, a collaboration between AIS and TrueMove, combines the strengths of both companies to offer enhanced services and improved network coverage to its users.

AIS Tourist Sim

AIS, one of the leading telecommunication companies in Thailand, offers convenient tourist SIM cards for travelers. These SIM cards provide seamless connectivity and high-speed internet access throughout the country. With attractive plans, AIS caters to the diverse needs of tourists, offering unlimited data, local calls, and international calls at affordable rates. AIS also provides excellent customer support, ensuring a hassle-free experience for tourists exploring Thailand’s vibrant culture and picturesque destinations.

AIS Thailand Tourist Sim Price

The price of a AIS tourist sim card in Thailand is either 299 THB or 599 THB.

The plan offered by AIS stores includes 35GB data + free social apps valid for 15 days.

TrueMove H Tourist Sim

TrueMove H is a leading telecommunication provider in Thailand, offering exceptional service to both locals and tourists. Their tourist sim cards are designed to enhance the travel experience by providing seamless connectivity across the country. With affordable data plans, reliable coverage, and 4G speeds, TrueMove H ensures that tourists can stay connected with their loved ones, access maps, and share their memorable moments throughout their visit to the Land of Smiles.

TrueMove H Thailand Tourist Sim Price

The price of a TrueMove H tourist sim card in Thailand is 199 THB.

The plan offered by TrueMove H stores offers 5GB 5G data + unlimited social media apps valid for 30 days.

Dtac Thailand Tourist Sim

Dtac is a leading telecommunications company in Thailand. They offer tourist sim cards, specifically catering to travelers visiting the country. These sim cards provide unlimited data, local calls, and SMS services at affordable rates. Dtac’s extensive coverage ensures a reliable connection throughout Thailand, enabling tourists to stay connected with their loved ones, navigate with ease, and access the internet on the go. Overall, Dtac’s tourist sim cards are an essential companion for travelers exploring Thailand.

Dtac Thailand Thailand Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Dtac Thailand tourist sim card in Thailand is 199 THB.

The plan offered by Dtac Thailand stores includes Unlimited valid for 30 days.

How to Get a Sim Card in Thailand

Identify mobile providers: AIS, TrueMove H and Dtac Thailand are your best options in Thailand.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in Thailand

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Thailand at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Thailand then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Thailand have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as AIS, TrueMove H and Dtac Thailand. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Thailand are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Thailand with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

Thailand eSim

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Thailand. The Airalo Thailand eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $19.95 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Thailand without having to venture outside.

Airalo Thailand

Our preferred eSim provider in Thailand is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Thailand and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s Thailand eSim uses the AIS network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the AIS networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Thailand.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Thailand eSim:

Unlimited data valid for 8 days – Price: $9.90 USD Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $19.95 USD

For most travellers we recommend the Unlimited GB data plan for $19.95 USD which is valid for 15 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly Thailand

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Thailand eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s Thailand eSim uses the TrueMove / DTACnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Thailand

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Thailand eSim:

Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD Unlimited data valid for 7 days – Price: $27 USD Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $64 USD Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $84 USD Unlimited data valid for 90 days – Price: $99 USD

What is an eSim?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is already built into devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card to be inserted or removed.

Instead, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This makes it easy for users to switch between different mobile networks or plans without having to physically swap SIM cards.

The convenience and flexibility of eSIM technology are particularly useful for travelers or people who frequently change mobile networks or travel internationally. It removes the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, which makes managing multiple mobile connections on a single device much more convenient.

To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a provided QR code or manually enter the activation details given by their mobile network operator. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and enjoy the same voice, data, and messaging services as with a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

There are various advantages to using an eSIM:

– Convenience: Without the need to physically insert or remove a SIM card, switching between mobile networks or plans is made easier. This is especially beneficial for frequent travelers who switch networks or use local SIM cards when in different countries.

– Dual SIM functionality: eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality on one device, enabling the use of two active mobile numbers. This is useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.

– Space-saving: As eSIMs are embedded within the device, there is no need for a physical SIM card slot. This creates more space within the device, allowing for smaller designs or the inclusion of additional components.

– Remote provisioning: eSIMs facilitate activation and management of mobile plans remotely over the air. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card or visiting a store when activating or switching to a new mobile plan. It offers greater flexibility and convenience in managing mobile connectivity.

– Future-proofing: With increasing support for eSIMs from mobile networks and service providers, using an eSIM-compatible device ensures access to new services and offerings as they become available.

Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an appealing choice for many users.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

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Bangkok Airport SIM Card - Thailand SIM Card for Tourist

You can buy local SIM card anywhere in Thailand but it is best to buy  SIM Card at Bangkok Airport or any other airport of your arrival to get connected right away. At Bangkok Airport you will easily see the shops of all 3 Thai mobile phone service providers, where you can buy Thailand SIM card for tourist and get help from the staff to set up your phone.

Thailand SIM Card at Bangkok Airport

Getting Thai SIM card for tourist is easy as all the main mobile phone service providers in the country offer special plans for tourists. All of them have numerous branches at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , which is the arrival point for most of tourists visiting Thailand. Most of the shops are located in the landside of the airport (after passing the customs) but you can find some shops on the airside, before passing immigration.

Buying Thailand SIM card at Bangkok Airport is not complicated as you only need an unlocked phone, passport and some cash in local currency to get a local SIM card for Thailand.

At least some of the branches at Suvarnabhumi Airport also accept credit cards for the payment but this payment option might not be available in all shops. However, you can  pre-book Thai SIM card  and pay for it online with your card to avoid cash payments at the airport.

Bangkok Airport SIM Card Options for Tourist

All 3 main Thailand mobile phone service providers AIS, DTAC and Truemove are present at Bangkok Airport and offer ‘pay as you go’ deals of Thai SIM Card for tourists. However, DTAC and Truemove merged recently and now offer identical plans to travelers so you basically have two different choices.

All three mobile networks have 4G/5G capability providing fairly good coverage in all but the most remote corners of the country so your choice should basically depend on the price, duration and amount of data needed. Actually, w hen your purchased plan expires, you can top it up at any 7-11 convenience store or via the app of service provider, so it's not necessary to book a plan covering full duration of your trip since the start.

The shops of three mobile phone service providers at Bangkok Airport can be recognized by distinct colors and they are often located next to each other so you can compare their offers without running all around the airport.

DTAC SIM Card at Bangkok Airport

The shops of Thailand mobile service provider DTAC at Bangkok Airport are blue.

DTAC currently offering several types of prepaid SIM card for tourists at Bangkok Airport.

The most basic is Happy Tourist 49 THB – Pay-As-You-Go plan that includes 1 GB Internet for 24 hours and then needs to be extended by getting add-ons.

Other Happy Tourist plan options offer unlimited Internet for 8 to 15 days and Internet at max speed for up to 15 - 50 GB. The most popular Thai SIM Card options at Bangkok Airport are the following:

• Happy Tourist 299 THB – unlimited Internet for 8 days (max speed up to 15 GB) – Get this SIM card for as little as 169 THB  when booking online ! 
• Happy Tourist 349 THB – unlimited Internet for 10 days (max speed up to 50 GB) – Get this SIM card for as little as 249 THB  when booking online !

To get a discounted rate, you need to book DTAC SIM Card online via the links provided and then pick your SIM card at the airport on arrival.

DTAC is also offering Happy Tourist Infinite plans with unlimited Internet and no speed limits for 8 to 30 days but they cost from 449 THB to 1,199 THB and are more expensive alternatives with hardly any advantages for the usual tourist.

AIS SIM Card at Bangkok Airport

The shops of Thailand mobile service provider  AIS at Bangkok Airport are green.

AIS is currently offering 3 types of prepaid SIM card for travellers with unlimited Internet for 8 to 30 days and max speed Internet  up to 15 - 50 GB that cost from 299 THB to 899 THB. 

As AIS claim themselves to be No. 1 network in Thailand, their tourist SIM card plans are more expensive and can't be pre-booked online at discounted rate so choosing another Thai SIM card at Bangkok Airport can help you save significant amount of money . 

TRUE SIM Card at Bangkok Airport

The shops of Thailand mobile service provider TRUE at Bangkok Airport are red.

