truemove tourist sim card thailand

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

Best Thailand SIM Card for Tourists (2022)

Do i really need to buy a sim card when travelling in thailand, which company is the best and why, where can i get a thai sim card, how much does a thailand sim card cost, the best sim package deal for tourists in thailand, why is tourist sim 599 the best sim card package for thailand tourists, the tourist sim 599's idd calling policy, make sure your mobile is unlocked for installing a thai sim card, how to top up your thai sim card.

Thailand has become one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Millions of international tourists entering Thailand have the same concern about whether to buy a Thai SIM card or not, and which one to get?

Thailand's communications infrastructure is as good as, if not better than, places such as the USA and UK. The country proudly boasts the latest in 4G mobile data technology and high-speed Internet connections. If you want to stay in touch with family and friends and share your amazing Thailand travel experience, then all you need is the right tourist SIM card. Almost everywhere you travel in Thailand you will pick up a strong signal for both 4G and cellular connections.

In this article, we are going to take a look at the best tourist SIM card option available in the now very popular 'Land of Smiles'.

Unless your current mobile SIM allows free high-speed 4G connections overseas and reasonably priced international calls, then the best alternative is to purchase a tourist SIM card in Thailand. The benefits of having a Thai SIM include having a local Thai number and hassle-free access to Thailand's 3G and 4G networks. Plus, with the right SIM, you will have more than enough data for a one- or two-week trip.

Many tourists have bad experiences with their home-country SIM card in which their service provider cut them off because they were using their SIM card abroad. Purchasing a Thai SIM card will eradicate these snags.

In short, if you are looking for a reliable, speedy and hassle-free 4G and cellular connection, then a Thai tourist SIM is most certainly the way to go.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

The best company in Thailand offering tourist SIM cards is TrueMove, which offers pre-paid SIMs. The company is well-known in Thailand as it also provides cable and satellite TV (TrueVisions) as well as high-speed broadband Internet (TrueMove) to Thai homes and businesses, for which it has a very good reputation.

Widespread signal towers across the country: TrueMove's tourist SIM card is by far the most popular, simply because the company has 4G and cellular towers that stretch far and wide throughout the country. Its communication infrastructure stretches from as high up as the mountains of Chiang Mai down to remote islands. Wherever you decide to travel in Thailand the TrueMove 4G and cellular connections rarely seem to fade.

Widespread customer service center coverage: Another important quality TrueMove has is its customer service set up. There are TrueMove shops in almost every shopping center in the country and on most busy high streets. Furthermore, when you buy your SIM, you can use the free call support number, which is 1242 from any True SIM. When you call the multi-lingual support team, you will be able to speak with a Chinese, English, Japanese, or Thai language representative.

Convenient technical support: Other places you can get technical support for your TrueMove tourist SIM card include most 7-Elevens and Family Marts.

The good news is that you do not have to look very hard to get your hands on a Thai tourist SIM card from TrueMove.

Here are just a few places you will be able to purchase one of their tourist packages:

1. Airports (international and domestic)

2. TrueMove shops

3. 7-Eleven convenient stores

4. Family Mart shops

5. Tesco Lotus Express convenient stores

6. Most mobile phone stores

Important note: Be sure to have your passport at the ready, because without it you will not be able to purchase a tourist SIM. Thai law stipulates that every SIM card must be registered to the purchaser's ID.

There are several pre-paid packages that you will be able to purchase from as little as 49 baht via the Super Saver package. This provides 300 Mbps max speed bandwidth, which costs 1 baht per MB, and around 25 minutes of calls. As a result, the low-cost SIM cards are generally only good for very short trips, and even then you may find yourself topping up for more 4G and cellular credit quite quickly.

You can top up in any of the stores mentioned in the "Where can I get a Thai Sim SIM card?" section above. Top-ups cost from 40 baht up to 500 baht. You can then transfer credit to be used specifically for calls or Internet connectivity. Topping up in this way is certainly not as convenient as signing up to the Tourist SIM 599 package, which we will cover in the next section.

In fact, if you are looking for a decent 4G and cellular package for tourists, you are spoiled for choice because TrueMove has several packages available.

The best package deal available from TrueMove is the pre-paid Tourist SIM 599. TrueMove is Thailand's most used mobile company. Its tourist SIM costs just 599 baht, as the name implies, and you will benefit from 8GB of high-speed internet and 50 baht (appx. 50 minutes) of talk time.

The SIM usually card lasts for 15 days before you will have to top up again. You will also get free talk time to any other True SIM card; while all other calls are 0.99 baht per minute.

With the True package, you will get the best signal in the country as TrueMove boasts the largest number of 4G/cellular towers in Thailand. It is perfect if you have hired a car and need to use apps such as Google Maps or Drive to get from A to B.