As it was mentioned before, after merging TRUE is currently offering identical prepaid SIM card options for tourists like DTAC. The most popular of them can also be pre-booked online at a discounted rate :

• Thailand Tourist 299 THB – unlimited Internet for 8 days (max speed up to 15 GB) 
• Thailand Tourist 349 THB – unlimited Internet for 10 days (max speed up to 50 GB)  – Get this SIM card for as little as 169 THB  when booking online !

Best Deal for Thai SIM Card at Bangkok Airport

If you want to get the best deal for Thai SIM Card at Bangkok Airport , you should book your Thailand SIM card online and get it at the airport with the voucher. There are few advantages of pre-booking Thai SIM card online and then picking it up on arrival at the airport:

• You can get your Thai SIM card at a discounted price.
• You don’t need to exchange your money to Thai baht at the airport (exchange rates at the arrivals are really bad).
• The desk of the reseller is normally less crowded than the shops of the providers, so picking up your SIM card there can save time.

Where can you get the best deals for Thai SIM card ? By booking it online via the link below and picking it up at Bangkok Airport:

Thai SIM card at Bangkok Airport

After your purchased plan expires, you can top it up at any 7-11 convenience store or via the app of service provider. Therefore, getting a discounted DTAC Happy Tourist package online  and topping it up once the plan gets expired or max speed Internet is used is normally be cheaper than buying the plan for 599 THB at once. 

Install the app of the chosen service provider as you will be able to top up easily, track your data usage and will get various deals from time to time (they give away various discounts or freebies such as free ice cream at McDonalds so you might be lucky to get something worth attention).

Other useful apps for Thailand are listed here:  Best Apps for Thailand Travel .

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Best Mobile Operators in Thailand: Guides for Tourists

So you’re off to explore the beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and delicious food of Thailand! But before you land, there’s one essential to sort – staying connected. This guide will unveil the best mobile operators in Thailand for tourists, helping you choose the perfect SIM card or eSIM for your adventure.

We’ll break down the top contenders, AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H, highlighting their coverage, data options, and tourist-friendly packages. With this info in hand, you’ll be able to stay online, navigate with ease, and share your Thai journey with friends and family back home!

Table of Contents

I. do i need to buy a sim card when travelling in thailand.

If you plan to use your mobile phone while traveling in Thailand, buying a SIM card is a good idea. Here are some reasons:

• Cost: Using your home country’s mobile network while traveling in Thailand can be expensive due to roaming charges. Buying a local SIM card can be more cost-effective, as local mobile plans are designed to be affordable for locals.
• Convenience: Having a local SIM card makes staying connected while traveling in Thailand easy. You can use the internet, call, and text without worrying about roaming charges or finding Wi-Fi.
• Local phone number: Buying a local SIM card will give you a local phone number, which can be useful for making local calls, contacting local businesses, or communicating with locals.
• Internet access: Having a local SIM card with a data plan will give you easy access to the internet, which can be useful for navigating, finding places to eat, or researching local attractions.

Read more: Guide on data roaming in Thailand for travellers

• Several mobile network operators in Thailand, including AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H, offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists.
• These can be purchased at the airport, mobile network operator stores, or convenience stores.
• Before purchasing a SIM card, ensure your device is compatible with the network frequencies used in Thailand and that your device is unlocked for international use.

II. How Many Mobile Operators in Thailand?

There are currently 3 major mobile operators in Thailand : AIS, DTAC, TrueMove. These operators offer various mobile services, including voice calls, text messaging, data, and internet access.

Notes: dtac and True Corporation were merged and launched under the name True Corporation

Mobile operator market in Thailand is quite big:

• Total subscribers/connections in Thailand at the end of 2023 was 98.032.500.
• The population decreased slightly to 66,052,615, giving a mobile penetration of 148%.

1. Main Mobile Operators in Thailand

The four key players in the Thai telecommunication market are:

1.1. AIS (Advanced Info Service)

AIS is the largest mobile operator in Thailand, with over 40 million subscribers. It offers various services, including 3G, and 4G networks and mobile internet and data services. AIS’ market share of the total connections in the market is about 45.51% (Updated in 2023).

Read more: AIS SIM cards for tourists

1.2. DTAC (Total Access Communication)

DTAC and TruemoveH merger (TRUE) became Thailand’s second-largest mobile operator, with a market share of around 52.92% (2023). It provides voice and data services, as well as international roaming services.

dtac is also known as one of the leading providers offering data packages for tourists. Check out Full guide for buying dtac SIM cards for tourists .

1.3. TrueMove 

TrueMove was Thailand’s third-largest mobile operator. After the merger with dtac, it became top mobile operator in Thailand with total connections in the market and increased its market share to 52.92% (from 52.77% in Q3- 2023).

Read more: Truemove SIM card guides for tourists !

2. Top Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO)

Besides the mobile operators, many MVNOs operate under the mobile network operators’ infrastructures. Some outstanding names can be listed below:

2.1.National Telecom (NT)

Here is some necessary information about National Telecom (NT) that you should know:

• Native name: บริษัท โทรคมนาคมแห่งชาติ จำกัด (มหาชน)
• Founded: 7 January 2021 
• Type: Public State-owned
• Industry: Telecommunications
• Predecessor: CAT Telecom & TOT Public Company Limited
• Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand
• Area served: Thailand
• Products: Mobile telephony, Wireless broadband services, International gateways, Satellite, Submarine cable networks
• Owner: Ministry of Digital Economy and Society
• Website: https://www.ntplc.co.th/

2.2. Feels Telecom Corporation Company Limited – Feels

Feels is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) based in Thailand that offers customers affordable and flexible mobile services. Established in 2020, Feels operates on the networks of one of Thailand’s leading mobile operators, allowing it to provide reliable coverage and high-quality services to its subscribers.

For tourists, Feels offers various valid plans (1-30 days), free GB and call minutes, and prices (29 baht – 499 baht). You can head to https://feels.co.th/packages to check out the plans.  

2.3. Red One Network – Red One

Red One, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Thailand, offers mobile services through the TOT 3G and 4G networks. The company was launched in 2019 and is owned by Samart Group, a well-known telecommunications company in Thailand.

RedOne offers many data packages for various types of users. You can refer to the packages below:

2.4. The Whitespace Company Ltd – Penguin SIM

Penguin SIM is a Thailand mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). The company offers prepaid SIM card services for both voice and data to customers in Thailand, focusing on providing affordable and convenient options.

2.5. Loxley Public Company Limited – I-KOOL 3G 

Loxley Public Company Limited is a leading conglomerate in Thailand that operates in various industries, including telecommunications. I-KOOL 3G aims to provide customers with high-quality and affordable mobile services.

Each of these operators offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to carefully evaluate their services and coverage areas before deciding which one to use.

III. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operators in Thailand?

When evaluating the best mobile operator in Thailand, there are several key criteria to consider, including:

• Network coverage and quality: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a mobile operator is the quality and coverage of its network. The best mobile operator should have strong coverage in areas where you need it most, including urban and rural areas.
• Speed and reliability of the internet: In today’s digital world, fast and reliable internet access is crucial. The best mobile operator should provide fast and reliable internet services with minimal downtime or disruptions.
• Cost of services and plans: Mobile services and plans are another important factor when choosing a mobile operator. The best operator should provide affordable and transparent pricing, with various plans to suit different needs and budgets.
• Customer service and support: Good customer service and support are essential when choosing a mobile operator. The best operator should provide responsive and knowledgeable online and offline support.
• Availability of latest devices and plans: The best mobile operator should offer the latest devices and plans, including smartphones, tablets, and data plans, to stay ahead of the competition.

By evaluating these criteria, you can determine which mobile operator best fits your needs and requirements, whether you are a resident or a visitor to Thailand.

IV. Best Mobile Operators in Thailand Offer SIM Card and eSIM for Tourists

Below is the list of Thailand’s top best mobile operators that you can refer to when traveling to Thailand. 

AIS (Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited) is Thailand’s leading telecommunications network operator.

The company’s strong customer base in Thailand is known for its high-quality network coverage and customer service.

1.1. AIS network coverage and quality

AIS has close to perfect coverage throughout Thailand. AIS operates 3G, and 4G networks nationwide, providing voice and data services to its customers. AIS’s network coverage is extensive, covering both urban and rural areas of Thailand, and its 4G network provides fast and reliable internet services to its customers. 

Here is the AIS network coverage in Thailand:

1.2. Cost of AIS SIM card and eSIM for tourists

An AIS SIM card costs between 50 THB and 1490 THB from resellers such as grocery stores, petrol stations, and convenience stores. The majority of them come with introductory benefits or plans.

Additionally, AIS SIM cards are available at several airports, including Chiang Mai International Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (CNX).

The AIS Thailand Tourist SIM card is also available to tourists and short-term visitors. The four AIS Thailand Tourist SIM cards listed below are readily available:

Anyway, you have more convenient alternatives if your device supports Thailand eSIM::

AIS eSIMs are also provided by many Thailand eSIM providers like Gigago, thailandesim.com,… They can offer more options on data volume and validity.

Check out some Thailand AIS eSIM:

2. DTAC (Total Access Communication) 

DTAC (Total Access Communication) is one of the major mobile network operators in Thailand, providing its customers network services. 

2.1. DTAC network coverage and quality

DTAC’s network coverage is extensive, covering most of Thailand’s urban and rural areas. The company has invested heavily in its network infrastructure to provide its customers with high-speed and reliable network services.

Below is Dtac Thailand’s coverage map produced by Speedtest:

2.2. Cost of DTAC SIM card and eSIM for tourists

In addition to its mobile network services, DTAC offers a range of mobile plans and services for tourists, including voice, SMS, and data packages, as well as value-added services such as music and video streaming.

Between 29 THB and 2999 THB, you may get a Dtac Thailand SIM card from resellers, including grocery shops, petrol stations, and convenience stores. The majority of them come with introductory benefits or plans.

Dtac SIM cards are available at several airports, including Chiang Mai International Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (CNX).

Read more: Buying Thailand SIM cards at the airport

The four Dtac Happy Tourist SIM cards listed below are available:

The price of a Dtac eSIM is equivalent to that of a regular SIM card. Thai mobile service providers require your identification (passport) and biometrics for eSIMs and traditional SIM cards (fingerprints and a facial scan, which frequently apply to foreigners).

Thus if you want an eSIM without having your personal information gathered, Thailand (Dtac) eSIMs from ThailandeSIM are a suitable choice.

3. TrueMove H

TrueMove H is a subsidiary of True Corporation, a large telecommunications conglomerate in Thailand that also operates a fixed-line telephone and broadband network and other digital services. 

3.1. TrueMove H network coverage and quality

TrueMove H is known for providing high-speed and reliable mobile internet services, particularly through its 4G LTE-Advanced network.

3.2. Cost of services and plans

TrueMove H has several different mobile plans and packages that cater to different types of customers, ranging from prepaid plans to postpaid plans with unlimited data and international roaming options.

In TrueMove H outlets and via resellers, such as grocery stores, petrol stations, and convenience stores, you may purchase a TrueMove H SIM card for between 45 THB and 1499 THB, the majority of them with beginning bonuses or plans.

Moreover, TrueMove H SIM cards are available at several airports, including Chiang Mai International Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (CNX).

The following TrueMove H Thailand Tourist (Infinite) SIM cards are available:

A TrueMove H eSIM may be purchased for the same cost as a standard SIM card.

With eSIMs and physical SIM cards, Thai mobile providers demand your identification (passport) and biometrics (fingerprints and a facial scan, which frequently apply to foreigners).

Hence, if you want an eSIM without having your personal information collected, choose Thailand (Dtac) eSIMs.

V. Thailand Mobile Network Operators Comparisons 

According to the most current review by independent mobile analytics company Opensignal, Thailand has the best mobile network in terms of data speeds and performance.

According to Opensignal, the mobile network performance for Thailand’s three national carriers – AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H – was monitored for 90 days, beginning on July 1 and ending on September 28, 2023. This business focuses in determining mobile data speeds around the world. Look at the cited outcomes below:

Here’s a comparison of the 3 major mobile operators in Thailand based on the November 2023 Opensignal report:

• AIS: Dominates overall, winning awards in 5G experience, download speed, video experience, consistent quality, and coverage. They also boast the best 5G upload speeds.
• DTAC: Takes the crown for video streaming experience, likely due to consistent and reliable connections. They share wins with AIS for download speed in some areas.
• TrueMove H: Holds onto the top spot for 5G availability, meaning you’re more likely to find a 5G signal with them. However, their 5G upload speeds lag behind AIS and DTAC.

In short, AIS seems the all-rounder with the best overall experience and fastest 5G upload speeds. DTAC is a strong contender for video streaming, and TrueMove H shines for 5G availability.

When choosing a mobile network operator in Thailand, consider which criteria are most important. For example, if you need good internet speed, you might choose dtac, while if you value wide coverage and good voice quality, you might choose AIS. Comparing plans and prices to find the best deal for your needs.

VI. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Thailand Mobile Operators?

A Thailand SIM card is available via AIS, TrueMove H, and Dtac retailers. SIM cards are also sold by resellers, including post offices, newsstands, and grocery shops. Also, they are offered for sale in several airports, such as Hat Yai International Airport, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) (HDY).

You can buy a Thai SIM card in the following airports:

• Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
• Chiang Rai – Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
• Don Mueang – Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
• Hat Yai – Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
• Krabi – Krabi International Airport (KBV)
• Phuket – Phuket International Airport (HKT)
• Samui – Samui Airport (USM)
• U-Tapao – U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport (UTP)

VII. Does Thailand Mobile Operators Offer eSIM?

Yes. Thailand mobile operators also have eSIM options for tourists. If you’re planning to travel to Thailand and want to use an eSIM, you have a few options:

• Buy an eSIM online before you travel: Various online services offer eSIMs for use in Thailand. One such service is Thailand eSIM , which offers eSIMs for Thailand and many other countries.
• Buy an eSIM at the airport: Some airports in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, offer eSIMs for purchase upon arrival. However, this option may be more expensive than buying an eSIM online.

Buy Thailand eSIM online without a passport!

Before purchasing an eSIM or physical SIM card, ensure that your device is compatible with the network frequencies used in Thailand and that your device is unlocked for international use. Additionally, be aware of any roaming charges that may apply if you use your home country’s mobile network while in Thailand.

For eSIM, you need to check the device compatibility before purchasing a plan. Check out Thailand eSIM compatible device list !

VIII. FAQs about Thailand Mobile Operators

Here are some frequently asked questions about mobile operators in Thailand that travelers may consider:

How many mobile operators in Thailand?

There are currently 3 major mobile operators in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, TrueMove. After the merge between dtac and Truemove H, the market share in Thailand almost includes AIS and TRUE.

Is it cheaper to use eSIM in Thailand compared to a physical SIM card?

It depends on the plan and carrier you choose. Some eSIM plans may offer cheaper rates than traditional SIM cards, but it’s best to compare the options available to determine which is the best for your needs.

Which mobile operator is the best option for tourists?

It’s based on the traverlers’ demands. If you need good internet speed, you might choose TrueMove H, while if you value wide coverage and good voice quality, you might choose AIS or Dtac.

• DTAC 8 Days Unlimited Data + Calls
• DTAC 10 Days Unlimited Data + Calls
• DTAC 15 Days Unlimited Data + Calls
• DTAC 30 Days Unlimited Data + Calls
• AIS 8 Days Unlimited Data + Calls
• AIS 10 Days Unlimited Data + Calls
• THAI 3 Days
• THAI 5 Days
• THAI 7 Days
• SING – THAI
• MALAY – THAI
• SING – MALAY – THAI
• THAI – VIET – CAM
• SING – MALAY – INDO – THAI
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Thailand SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 26, 2024 | Asia , SIM Cards , Thailand , Travel Tips

Visiting Thailand soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Thailand SIM card .

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Thailand in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Thailand.

If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Thai – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Thailand .

Best SIM Cards In Thailand

If you’re traveling in Thailand, we recommend using a SIM card from AIS, Truemove, Dtac, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.

Buying A SIM Card In Thailand

You can buy a Thailand prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

In some shops, you might only be able to pay with cash. Learn more about money in Thailand .

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a Thailand SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.

Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by AIS, Truemove, and Dtac.

AIS SIM Cards

AIS offers a variety of prepaid SIM card plans.