Other networks such as DTAC and AIS tend to suffer from a lack of signal in some areas, and Internet speeds tend to slow down. This rarely happens with TrueMove. Even high up in the mountains of Chiang Mai, when the 4G does cut off, there is a GPRS signal, so you can still get an Internet connection.

On top of this, the tourist SIMs from DTAC or AIS only offer 6 GB of high-speed Internet. The only advantage to AIS and DTAC tourist SIMs is they offer 100 baht of free calls, which is negligible compared to having an additional 2GB of data.

1. The most popular Thai SIM from the most popular company (TrueMove).

2. 599-baht one-time purchase

3. 8 GB of high-speed Internet (2 GB more than DTAC/AIS)

4. 50 baht (50 minutes) of free calls

5. Countrywide cellular/4G coverage

6. Usually 15 days before top up needed

7. Low rate international calls (see below)

8. Most effective and stable signal in Thailand

For those of you who want to call home, there is an international call option using 00600 + country code + area code + phone number. You can call landlines or mobile phones anywhere in the world for as little as 1 baht per minute using this option, which provides the cheapest international telephone calls in the country.

Countries that fall under the 1 baht per minute bracket for mobile and landlines include China, Hong Kong, Canada, and the USA. If the 50 baht's worth of free calls is not enough for you, then you can top up in any 7-Eleven or Family Mart store to gain extra credits.

Another important point to make is that you should ensure that your mobile phone is unlocked. If it isn't then in most cases, you will not be able to use a Thai tourist SIM.

You may be able to get your phone unlocked in Thailand depending on the make and model, and this can cost anything between 400 baht and 1,000 baht. You will not be able to get your phone unlocked in any of the TrueMove stores, so you will need to find an IT or mobile phone marketplace usually found on the bottom floor of most shopping centers. In Bangkok, the best places are MBK, Seacon Square, and the basement/ground floor of most Central Plaza shopping malls.

Finally, before you do get your phone unlocked, check your mobile phone provider's policy on having your phone unlocked.

Topping up is easy. Either go to a True Store and get a ticket, use a roadside top-up machine, or go to 7-Eleven or Family Mart and ask for an over-the-counter top-up. The process is super easy:

1. Tell the staff you would like a TrueMove SIM card top-up.

2. Tell them how much you want to top up.

3. Enter your number into the top-up device.

4. Take your receipt and wait for the SMS confirmation of the top-up.

You can check your pre-paid SIM balance at any time by pressing #123# and then the call button. If you have forgotten your number, then just press *833# and then the call button.

Visiting Asia with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights we are experts when it comes to organizing a perfect trip in Asia. We know exactly what makes a trip abroad special thanks to our dedicated team of professionals who pride themselves in delivering memorable holiday experiences.

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 9-Day Thailand Family Tour
• 10-Day Best of Thailand Tour
• 10-Day Thailand Lantern Festival Tour 2024
• 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
• 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
• 12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
• 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
• 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
• 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
• 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples
• Awesome 10 Days in Thailand: 5 Itineraries (with Map)
• 3 Best Thailand Itineraries for 12 Days 2024
• 2 Weeks Thailand Itinerary 2024: Top 4 Itineraries with Maps
• Perfect 3 Weeks in Thailand: 3 Itineraries with Costs 2024
• How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps
• A Guide to Thailand Lantern Festivals: Yi Peng & Loy Krathong
• 8 Best Destinations to Combine with a Visit to Thailand
• How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
• How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand 2024/2025
• How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
• How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore 2024
• Thailand Weather in January 2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
• Thailand Weather in February 2024/2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
• Thailand Weather in March 2024/2025: Temperature, Places to Visit, Travel Tips
• Thailand Weather in April 2024: Temperatures, Places to Visit, Songkran Festival
• Thailand Weather in May 2024: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
• What's the Weather Like in Thailand in June?
• Thailand Weather in July 2024: Tips for a Family Vacation
• Thailand Weather in August 2024: Temperature and Best Places to Go
• Thailand Weather in September 2024: Temperature, Best Places to Visit
• Thailand Weather in October 2024: Still Rain? Where to Visit?
• Thailand Weather in November 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• Thailand Weather in December 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds

Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

More reviews

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari

• Travel Agents
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Thailand Tourist Sim Card: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Thailand? Thinking about buying a local SIM card to call and text your friends and family back home? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Thailand Tourist Sim Card.

If you’re traveling to Thailand, you may be wondering if you should get a SIM card. There are a few things to consider when making this decision. First, do you need data while you’re in Thailand? If so, how much data do you need?

Second, how long will you be in Thailand ? If you’re only going for a short trip, you may not need a SIM card at all.

Third, what’s your budget? SIM cards in Thailand are relatively cheap, but if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options like pocket wifi.

We’ll discuss the different types of cards, the cost of each one, coverage areas, features and more. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or first-time visitor, this guide will help you get connected quickly and conveniently while in Thailand.

So get ready to save money on roaming fees , enjoy faster data speeds and make sure your travel days are stress-free!

Which SIM is best for tourist in Thailand?

Table of Contents

If you’re visiting Thailand, you’ll need to purchase a SIM card in order to stay connected. But with so many different providers and plans available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best SIM card for your trip to Thailand:

1. Consider your needs. How much data do you think you’ll need? Will you be making mostly calls, or will you be using data-heavy apps like maps and navigation ? Based on your answers, you can narrow down your choices.

2. Compare prices. Once you know how much data you’ll need, compare the prices of different providers. Remember to take into account any special offers or discounts that may be available.

3. Choose a provider with good coverage. Thailand is a large country, and not all providers have equal coverage. Be sure to check coverage maps before making your decision. For all mobile phone carriers in Thailand, check this website .

4. Ask around. Talk to friends or family who have been to Thailand before, and see if they have any recommendations. word of mouth can be a great way to find the best SIM card for your needs.

How much is Thailand Tourist Sim Card?

A Thai SIM card for tourist typically costs about 200 Baht, which is roughly equivalent to $6 USD. This price includes the cost of the SIM card itself as well as a small amount of credit that can be used for calling, texting, and data usage.

If you are planning on using your phone extensively while in Thailand, it may be worth considering purchasing a prepaid SIM card with a larger amount of credit.

How to get a SIM card in Thailand?

If you’re traveling to Thailand, you’ll need a SIM card in order to stay connected. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a SIM card in Thailand:

1. Which carrier should you choose? There are three main carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC and TrueMoveH . All three offer nationwide coverage and have prepaid plans available.

2. What type of SIM card do you need? All three carriers use mini-SIM cards, so make sure your phone is compatible.

3. How much does a Thai SIM card cost? SIM cards from all three carriers cost around 100 THB, which includes a certain amount of credit for calling, texting, and data usage. Top-up cards can be purchased for additional credit.

4. Where can you buy a Thai SIM card? SIM cards can be purchased at any convenience store or mobile phone shop across Thailand. Just look for the signs that say ซื้อมือถือ (mobile phones) or เติมเงิน (top-up).

5. How do you activate your Thai SIM card? Once you’ve bought your SIM card, simply insert it into your phone and power on the device. The activation process will be completed automatically and you should be able to start using your new Thai SIM card right.

How much is a Thailand SIM card at Bangkok Airport?

A SIM card at Bangkok airport costs about $5 for a data-only package with 1 GB of data. For calls and texts, you’ll need to buy a top-up card in addition to your SIM card.

Dtac Happy Tourist

If you’re traveling to Thailand, a great way to stay connected is by getting a local SIM card . Dtac happy tourist is one of the most popular options and offers some great benefits for travelers. For starters, it’s extremely affordable with plans starting at just $3 USD per day.

Plus, you’ll get unlimited data and call minutes to use while you’re in the country. Another great perk is that it comes with a free travel insurance policy worth up to $500,000 USD. So if something happens while you’re in Thailand, you’re covered!

Data & Voice Package comes with:

• FREE Facebook Messenger, LINE, WhatsApp, WeChat, and Kakao Talk
• Get guaranteed, reliable 4G data from one of the country’s popular network providers DTAC
• Get a free upgrade X2 to unlimited data with 30 GB (15 GB before) at maximum speed for 16 days (8 days before)

Pick up Locations for DTAC Sim Card:

Suvarnabhumi Airport

• KLOOK Counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is located located on Departure Hall (4th floor), Row K24
• Dtac Counter Branch 1 (outside baggage claim), Arrivals Hall, 2nd floor Exit Gate 7
• Dtac Counter Branch 5 (outside baggage claim), Arrivals Hall, 2nd floor Exit Gate 9
• Dtac Counter Branch 3 (Inside Baggage Claim), Arrivals Hall, Baggage Claim No.1

Pick up is available 24 hours, daily

Don Muang Airport

• Dtac Counter, Near Exit 5 in the International Arrival Hall

Opening hours: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m., daily

Bangkok Downtown – Thailand Tourist Sim Card

• Central World mall (CTW) 1st Floor, Hug Thai Zone

Pick up is available 11:00-20:00 hours  Collection will not be available outside of this schedule.

Are you arriving at Phuket Airport? No worries, the Touristic Sim Card can br pick up as well from there.