The most relevant for tourists include:

• SIM super net: Unlimited data, 5 days, THB 50 ($1.31)
• SIM net marathon: Unlimited data, one month, THB 880 (22.97) – There are many SIM net marathon plans available, depending on what you are looking for.

Truemove SIM Cards

Truemove has several different prepaid plans available:

• 1 GB data, 7 days THB 39
• 3 GB data, 3 days, THB 75
• 5 GB data, 7 days, THB 99
• 8 GB data, 7 days, THB 149
• 15 GB data, 7 days, THB 150
• 15 GB data, 15 days, THB 249

As you can see, it has more options than AIS.

Dtac SIM Cards

Dtac offers a number of SIM-only plans for tourists:

• Happy Net: Free Youtube & social media, THB 49
• Happy Combo: Unlimited data, 10 days, THB 99
• Happy Combo 2: Unlimited data, 30 days, THB 199

Overall, we think Truemove is the cheapest option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

Over the years, I’ve tried all of them. I have a preference for AIS and Dtac because I think it’s a bit faster, but it can depend on your location.

How To Buy A Thailand Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM card works in more than 17 countries and gives you unlimited data for 14 days. Thailand is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer one data plan in Thailand:

• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Thailand or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How To Buy A Thailand eSIM

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get Internet in Thailand .

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it.

To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo . Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Thailand.

Airalo Thailand

If you want to buy an eSIM for Thailand, you could purchase one on Airalo .

This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Thailand. I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available :

• 50 GB, valid for 10 days for $9.90 (including calls)
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $19.95 (including calls)

Here’s an overview of the options available for Asia :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Asialink and offer coverage in 14 countries, including Thailand.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 124 countries, including Thailand.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 60 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip.

In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Thailand

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly .

You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Thailand:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139

Go to Holafly

Nomad Thailand

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider.

Here’s an overview of the plans available for Thailand:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 2GB, valid for 30 days for $10
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $15
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $21
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $30

Nomad also has APAC , an eSIM plan in Asia. This plan offers coverage in Thailand.

Here’s an overview:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $15
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $50
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $69

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On Thailand SIM Cards

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Thailand or even an eSIM for your travels in Thailand is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Thailand if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Thailand soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Best place to live in Thailand
• Chiang Mai to Pai
• How many days in Chiang Mai

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5 Best SIM Cards for Thailand in 2024

Home | Travel | Asia | 5 Best SIM Cards for Thailand in 2024

If you want to buy a SIM card for Thailand , you should know that there are several options to choose from. I know that planning a trip can be overwhelming, so in this guide, I’m sharing the best Thailand SIM cards to help you out.

Having access to the Internet while traveling is super useful, as you can look up directions, nearby attractions, reviews, and more. For our trips, we always purchase an Holafly eSIM so we can update our Capture the Atlas social networks and keep up with the blog.

Plus, this eSIM for Thailand is completely digital, so it takes just a few minutes to install and activate. It also offers unlimited data, so we can focus on more important things like enjoying our trip. If, after reading this article, you decide this Thailand eSIM card is perfect for you, don’t forget to take advantage of this Holafly discount and save some money.

5% OFF your international eSIM card

Of course, there are other good travel SIMs for Thailand , so if your device isn’t compatible with a digital card or you want more options, keep reading. I’ve included the best local SIMs in Thailand as well as the physical card from SimOptions , which you can purchase before your trip.

How do SIM cards for Thailand work?

A SIM card for Thailand works the same way as any other SIM in your home country. If you get a physical card, you’ll be able to browse the Web and, in some cases, send texts and make calls to local phones in Thailand, depending on the plan.

With a digital SIM like the Holafly eSIM , you’ll only have data, but I think this is more than enough for your trip. You’ll still be able to make calls by using mobile apps like Skype and WhatsApp, and you’ll be able to keep your home phone number. Just be aware that not all devices are compatible with virtual SIMs, so check your phone’s compatibility here before purchasing.

Installing a prepaid SIM card for Thailand is easy and will allow you to access the Internet in Thailand in just a few minutes. If you have the Holafly international eSIM , you just need to scan the QR code that gets emailed to you after purchasing. For physical cards, you must insert the card into your phone’s SIM card slot and activate it via SMS or call, depending on the company. If your phone doesn’t have a dual card slot, keep your original SIM card in a safe place so it doesn’t get lost while you’re traveling.

Thailand SIM card price comparison

To give you a better idea of the price for a Thailand SIM card , here is a comparison chart with the prices, plan durations, and gigabytes for the 5 best SIM cards in Thailand . I’ve included the Holafly eSIM and other physical cards such as the SimOptions SIM card and other local SIMs in Thailand .

As you can see, the only two options that offer Thailand SIM cards with unlimited data are the Holafly eSIM and the local SIM, TrueMove , and only for some plans. Keep in mind that you can’t order the TrueMove card until you arrive in Thailand, so it’s not my first recommendation, especially for short trips. Also, if your phone doesn’t have a dual card slot, you’ll have to remove your usual SIM card to install the Thai one.

If you’d rather have everything ready to go before leaving for your trip, and your phone isn’t compatible with digital SIM cards , consider getting the SimOptions card . This way, you can access the Internet as soon as you land in Thailand.

If you’re on a tight budget, the cheapest local SIM cards for Thailand are AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove, but you can’t purchase them until you’re in Thailand. For convenience and guaranteed high-speed data, I recommend the Holafly eSIM . You can buy it and install it before your trip and enjoy unlimited data without removing your phone’s original SIM.

Best SIM cards for Thailand

Now that you’ve compared the costs for a Thailand SIM card , I’ll share the pros and cons of each option.

I rely on the Internet for work, so I need a company that can guarantee high-speed data and a stable connection worldwide. That’s why I always get the Holafly eSIM . While it may be more expensive than the local cards, it’s super easy to install, and I can activate it from home. For me, it’s worth the extra cost not to have to worry about shopping around for the best deal on Thai phone cards when I could be enjoying my trip.

Plus, Holafly offers customer support in English, while most local Thailand SIM cards only have assistance in Thai. Still, if you want to purchase one of these cards, you can read about the best options below.

1. Holafly eSIM , the best SIM card for Thailand

First, the Holafly eSIM is the best eSIM for Thailand , thanks to its convenience and simplicity. It’s 100% digital, so it’s ideal for those who don’t have a dual card slot on their phone, or who want to set up their SIM before their trip.

To activate the Holafly card, simply open the email that gets sent to you after purchasing the eSIM. It’ll have a QR code, which you need to scan to start using mobile data.

While this is a super streamlined process, you should be aware that not all devices are compatible with this type of travel eSIM for Thailand . I always recommend checking your phone’s compatibility through this link before purchasing, although if you have one of the latest smartphone models, you should be fine.

Also, if you run into any problems, Holafly’s assistance team is available 24 hours a day in English, so you’ll always have someone to help you.

We used the Holafly eSIM for Thailand for one of our trips to Asia, and we ended up having a better Internet connection than our friends who bought a local SIM card for Thailand (I believe it was TrueMove). That said, what I value most about Holafly is that they offer unlimited data, so we’re always able to connect and stay on top of our work.

If you want this eSIM for travel to Thailand , I suggest taking advantage of the Holafly discount codes that can save you money.

2. SimOptions card , the best physical SIM card for Thailand

If you want to get everything ready from home, but your phone is not compatible with eSIM cards, then SimOptions is a great alternative.

Just remember that you must order your international SIM in advance since these physical SIM cards for Thailand take up to 3 business days to arrive at your home. Once you receive your card, just put it into your device to start using the data. And if you have any questions, SimOptions has a support team that is available 24 hours a day to help you out.

Of course, if your phone doesn’t have a dual SIM slot, you’ll have to remove your usual SIM card and keep it in a safe place while you use the Thai one. Another thing to keep in mind is that SimOptions only offers 14-day plans with 10 GB of data. To compare, the Holafly eSIM and most local SIM cards for Thailand have plans with more data at cheaper prices.

3. AIS , another good SIM card for Thailand

If you decide that you want a local SIM card in Thailand , then consider getting one from AIS . This is one of the most popular companies, offering 14-day and 30-day plans with a good amount of mobile data.

The biggest disadvantage of these cards is that you’ll have to wait until you’re in Thailand to get one. This means you’ll have to spend time buying a SIM card in the Thailand airport or at one of the local stores. This can eat up a lot of your vacation time, so it’s not ideal for shorter trips.

On the other hand, these local cards have an exclusive Wi-Fi network for customers, so you’ll always have Internet at important sites and tourist attractions. Just log into the network with your personal password, and you won’t have to consume your plan’s data.

To activate this card, you must call the AIS phone line and follow the activation instructions. I recommend doing this at the store you get it from since the instructions are usually in Thai.

4. DTAC , a Thailand SIM card for short trips

DTAC is another option is you want a prepaid Thailand SIM card from a local company. They offer shorter-term plans, so if you’re only going to be in the country for a few days, it’s a good option. That said, the prices are about the same as the other local companies.

You can buy a DTAC card from any official store or at one of their airport kiosks. It’s easier to find retailers in bigger cities like Bangkok, so if you’re going to a smaller town, you might have some trouble. On the plus side, this company has a customer service hotline that you can call for support in English, so if you run into any technical problems, you should be able to solve them quite easily.

5. TrueMove , a cheap prepaid SIM card for Thailand

Finally, the prepaid SIM card for Thailand from TrueMove is another popular option. Of all the local cards, this is my favorite since it offers a wide range of plans at affordable prices, and some of them include unlimited data.

Like AIS, TrueMove offers unlimited Wi-Fi, so you can consume a good amount of data during your trip. One of the downsides of TrueMove is that you must buy the SIM card in Thailand at one of the authorized stores. They’re also available in some subway stations, but it’ll still take you some time to find a store, make the purchase, and complete the activation process.

Where to buy a SIM card for Thailand

As you’ve seen, you can buy a Thailand SIM card online in your home country, or you can wait until you arrive at your destination. I prefer having everything ready to go before my trip, so if that sounds like you, I recommend getting the Holafly eSIM or a card from SimOptions.

Below, I’ll tell you how to buy your SIM card for Thailand , whether you’re doing it before your trip or after your arrival in Thailand.

Buy a Thailand SIM card in your home country

If you haven’t left for your trip yet, you can purchase the SIM online. With the Holafly digital SIM , you’ll receive an email as soon as you make the purchase, and if you buy from SimOptions , you’ll get the card delivered to your home within 3 business days.

For me, this is the best option since I can install the card in advance, and if I have any problems activating it, I can sort them out before my trip. This gives me greater peace of mind when I arrive at the airport since I don’t need to worry about locating a store, installing a local Thailand SIM card , and navigating the language barrier.

Another great thing about buying a Thailand SIM card in advance is that I can start using my data immediately. This is useful if I need to call a taxi or Uber, or I need to access online maps.

Buy a SIM card for Thailand at your destination

If you’re already traveling and still need a SIM card for Thailand , you can still buy the Holafly eSIM . It’s totally digital, so once you purchase it, you’ll get an email with a QR code that you can scan to connect to the Internet.

The alternative is to buy a travel SIM in Thailand from one of the local companies. Make sure you go to an official store or authorized retailer, especially since there are lots of unauthorized stores and kiosks that may offer SIM cards with less data than advertised.

Whichever option you choose, remember to always check your phone’s compatibility in advance. In the case of Holafly, you can go through this link to see if you’re device will work with an eSIM for Thailand. For all other cards, you must check with the store.

How to activate a SIM card for Thailand

The process of activating a Thailand SIM card depends on which type of card you get. For example, with the Holafly eSIM , you just have to scan the QR code in your email to download the configuration. This will automatically activate the eSIM on your phone.

For physical cards, insert the SIM into your device, then proceed with the activation process via SMS or call. If you’re getting a local prepaid SIM card in Thailand , I recommend asking the salesperson to help you activate it since the instructions are usually in Thai.

Also, consider whether or not your device has a dual SIM slot. If so, you can keep your usual SIM card installed, but if not, you’ll have to remove it so you can insert the Thailand SIM card . Keep your usual SIM card in a safe place so it doesn’t get lost or damaged during your trip.

Thailand SIM card compatibility and requirements

To use the Holafly eSIM, you must have a compatible device, which you can check here . Also, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with Thailand’s network frequency. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use any of the Thai SIM cards in this article.

If you’re buying your SIM card in Thailand upon arriving in the country, you’ll need to present your passport to the salesperson. Then, choose the data plan that best suits your needs and insert the SIM into your device. You’ll have to finish the activation with the specific telephone company for that card, so I recommend completing this process at the store.

Thailand SIM card vs. SIM card for Asia

Finally, if you plan on visiting more than one country in Asia like I did during my 20-day Southeast Asia trip , you may want to take a look at Holafly’s eSIMs for Asia . They work in over a dozen countries, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines.

With the eSIM for Asia, you won’t have to purchase a new SIM card in every country you visit. Not only can this save you money, but it’ll ensure you stay connected throughout your trip. You can choose between 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 30-day plans with unlimited data. You’ll have to decide what works best for you: a card you can use in every country you visit, or individual SIM cards you’ll have to buy at each place you travel to.

There is also the SimOptions card for Asia , which is a good option for those who prefer a physical card. So, go over your options and see which alternative is most useful for your trip.

That’s everything to know about Thai SIM cards , so now you can get Internet in Thailand during your trip. I hope this guide helped you narrow down your options and feel better prepared for your travels, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below. I’d also love to hear about your experience using any of these Thailand SIM cards for tourists .

Until then, stay safe and enjoy your trip!

Ascen Aynat

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Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Thailand in 2024

Excited for your trip to Thailand? I envy you! Traveltomtom has visited Thailand more than 20 times and it is one of my most visited countries in the world. Staying connected makes traveling in Thailand so much easier and of course much more fun. Don't get stuck with high roaming charges or slow overseas data roaming plans.

This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Thailand. Local prepaid sim cards you buy on arrival in Thailand are cheap, but there are also amazing e-sim card deals for Thailand that you order directly on the internet and you are online as soon as the plane lands.

Find out everything about buying a prepaid sim card in Thailand, the best e-sim cards for Thailand, the best 4G/5G network, up to date prices as per July 2024, where to buy a sim card for Thailand, my recommendations, a vlog and my recommendations, info about buying a sim card at Bangkok Airport, information about international prepaid sim cards and more.

Because I have this crazy idea to visit every country in the world  I constantly get to a lot of new countries and airports. Being a full time nomadic travel blogger the first thing I do is searching for the best way to get connected. For most countries I get myself an e-sim card these days otherwise I end up buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival.

To help you getting the best, fastest or cheapest data connection on your phone and save money on roaming charges when you travel abroad I already wrote more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world:  Europe , USA , New York ,  Egypt , Costa Rica , Panama , Kenya , Hong Kong , Malaysia , Asia , Bali , Singapore , Germany , Italy , France , Spain ,  Tbilisi , Istanbul , Milan , Madrid , Jeddah , Muscat , Bahrain , etc.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me!

The most convenient place to buy a local prepaid prepaid sim card for Thailand is on arrival at Bangkok Airport. Check out my complete guide and vlog about buying a tourist sim card at Bangkok Airport .

you may also like...

Keep in mind that you can NOT get an e-sim card on arrival in Thailand, they only provide physical prepaid sim cards in phone stores in Thailand. The only place where you can get an e-sim card for Thailand is on the internet.

Check out my complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Thailand in 2024 .

Some links in this article about the best prepaid sim cards for traveling to Thailand are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link in this article I earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a True Move sim card for traveling in Thailand. They have an amazing 5G network, similar to AIS, but a True Move sim cards for tourists are with unlimited data and start already from just $8 USD.

You can buy a True Move or AIS sim card at Bangkok Airport, but you will pay a higher price than in Bangkok city center. Also when buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Thailand always ask for the max data speed, because many prepaid sim card plans come with capped data speed.

However, the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Thailand in 2024 is an e-sim card. You arrange everything online and you are connected to the internet as soon as the plane lands. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Thailand via Airalo  or  SimOptions , but there is also Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac, etc.

If you are looking for a sim card for traveling in Thailand with unlimited data then you definitely want to learn more about e-sim cards. An e-sim card for Thailand for 10 days with 50 GB data already starts from $9.90 USD. Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best e-sims for traveling to Thailand .

If you are planning a big trip to Southeast Asia then these international sim cards can come in handy:  12 Best Data Sim Cards for Asia in 2024  or Best World Travel Sim Cards with Data in 2024 .