• Dtac Counter Branch 1 (outside baggage claim), Phuket International Airport, International Terminal, 1st Floor.

Opening hours : 9.30 a.m. – 11.00 p.m., daily

• Dtac Counter Branch 2 is located at the baggage claim No.2, Phuket International Airport, International Terminal, 1st Floor.

Opening hours : 6.30 a.m.-9.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m., daily.

Truemove 4G/5G – Thailand Tourist Sim Card

As Thailand’s leading mobile operator, TrueMove H provides both 3G and 4G/5G services to customers across the country. Our extensive coverage means that you’ll be able to stay connected no matter where you are in Thailand.

TrueMove H’s 4G/5G network is the fastest and most reliable in Thailand, making it the perfect choice for those who need to stay connected while on the go. Whether you’re streaming videos , downloading files, or simply browsing the web, our high-speed network will keep you connected without any interruptions.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure to pick up a TrueMove SIM card so you can stay connected with family and friends back home. With our great rates and wide coverage, you’ll be able to stay in touch without breaking the bank.

• FREE Facebook Messenger, LINE, WhatsApp, WeChat, Kakao Talk, TikTok, etc.
• Special international call rate via 00600
• 100 Baht call credit for local and international calls
• FREE unlimited calls among truemoveH numbers
• Enjoy faster surfing up to 15GB of data for 8 days

International Arrival Hall

• True Shop – Branch 1: Gate exit No.4
• True Shop – Branch 2: Gate exit No.5
• True Shop – Branch 3: Gate exit No.6

KLOOK Counter 

• 4th Floor – Departure Hall, Row K

Pick up is available 24-hour, daily

Don Muang Airport (DMK) – True Shop

• True Shop – Branch 1: Opposite to Exit 3
• True Shop – Branch 2: Opposite to Exit 5
• True Shop – Branch 3: Next to Exit 3

Central World – KLOOK Counter – Central World mall (CTW) 1st Floor, Hug Thai Zone.

Pick up is available 11:00-20:00

Pocket wifi Thailand

Another options is choosing a pocket wifi is a great option if you need data while in Thailand but don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting a SIM card.

Pocket wifi is essentially a portable hotspot that allows you to connect your devices to the internet using the data plan of your choice. If you are traveling with a group of friends and have the same itinerary this is the best options instead of buying different SIM Cards

You can usually find pocket wifi plans that offer unlimited data , so this is a great option if you need a lot of data. The downside of pocket wifi is that it can be expensive, and it’s not always reliable.

Price for the Pocket Wife starts from 5$ and depends on the total number of days you want to rent it.

Package Includes:

• Connect 5 devices with just one pocket WiFi with up to 10 hours of battery life
• Enjoy high speed internet access in Thailand with a reliable 4G WiFi device while you travel wherever your itinerary takes you.

Pick Up Location

• Smile Wifi Counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Domestic Arrival Building (Building 2), G Floor in front of Gate 12

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.

Related articles

Experience the Best of Both Worlds: Bangkok Hotels Offering Delicious...

A Journey Across Continents: Exploring Flights from Bangkok to Johannesburg

Beat the Heat and Join the Fun: The Best Activities in Thailand during...

• Thailand Tourism
• Thailand Hotels
• Thailand Bed and Breakfast
• Thailand Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Thailand
• Thailand Restaurants
• Things to Do in Thailand
• Thailand Travel Forum
• Thailand Photos
• All Thailand Hotels
• Thailand Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Thailand
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

TrueMove H 5G Tourist SIM - Thailand Forum

• Asia    
• Thailand    

TrueMove H 5G Tourist SIM

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Asia forums
• Thailand forum

I am wondering if I can pick up 2 TrueMove Tourist SIMs (2 x 8 days SIM) at BKK, but active the second SIM later.

Please advise. Thanks!

8 replies to this topic

If you go to a phone shop you can get a 30 day package much cheaper than 2 x 8 days at airport.

Even a 30 day at airport may work out cheaper, dunno.

One 30 day package will likely be no more expensive than 2 one packages

Not sure why you think activating a new SIM is going to be any easier than topping up the old one. Any phone store you walk past can top you up in seconds.

Or as others suggested get a 30 day plan at the get go.

I found a deal for $4.70 USD per SIM, or 163 thb based on current FX... 15GB 5G data

Also.....I'm with dtac and you can do everything (top up, activate, load $, purchase packages and add-ons) very easily with their app. I imagine True is the same.

If you are happy with that deal (and it seems reasonable) go for it.

I'm fed up advising people the cheapest

You don’t need a second SIM card. Think of the physical card as simply a platform on which you can put a data plan of your choice. Either get the 8-day plan when you arrive, or a 30-day plan as others have advised.

If you got the 8-day plan, when you get back to Thailand, drop into a True shop in any mall or in the entrances of supermarkets and buy a new data plan. They’ll top up for you and use the credit to pay for the data plan.

It’s usually advised to just go to the SIM card stand with the shortest line at Suvarnabhumi Airport, since all three network operators have similar deals and coverage. I stay with AIS because I’ve had their SIM card forever and I use the number as my contact phone number while in Thailand. DTAC and True have merged but it seems they’ll be keeping separate branding.

• Suggestion Phuket to Trang 6:32 pm
• Best dishes to eat without the chilis/hot spice 5:12 pm
• Accommodation Sairee beach Koh Tao 5:05 pm
• Khao Yai National Park for Elderly 3:45 pm
• Footwear and clothing 3:39 pm
• 38 day Itinerary- Thoughts? 3:06 pm
• Medical insurance company UK 1:29 pm
• Bang Rak to Suvarnabhumi Airport 1:31 pm
• Facials for Teens 1:27 pm
• Experienced traveller, but having a nightmare with this book 1:24 pm
• 4D3N in Bangkok with 2 teenagers 1:19 pm
• Koh Samui for honeymoon??? 12:05 pm
• Thailand - resort recommendations 11:44 am
• Phuket to ao nang beach 11:05 am
• Agoda Problem; Don't Use Agoda 49 replies
• Other Resorts Close to Bangkok 2 replies
• Best Beach huts/Beach accomodation/ Beach resorts 2 replies
• Topless beach/pool 28 replies
• Need help choosing - Thailand vs. Malaysia...!!! 19 replies
• Luggage locker at BKK airport 4 replies
• Night train from Ayuthaya to Chiang Mai? 3 replies
• thailand weather in december? best places to stay? 4 replies
• Koh Samui vs Phuket vs Krabi 14 replies
• Secluded Thailand Beaches? 2 replies

Thailand Hotels and Places to Stay

• FAQ WHY Thailand?
• FAQ VISA INFO (incl. visitors from India)
• FAQ HELPFUL TRAVEL WEBSITES & ADVICE
• FAQ: How to get from the AIRPORT to your HOTEL
• FAQ Flight Connections
• FAQ benefits of opening a THAI BANK ACCOUNT?
• FAQ Other Bangkok Airport services and amenities
• FAQ SIM cards, iPhones etc
• FAQ BUDGET Airlines (LCC's)
• FAQ TRAIN Travel
• FAQ Personal SAFETY
• FAQ Floating Markets
• FAQ Visit Isaan
• FAQ IMPORTANT LAWS IN THAILAND
• FAQ Information on ISLANDS OF THAILAND
• FAQ Buses to and from Phuket & Bangkok
• FAQ How to find a travel buddy - don't use TA
• FAQ Fees for visitors to NATIONAL PARKS
• FAQ GETTING MARRIED in Thailand

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.

Skip to Section

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!

#ezw_tco--1 .ez-toc-widget-container ul.ez-toc-list li.active::before { background-color: ; } Skip to Section

Nomad Toolkit is a project by Pareto Digital . Built in Sydney, launched in Bangkok and grown in Berlin. Powered by Cloudways . For partnerships, consulting and everything else, please get in touch .

Thailand SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | 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 :

• Dtac: Unlimited data, valid for 8 days for $9.90
• Dtac: Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $19.95

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 130 countries, including Thailand.

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

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89

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 $19
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $27
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $34
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $64
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $84
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $99

Their Asia eSIM work in 12 countries (including Thailand), and they offer the following plan:

• 8 GB data for 30 days for $47

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

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

• Global Compact Network Association
• Our Committee

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 April 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 .

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.

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 card is slightly cheaper than an AIS prepaid sim card.

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 , SimOptions or Nomad .

If you are looking for a sim card for traveling in Thailand with unlimited data then you definitely want to hear about e-sim cards. An e-sim card for Thailand for 10 days with 50 GB data already starts from $9.90 USD.

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 .

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 .

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 e-sim card for Thailand via either  Airalo , SimOptions or Nomad .

If your phone is not compatible for an e-sim card 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 .

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.

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.

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 April 2024: $1 USD = 36.7 THB or 100 THB = $2.73 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 April 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 for tourists, pretty much the same sim cards that you can order online via  Airalo , SimOptions or Nomad  but then more expensive.