Best e-sim cards for Thailand

Unmistakably the best way to get internet on your phone when traveling to Thailand in 2024 is an e-sim card. No need to swap physical sim cards anymore or visit a sim card store. You simply order an e-sim card for Thailand on the internet and you arrange everything within just a couple minutes.

You order an e-sim card for Thailand on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Thailand e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Thailand it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Thailand.

For much more detailed info and an answer to all FAQ's about using e-sims check out my complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for traveling to Thailand in 2024  including offers from more e-sim providers like Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac, etc.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo e-sim cards in more than 50 countries around the world. For 2024 Airalo offers the following e-sim card plans for traveling to Thailand:

• 50 GB data + 100 minutes for 10 days = $9.90 USD
• unlimited data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $19.95 USD

Click here to order this e-sim card for Thailand directly via Airalo .

The above DTAC e-sim cards for Thailand is 5G ready, where most other Thailand e-sim cards only offer 4G/LTE network speed. There is a DTAC 5G signal available at pretty much all tourist destinations in Thailand.

SimOptions offers the same DTAC e-sim cards for Thailand:

Click here to directly order a DTAC e-sim card for Thailand via SimOptions .

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $29.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $54.90 USD

SimOptions also offers other Thailand e-sim card plans, but they are more expensive.

Click here to order any of the above  SimOptions e-sim cards for Thailand .

For more information about using e-sim cards when traveling to Thailand check out my complete guide with a detailed comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Thailand in 2024 , including much more info how e-sim cards work and everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Thailand.

If your phone is not e-sim compatible then you can also order a physical prepaid sim card for Thailand on the internet. This sim card will be delivered to your home address.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider where you can  order a physical prepaid sim card for Thailand .

Why buying a sim card for Thailand

Traveling in Thailand is very convenient and well organized with so many travel agencies, trains, boats, busses,  cheap domestic flights in Thailand , affordable hotels, amazing Thai streetfood on every street corner and even fast and free WiFi everywhere. So then why do you need a sim card to stay connected when traveling to Thailand?

Imagine having no data connection on your phone. Have you tried it before? Not being able to open Google Maps for directions, unable to order an Uber, find a nearby restaurant or friends. Constantly asking for the WiFi password.

Life is just so much easier with data on your phone and definitely when you are somewhere new and not familiar. Or what to do in case of an emergency or when your bank card isn't working. Simply stay connected, it will make your trip to Thailand much easier.

Did you know that overseas data roaming plans limit your data speed. Why pay $5 to $10 USD per day when you can get 10 GB data for just $5 USD on a local prepaid sim card in Thailand? Forget about roaming charges!

Ordering an e-sim card for Thailand or buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Thailand takes just a couple minutes and you are all set with a fast 5G connection and a lot of data for little money.

Keep in mind that an e-sim or a Thailand tourist sim card only works in an unlocked phone! So make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel to Thailand. If you are not sure about this contact your provider in your home country.

How to get around Thailand

Let me also help you out with getting tickets for train, bus, boat travel in Thailand as well as long distance taxis, shuttle services and even domestic flights. Try the search engine below and get all the options in one overview, including time tables and prices.

Powered by 12Go system

No more paper tickets and tour agencies, simply book your ticket online. Select your preferred seat, compare travel options and pick the one that suits you the most based on price, departure time, travel duration and many more variables.

Where to buy a sim card for Thailand

Bangkok airport or other international airports in thailand.

No matter which country you are travelling to buying a tourist sim card at the airport is always a little more expensive. Though it is the easiest place to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival and often well worth the couple bucks.

Every international airport in Thailand has official DTAC, AIS and True Move stores in the arrivals halls at the baggage claim and often even before customs.

Don Mueang International Airport Bangkok (DMK): Arrival Floor, between Terminal 1 and 2, also at International Arrivals Hall between Exit 2 and 6.

• Phuket International Airport (HKT): International Terminal 1st floor.
• Samui International Airport (USM): Arrival Hall 1st floor.
• Mae Fah Luang, Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI): Passenger Terminal 1st floor between Domestic Hall & International Arrivals Hall.

Are you flying to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok then check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Bangkok Airport in 2024 .

Or if you are interested to see what it is like arriving at Bangkok Airport and buying a sim card then check out my vlog above.

Official phone stores

No matter where you go in Thailand you will always stumble upon a DTAC, True Move or AIS phone store in every tourist destination. Just go to Google Maps to find the nearest store, there are uncountable! In official retail stores data plans will be explained thoroughly, English is spoken pretty well, prices are fixed and they will activate your new Thailand prepaid sim card for you on the spot within a couple minutes.

Every shopping mall in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Koh Samui has mobile phone shops that happily sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Convenience stores: 7Eleven, Family Mart, Tesco

In Thailand you can buy a sim card at mostly every well known convenience store: 7Eleven only sells, DTAC and True Move. Family Mart and Tesco also sells AIS. But it is NOT as convenient as it may seem!

The hard thing about buying a Thailand sim card in a convenient store is to find someone who can really help you activate your prepaid data package! People working in convenient stores speak ok English, but mostly not enough to help you out.

Traveltomtom does not recommend buying a Thailand sim card in a convenience store! As there is no service agent to help you, you have to activate it yourself basically and packages are mostly displayed in Thai language. Good luck! :)

Buying a prepaid sim card in Thailand always used to be the cheapest way to stay connected when traveling to Thailand, but things have changed. You can already buy an e-sim card for Thailand for less than $10 USD with unlimited data for 10 days. Perfect for a short trip to Thailand.

You can order this DTAC tourist sim card for Thailand via either  Airalo  or  SimOptions  as an e-sim.

If your phone is not e-sim compatible then you can also order a physical sim card for Thailand online. These international sim cards for Thailand will be shipped to your home address and are automatically activated when they connect the first time to the network in Thailand. You arrive prepared in Thailand and as soon as the plane lands you have data on your phone.

Are you planning to go to  islands hopping in Thailand ? Good choice! I have done it many years in a row and it never gets bored! Thailand is one of the best places in the world to go backpacking .

Free sim card for Thailand

They often lure you with a free sim card for Thailand and even hand them out at the airport in Bangkok or when you fly Thai Airways, but remember nothing is for free! These free Thailand sim cards are just a gift but there is hardly any credit on it and when putting them in your phone they tell you straight away to top up.

If you fly to Thailand with Thai Airways they hand out free DTAC Thailand sim cards for tourists to all passengers. The sim card package says free 8 GB data, but that is NOT true, in fact it is only 20 MB. Basically 30 seconds of internet! If you want the 'free 8 GB' you first need to top up.

Registration process

In the past you could easily buy a prepaid sim card in Thailand without any form of identification, but that all changed. If you buy a prepaid sim card in Thailand you need to bring your passport. A copy of your passport will be taken in the sim card store and your new Thailand sim card will be registered on your name and passport number. You can register up to 3 sim cards on your passport.

The physical prepaid sim card you receive you have to put in your phone and if your phone does not have the dual sim option you have to take out the sim card for your home country. You will get a new phone number starting with: +66.

Unfortunately they Thai mobile internet operators do NOT offer e-sim cards for prepaid plans for tourists. E-sim cards for Thailand can only be ordered on the internet.

If for some reason you want to avoid the registration process then look into buying an sim card for Thailand on the internet. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Thailand via either  Airalo , SimOptions or Nomad . Or get yourself an  international physical prepaid sim cards for Thailand . These sim cards do NOT require any form of ID verification, only an email address.

Mobile internet providers in Thailand

There are 3 major internet operators in Thailand: True Move, DTAC and AIS. They all sell prepaid sim cards for tourists and you can buy them pretty much everywhere. However, Traveltomtom recommends buying a sim card in an official phone store from True Move, AIS or DTAC as mentioned above and not at a convenience store.

Back in 2014 when you were you planning a Thailand island hopping adventure  I would tell you NOT to choose an AIS prepaid sim card because of its weaker 4G/LTE network. Now in 2024 the table have turned and AIS has the best 4G/5G network in Thailand.

All Thailand mobile internet providers have great network coverage all over the country, even at off the beaten path places you will find a 5G signal, it is really impressive.

How to get around Thailand?