• Unlimited data and calls for 8 days = 449 THB - ($13 USD)
• Unlimited data and calls for 15 days = 699 THB - ($20 USD)
• Unlimited data and calls for 30 days = 1,199 THB - ($34 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 same DTAC e-sim card 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 + 15 THB calling credit for 8 days = 299 THB ($8.6 USD)
• 30 GB data + free social media + 15 THB calling credit for 15 days = 599 THB ($17 USD)
• 300 GB data + free social media + 15 THB calling credit for 30 days = 1,250 THB ($35.7 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 2 different True Move H prepaid sim card deals:

• unlimited social media apps (Instagram, FB, Twitter, Whatsapp, Snapchat, etc*) = 49 THB ($1.4 USD)
• 20 GB data (4G speed)** = 120 THB ($3.4 USD)

*Youtube and TikTok are not included. **20 GB at 4G speed and then unlimited at E-network speed (useless).

Having  free social media apps for 30 days for just $1.4 is of course insanely CHEAP!

For using Safari, Chrome, Google Maps, Uber, etc. you will need to top up. These are the 5G data pacakges:

• 5 GB data for 30 days = 199 THB ($5.7 USD)
• 30 GB data for 30 days = 399 THB ($11.4 USD)

For more info about a True Move prepaid sim card click on the link. True Move does not offer e-sim cards in stores in Thailand, only physical prepaid sim cards are available.

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 ,  Airalo  or Nomad .

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

• DTAC has a much weakest 5G network compared to AIS and True Move.
• AIS keeps it simple at has no data speed limits.
• AIS is the most expensive.
• AIS has the best 5G network and fastest data speed in Thailand.
• True Move has data speed limits depending on the prepaid sim card plan.

Taking everything in consideration Traveltomtom recommends buying a True Move H prepaid sim card in Thailand on arrival. You will get free social media apps for 49 THB and when you then add another 5 GB data you are pretty much set for 30 days for a total price of $7.5 USD or for 30 GB data you pay a total of around $14 USD for 30 days.

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

The best prepaid sim card for Thailand in 2024 is AIS as they have the best 5G network and the fastest data speed. But their sim card deals are more expensive than True Move and DTAC prepaid sim cards. An AIS sim card with unlimited data and calling cost $38 USD. If you buy the same AIS prepaid sim card deal at Bangkok Airport you pay around $50 USD.

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 , Nomad 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 April 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!

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!

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

• Last updated: March 14, 2024

Welcome & thank you for reading our blog. :) We love what we do and put a lot of work in our free articles. We hope you find what you are looking for!

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!)

15% OFF Heymondo Travel Insurance

With 24/7 worldwide assistance,  Heymondo insurance  includes comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss or delay.

Tip:   Get 15% off until 24th March! (Buy now, travel later!) ❤️

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.

It’s the best choice for travelers that 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:

• Bangkok or Phuket Airport DTAC SIM Card pick-up
• Bangkok or Phuket Airport TrueMove SIM Card pick-up
• Kuala Lumpur DTAC SIM Card pick-up
• Ho Chi Minh City Airport DTAC SIM Card pick-up
• Hong Kong Airport Portable WiFi pick-up
• Bangkok Airport Portable WiFi pick-up
• Beijing, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong DTAC SIM Card delivery
• Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay TrueMove SIM Card delivery

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.

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

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you book something through them, we may earn a small commission. But at no extra cost to you! This helps us to keep posting great informational content and keep everything fresh and up-to-date. Thank you for your support! ♥

We thrive while slow-traveling and focus on experiences, meeting locals, and immersing ourselves in the cultures we stumble upon. And we love publishing in-depth, researched and above-all, useful travel guides.

So if you like our work, and would like to support us, you can tip us a coffee. ☕

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What is eSIM ?

Esim ดีอย่างไร.

ซื้อออนไลน์ได้ ติดตั้งซิมลงเครื่องได้ด้วย ตัวเองทันที

ใช้ได้ทุกระบบ

ใช้งานได้ทั้งระบบรายเดือน และเติมเงิน

รองรับ 6 เบอร์

ใช้งานต่างประเทศ, ข้อควรรู้ก่อนใช้งาน esim.

•  ลูกค้าปัจจุบัน ที่ใช้งานเบอร์ปัจจุบันที่เป็นแบบซิมการ์ดปกติทั่วไป ทั้งระบบเติมเงิน และรายเดือน ทุกแพ็กเกจ •  ลูกค้าใหม่ เปิดเบอร์ใหม่ ได้ทั้งระบบเติมเงินและรายเดือน ทุกแพ็กเกจ •  ลูกค้าย้ายค่ายเบอร์เดิม ได้ทั้งระบบเติมเงินและรายเดือน โดยลูกค้าต้องดำเนินการ ย้ายค่ายจากเครือข่ายเดิม ให้เรียบร้อยก่อน