Have you tried the search engine of 12Go Asia before? It was a game changer when I discovered it.

It will show you the best bus, boat, train, taxi, shuttles and even domestic flights all in one overview. So for example when looking for how to get from Bangkok to Phuket they give you the best options plus all up to date prices, times, travel schedules and you can book directly online.

Mobile Internet Speed Thailand

It is no wonder that the fastest mobile data is provided by True Move and AIS. DTAC's 5G signal coverage is poor compared to its competitors. Whenever you are traveling to Phuket , Koh Samui , Krabi, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao or  Bangkok  or any other major tourist destinations in Thailand you will be pretty much be able to enjoy fast mobile internet with any of the mobile internet providers.

That said, when buying a sim card in Thailand it is very much recommended to ask your provider at which data speed the sim card deal operates. Some have max 5G speed (100 Mbps), but also many sim card deals are capped at 4 Mbps or 10Mbps. You see the major difference?

Anyway data speed always depends on your location and time of the day. During peak hours when everyone is online, data speed is of course significantly slower than during the middle of the night when everyone is asleep.

Best 4G/5G network in Thailand in 2024

Are you ready for a full 5G experience on your trip to Thailand? You might not expect this but Thailand is one of the most advanced countries when it comes to 5G connectivity. There is a 5G signal almost everywhere, even if you travel far off the beaten path in Thailand. Let's have a look at the 4G/5G coverage maps for mobile internet in Thailand  updated for 2024.

AIS 4G/5G network coverage map

True Move 4G/5G network coverage map

DTAC 4G/5G network coverage map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Thailand in 2024.

After comparing the above 4G/5G coverage maps for Thailand we clearly see that every mobile internet operator has a more than excellent 4G/5G signal all over the country. However, DTAC is really staying behind when it comes to upgrading their 5G network compared to AIS and True Move.

AIS has the best 4G/5G network in Thailand in 2024. Isn't the AIS 5G network in Thailand impressive? I bet you didn't think the Thailand mobile internet and 5G network would be this good! True Move is a very good second best btw.

Check out these  68 funny & interested facts about Thailand !

Prices Thailand prepaid sim cards in 2024

All info in this article is up to date as per July 2024: $1 USD = 36 THB or 100 THB = $2.7 USD.

Below you can find a comparison of all the prepaid sim cards from the mobile internet operators in Thailand. All info is updated as per July 2024.

Keep in mind that on arrival in Thailand you can only get a physical prepaid sim card for tourists, there are no e-sim cards available in stores in Thailand.

DTAC offers 3 prepaid sim card deals with unlimited data for tourists, the exact same sim cards that you can order online via for example  Airalo , SimOptions or Nomad .

• Unlimited data and calls for 8 days = 449 THB - ($12 USD)
• Unlimited data and calls for 15 days = 699 THB - ($19 USD)
• Unlimited data and calls for 30 days = 1,199 THB - ($33 USD)

• 15 GB data for 8 days = 299 THB - ($8 USD)
• 50 GB data for 10 days = 349 THB - ($9.5 USD)
• 30 GB data for 15 days = 599 THB - ($16 USD)

For more info about the DTAC Happy Tourist sim click here. DTAC does not offer e-sim cards in stores in Thailand, only physical prepaid sim cards are available.

Reminder that Nomad sells the DTAC e-sim card with unlimited data for 8 days for just $8 USD.

There are 3 AIS Traveller sim cards available, which are all 5G ready:

• 15 GB data + free social media + 50 THB calling credit for 8 days = 299 THB ($8 USD)
• 30 GB data + free social media for 15 days = 599 THB ($16 USD)
• 50 GB data + free social media for 30 days = 899 THB ($24.5 USD)

For more info about the  AIS Traveller sim cards click here. AIS does not offer e-sim cards in stores in Thailand, only physical prepaid sim cards are available.

There are 3 different True Move H prepaid sim card plans for tourists:

Check the True Move  website for more info. True Move does not offer e-sim cards in stores in Thailand, only physical prepaid sim cards are available. Quick conclusion is that True Move and DTAC offer the exact same prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Best sim card for Thailand in 2024

If your phone is e-sim card compatible then for me it would be an easy choice to order your sim card for Thailand on the internet and arrive prepared. As soon as the plane lands you are online and the best Thailand e-sim card plan gives you 50 GB data for $9.90 USD for 10 days. Staying longer? Order two of them or check out the one for $19.90 USD for 15 days.

You can order this e-sim card directly via SimOptions ,  Nomad  or  Airalo .

However, if you prefer to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Thailand then here is Traveltomtom's conclusion of comparing the Thailand prepaid sim cards for tourists and the mobile internet operators in Thailand:

• DTAC has the weakest 5G network
• AIS and True Move have both an excellent 5G network
• All providers offer data plans with a lot of Gigabytes
• True Move and DTAC offer the exact same tourist sim cards with unlimited data

Taking everything in consideration Traveltomtom recommends buying a True Move prepaid sim card in Thailand on arrival. For $12 USD you get an True Move sim card with 8 days unlimited internet.

This is the best buy, but not the best sim card.

However, be aware that the above comparison of of the tourist sim card prices when you visit any True Move, DTAC or AIS phone store. If you decide to buy a  sim card at Bangkok Airport  then you easily pay double!

For short trips to Thailand it is worth getting an e-sim card for Thailand with unlimited data for 8 days, check out my complete guide with a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Thailand in 2024 .

Order a prepaid sim card for Thailand online

If your phone is not e-sim compatible and buying a prepaid sim card in Thailand sounds like too much hassle then you can always order a physical prepaid sim card for Thailand on the internet before your trip.

Arrive prepared in Thailand with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Thailand, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions offers the following prepaid sim card deals for Thailand:

Orange Holiday World - $49.90

• Valid in 124 countries
• NO calling/texting
• Valid 14 days

Click here to order an international sim card for Thailand directly via SimOptions .

Also another last reminder that if your phone is e-sim compatible you can easily order a tourist e-sim card for Thailand with unlimited data, calls and text via  Airalo  or  SimOptions . You keep your own phone number and arrange everything online in just a couple minutes.

These are trusted e-sim providers that Traveltomtom recommends. For more info about everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Thailand check out my guide with the best e-sim cards for traveling to Thailand in 2024 .

Keep in mind that Thai mobile providers are constantly upgrading their network coverage, changing their prepaid sim card plans and aim to provide better and faster mobile data speed.

Let me know if you find anything that changed over time and I am happy to add it to my article.

Before you go I want you to consider reading the following blog with everything you need to know about traveling in Thailand  with 65 essential travel tips. From visas to vaccinations, island hopping to jungle trekking, elephant sanctuaries to affordable luxury hotels, the best hostels, electricity plugs, street food tips and many more things.

If you have any specific questions about traveling to Thailand then don't hesitate to send me a message on my Instagram account  @traveltomtom . Be aware that this could create some serious wanderlust as I am on a journey to visit every country in the world . As of July 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Take a look at my Thailand page and let my blogs help you planning your trip to Thailand . For example have a look at my article how much does a trip to Thailand cost .

Enjoy your trip to Thailand!

Best Sim Cards For Thailand: Which One Is Right For You?

Need a SIM card for Thailand?

Thailand has a 5G network with great SIM card options. So, you can tap into this network all over the country using a Thai prepaid sim cards that are super affordable.

Below I will tell you all you need know to get the best sim card Thailand has to offer. We will look at the top Thailand prepaid sim card deals as costs, coverage, things to be aware of and lots more.

By the end of the article, you will know which Thai travel SIM card is right for you, where to buy it, how to activate it, and lots more.

Best Sim Card in Thailand

AIS is one of the top Thai mobile providers offering reliable coverage all over the country and access to free WiFi on their WiFi networks around the country too, saving your mobile data.

You can buy an AIS sim card at AIS stores as well as other spots such as the airport, grocery stores, and even the post offices.

AIS sim cards work with all unlocked GMS phones and you can choose from a lot of different data plans. You will have to pay for the sim card though, luckily it is only $1.55.

AIS Prepaid Sim Card Options

The data plans for an AIS Thailand sim card vary by length (days) and price for data. You will have to have remaining credit on your sim card to call and SMS (1 Baht per min local call, SMS 3 Baht local, 5 Baht international).