สามารถตรวจสอบมือถือและอุปกรณ์ที่รองรับการใช้งาน eSIM ได้จากตารางด้านล่าง

ตรวจสอบมือถือและอุปกรณ์ที่รองรับการใช้งาน eSIM

.x-7k8txw{position:relative;max-width:200px;height:100%;font-family:var(--text-normal);font-size:calc(var(--fs-xss) + 2px);color:var(--bs-gray-700);text-align:center;cursor:pointer;}.x-7k8txw:focus,.x-7k8txw:hover{color:var(--bs-gray-900);outline:none;}.x-7k8txw.active{color:var(--bs-gray-900);}.x-7k8txw.active::after{position:absolute;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;display:block;height:0.125rem;background-image:linear-gradient(to right, #fab416, #ff6b70);border-radius:9999px;content:'';} .x-1zb0xq{display:-webkit-box;overflow:hidden;min-height:calc(1rem + 0.25rem);max-height:2rem;white-space:pre-line;word-break:break-word;-webkit-line-clamp:2;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;} apple.

• iPhone 14 ,iPhone 14 Plus ,iPhone 14 Pro ,iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 ,iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 ,iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
• iPhone 11 ,iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS Max
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen, 4th Gen)
• iPad Air (3rd Gen, 4th Gen, 5th Gen)
• iPad (7th Gen, 8th Gen, 9th Gen)
• iPad mini (5th Gen, 6th Gen)
• Apple Watch Series 8 รุ่น GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Series SE รุ่น GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Series 7 รุ่น GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Series 6 รุ่น GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Series 5 รุ่น GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Series 4 รุ่น GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Series 3 รุ่น GPS + Cellular
• Samsung Galaxy S23 5G,S23+ 5G,S23 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fip, Z Fip 3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 / Z Flip 3
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
• Galaxy Watch 4
• Galaxy Watch 3
• Galaxy Watch Active 2
• Galaxy Watch
• Mate 40 Pro
• Watch 3 Active
• Watch 3 Pro
• Oppo Find X5 Pro 5G
• Motorola Razr 5G

วิธีการโหลด eSIM

หากต้องการดูขั้นตอนเพิ่มเติมอย่างละเอียดพร้อมรูปประกอบ สามารถ ดาวน์โหลดไฟล์ PDF ที่นี่

1. เตรียมเข้าสู่การติดตั้ง 

• ไปที่หน้าจอหลัก
• เข้าสู่ “การตั้งค่า” (Setting)
• เข้าสู่เมนู “เซลลูลาร์” (Cellular)
• เข้าสู่เมนู “เพิ่มแผนบริการเซลลูลาร์” (Add Cellular Plan)

2. ทำการติดตั้ง eSIM เข้าสู่อุปกรณ์

• สแกน eSIM QR code ระบบจะดำเนินการติดตั้ง eSIM ลงเครื่อง โดยใช้เวลาประมาณ 1-2 นาที  

3. เลือกการใช้งาน eSIM 

• เมื่อลงทะเบียนและเปิดใช้งาน eSIM เรียบร้อยแล้ว
• หน้าจอจะเพิ่มแผนบริการเซลลูลาร์ (Add Cellular Plan)
• ทำการเลือกเพื่อตั้งค่าชื่อและสายเริ่มต้นการโทรกับเซลลูลาร์ในการใช้งาน

4. ตั้งชื่อแผนบริการเซลลูลาร์

• แตะเพื่อตั้งค่าชื่อแผนบริการเซลลูลาร์ (Cellular Plan Labels)
• โดยจะตั้งชื่อตามค่ามาตรฐาน หรือพิมพ์กำหนดชื่อด้วยตัวเองก็ได้
• เมื่อตั้งชื่อเสร็จแล้ว ให้แตะ ดำเนินการต่อ (Continue)

5. เลือกหมายเลขโทรศัพท์ที่จะใช้งาน (ค่าเริ่มต้น) (Default Line) 

• โดยเลือกใช้งานได้ทีละ 1 หมายเลข
• หมายเลขอื่นที่ไม่ถูกเลือกใช้งาน จะเป็นเบอร์สำรอง

6. การลบข้อมูลแผนบริการเซลลูลาร์ที่ไม่ใช้งานออก

• ให้แตะที่ชื่อที่ตั้งไว้จะปรากฏหน้าจอแผนบริการเซลลูลาร์ (Cellular Plan No Longer Available)
• จากนั้นให้แตะที่ อัพเดทรายชื่อ (Update Contacts) เพื่อลบข้อมูล
• เมื่อลงทะเบียนและเปิดใช้งาน eSIM เรียบร้อยแล้ว

1. ไปที่หน้าจอหลัก แตะที่ไอคอน การตั้งค่า (Settings)