For a 15-day prepaid data SIM, you can get between 1 GB and 5 GB of data for 200 to 340 baht ($6.20 to $10.52). 30-day plans can come with 1 GB to 12 GB of data for 220 to 860 baht ($7 to $27)

AIS also offers a Thailand sim card specifically designed for travelers. The Traveler SIM 1 costs just 599 baht ($19) and gives you unlimited data for 15 days and 30 days of local baht credit.

The Traveler SIM 2 prepaid sim card costs just 299 baht ($9) and comes with 8 days of unlimited data and 30 days of local baht credit.

DATC is the second largest mobile network provider in Thailand and another good provider to get your Thailand sim card through. You will have excellent 5G coverage with a DTAC prepaid sim card and they offer very affordable rates too.

The only downsides are their prepaid sim cards for tourists do not last very long with options for a 7-day, 8-day, and 15-day sim card package.

DTAC Prepaid Sim Card Options

DTAC offers happy tourist sim cards that are super affordable and provides reliable and fast connections all over the country. Here are the best of their sim cards to take a look at.

Happy Tourist SIM Thailand 1 costs just 299 baht ($9) and comes with 8 days of unlimited data and 100 baht of free calling credit. You also get unlimited calls to other Happy Tourist SIM 1, ideal if you are traveling as a group and all get these sim cards.

The Happy Tourist 2 sim cards come with 15 days of unlimited data and 100 baht of free calling credit for just 599 baht ($19). This is ideal for longer trips and heavy data usage.

If you are looking for a super budget option, the Happy Tourist 3 sim cards might be best for you. You can get 7 days of unlimited data plus free calls to other people with the Happy Tourist 3 sims for just 199 baht ($6).

For anyone staying for 30 days, there are also some DTAC Tourist sim card options to suit you. The Light User Tourist sim card gives you 3 GB of data and 30 mins of calls for 429 baht ($13) for 30 days.

The Heavy User Tourist sim gives you 6 GB of data and 5 mins of calls for 700 baht ($22) for 30 days.

True Move is the third largest network provider in Thailand and has pretty good 5G coverage all over the country but it is not as reliable as DTAC or AIS.

Also, True Move only offers some rather strange packages with their sim card for Thailand, but they are insanely affordable, so there is a balance to play here.

True Move Thai Tourist Sim Options

There are only two True Move prepaid sim card options for you to choose from. With the respective deals, you then have to add baht credit to your account to use your mobile phone as usual.

Their best deal costs just 49 baht ($1.5) and gives you unlimited use of social media apps such as Whatsapp, Instagram, and Facebook for 24 hours. This is an insanely cheap deal and it can be upgraded.

For 299 baht ($9) you can get free social media apps and 15 GB of data for 8 days.

For 599 baht you can get free social media apps and 30 GB of data for 15 days.

You also have the option of just adding data packages to your True Move sim card. Buy 5 GB of data for 199 baht ($6) or 30 GB of data for 399 baht ($12) and both last for 30 days.

As you can see, True Move offers the best-prepaid sim card deals when compared to both AIS and DTAC sim cards.

Is It Essential to Buy A Sim Card in Thailand?

I would say it is essential to buy a sim card in Thailand for your travels, and this is for numerous reasons which I run through below.

Access to free WiFi in Thailand isn’t as easy as it is in North America, Europe, Australia or New Zealand, so surviving off free WiFi alone is not so easy in Thailand.

This makes having a Thai sim card pretty essential if you want to stay connected to the mobile internet. Also, without access to mobile internet, life becomes challenging.

We use our mobile phones for everything these days from staying in touch with loved ones at home, making travel bookings, using Google Maps for navigating, and lots more. Traveling around Thailand without these tools in the palm of your hands will make life a lot harder.

When you consider the sim card cost in Thailand (they are super cheap), using the best Thailand sim card for your travels will be way more affordable than using data roaming on your sim card from home.

Overall, for less than $30 you can have as much data as you need with Thai sim cards for a month, and use your phone just like you would at home. Getting one is a no-brainer in my eyes!

Things to Know Before Buying A Sim Card in Thailand

Is your phone unlocked.

In order to use a Thai sim card you must have an unlocked phone. Chances are your phone is already unlocked but it is worth making sure of this before you travel to Thailand.

If you bought your phone yourself outside of a contract, then it should be unlocked. If you got your phone for free with a contract, chances are it is locked.

To check, call your provider and ask them to unlock your phone, it should only take a few minutes to do.

Are You Using A GSM Phone?

Mobile phones use either GSM or CDMA in order to communicate with mobile networks. GSM phones will not work on CDMA networks, and vice versa, so you have to have the right phone for the right network.

All networks in the world outside of North America use GSM and GSM phones, if you are not traveling from North America, will have a GSM phone and it will work in Thailand.

If your phone is linked to a North American network, there is a chance it could be CDMA. Sprint and Verizon phones might be CDMA, whereas other North American networks use GSM.

If you have a CDMA phone, you will need a different phone in order to use a Thailand sim card. Buying a cheap GSM might be the best option or you can look into the best eSims for Thailand .

Requirements When Buying A Sim Card in Thailand

In order to buy a sim card in Thailand you will need to be able to pay for the sim card and provide your passport as ID. Your passport will be used to register the sim card to you.

How to Buy A Sim Card in Thailand

Buying a sim card before traveling to thailand.

Buying a physical sim card before traveling to Thailand is impossible if you want to have a local sim card on AIS, DTAC, or True Move networks.

However, you can buy an eSim online before you travel as well as an international sim card, but the packages are usually a lot more expensive, so it is best to wait until you get to Thailand.

Buying A Sim Card in Thailand

You can buy a sim card in Thailand almost anywhere. Sim cards are for sale at most international airports in the country but the data packages available at the airport tend to be more expensive.

Your best bet is to buy a sim card at a convenience store, AIS/DTAC/True Move store, or kiosk outside of the airport. You’ll get the best deals but have to wait a little while to be connected.

I always ask my taxi driver to take me to a place to buy a sim card on the way to my accommodation so I get online quickly after landing.

How Much Does A Sim Card in Thailand Cost?

Buying just a physical sim card in Thailand costs around $1.50. Once you have the sim, you can then add the data packages you want to it, which we have run through above.

Luckily, all the data packages in Thailand are insanely cheap and you can have as much data as you need for around $30 with some providers.

How to Activate & Top Up Your Thai Sim Card

If you buy your sim card at a service provider’s store, it will be activated for you, and all prepaid tourist sims come activated.

During the registration process where you give your passport details, ask the store to also activate your phone and top it up with credit too.

If you need to top up your phone after this you can do so at a 7-Eleven store, Boonterm machines, and any service provider store/kiosk.

Internet Speed & Coverage in Thailand

Thailand pretty much has 5G available all over the country so you will have fast speeds and reliable coverage pretty much everywhere you travel.

AIS offers the best coverage in Thailand. If you need to work while you travel and simply want to be connected as much as possible, stick with AIS.

More Tips for Using A Thai Sim Card

• Avoid buying your sim card at the airport as it is more expensive
• Avoid buying your sim card at a 7-Eleven as they are more expensive
• Buy an AIS sim for the best coverage
• Buy your sim at a service provider store for an easy process and the best offers
• Make sure your sim is topped up and activated at the place you buy it

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cellular network is best in thailand.

AIS is the largest mobile network provider in Thailand and is the best when it comes to speed, coverage, and reliable connection.

DTAC and True Move are also pretty good and True Move offers some of the best prices for data packages.

Can I get a sim card at Bangkok airport?

Yes, you can buy a sim card at Bangkok airport but the data packages available can be more expensive than buying them outside of the airport.

Can I get unlimited data in Thailand?

Yes, unlimited data is available in Thailand with both AIS and DTAC providers, just be sure to ask for the unlimited data plans when you buy your sim card.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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Sim Card AIS Thailand | Simcard Thailand AIS DTAC DIGI TRAVEL - AIS TRUE

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pengiriman cepat, packing aman, semoga berfungsi dengan baik

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Varian: AIS 30GB / 8D

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lancar jaya selama dipake di bangkok 7 hari... sebelumnya pernah beli kartu usa , dan aman juga selama di sana... so far so good... trusted seller.

pelayanan cepat dan admin responsif

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