• แตะที่เมนู ตัวจัดการ SIM การ์ด (SIM card manager) เพื่อเพิ่ม eSim
• แตะที่เมนู เพิ่มแผนมือถือ (Add mobile plan)

2. แตะที่เมนู สแกน QR Code ของผู้ให้บริการ (Scan Carrier QR Code)

• ตัวเครื่อง Adroid จะเปิดกล้องหลัง เพื่อเตรียมตัวสแกน QR Code ของ eSim
• สแกน QR code ที่ได้รับ
• ระบบจะเริ่มทำการลงทะเบียนและเปิดใช้งาน eSIM จะปรากฎวงกลมหมุนตรงกลาง รอประมาณ 1-2 นาที

3. เมื่อลงทะเบียนและเปิดใช้งาน eSIM เรียบร้อยแล้ว

• จะปรากฏหน้าจอ เพิ่มแผนมือถือ (Add this plan to your phone?) ให้แตะ เพื่อตั้งค่าชื่อ
• สายเริ่มต้นการโทร กับเซลลูลาร์ในการใช้งาน ให้แตะ ยืนยัน (Confirm)

4. จะปรากฎหน้าจอ label eSIMs ภายใน ตัวจัดการ SIM การ์ด (SIM card manager) :

• eSIM1 คือ eSIM ที่ถูก Download เข้าเครื่องมือถือสำเร็จใช้งานได้แล้ว
• SIM 1 ที่เป็น Nano SIM จะถูกยกเลิก และ ไม่สามารถใช้งานได้อีก

5. กำหนดให้ eSIM เป็น SIM ที่ใช้ในการโทร, ข้อความและ ข้อมูลมือถือ ใน SIM การ์ดที่เตรียมไว้ (Preferred SIM card)

6. ตั้งชื่อให้ eSIM 1 ใหม่โดยแตะที่ eSIM 1 แล้วเปลี่ยนชื่อได้เลย

ช่องทางการติดต่อขอรับบริการ eSIM

True shop ทั่วประเทศ, แอปพลิเคชั่น true iservice ตรวจสอบรุ่นมือถือ คลิก, how to convert sim card to esim on your iphone yourself physical sim to esim, how to transfer sim card/esim from your old iphone to esim on your new iphone yourself, ซื้อง่าย ใช้งานทันที บนแอปพลิเคชั่น true iservice.

• เข้าสู่แอปพลิเคชั่น True iService
• เลือกเมนู eSIM
• เลือก เปลี่ยนซิมการ์ดเป็น eSIM

• ระบุหมายเลขที่ต้องการใช้บริการ eSIM

• ระบุหมายเลข EID ของมือถือท่าน (ตรวจสอบได้ที่ เมนู  Setting > About phone > Status information > EID
• ระบุ email address ที่จะรับ eSIM QR Code
• ระบุหมายเลขโทรศัพท์ที่ใช้ในการติดต่อ

• ถ่ายภาพหน้าตรง
• ถ่ายภาพบัตรประจำตัวประชาชน

• ตรวจสอบข้อมูลส่วนตัว
• ทำการยืนยัน

• ตรวจสอบ email ที่ระบุไว้ในข้อ (3) ตรวจสอบ eSIM QR code
• ทำการติดตั้ง eSIM ลงเครื่อง

Suggestion: It is recommended that you backup all the contact lists to the device’s phonebook and backup all your  data on the iCloud before proceeding. Once the SIM card is deactivated, destroy the card by breaking it.

How to convert SIM card to eSIM on your iPhone yourself  physical SIM to eSIM

Go to Menu>Settings >Cellular

Select “Convert to eSIM”

Select “Select the number you wish to convert”

Select “Continue”

Enter your ID card or passport number

Check and Confirm the esim and Select “ Activate ” to process

Please wait for the system to process

On your new iPhone

Go to Menu > Settings > Cellular

Set up Cellular

Select the phone number you wish to convert to eSIM from the list of the cellular

Select Transfer Number

The screen will display a message that the eSIM conversion process has been completed. 

คำถาม - คำตอบ เปลี่ยนและโอนย้าย eSIM ด้วยตัวเอง

.x-1vxzz5j{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;letter-spacing:0.25px;font-size:calc(var(--fs-xs) - 2.2px);font-family:var(--text-bold);line-height:1.5;}@media (max-width: 425px){.x-1vxzz5j{font-size:calc(var(--fs-xss) - 2.2px );}}.x-1vxzz5j .list-no{padding-right:1rem;} 1 which group of true customers can use this service, 2 what i need to do before start using the service, 3 how many esim can be used per device, 4 esim number can use the service as usual like a normal sim card, 5 where can i apply for the esim, 6 is there a service fee, 7 how to remove esim that is no longe be used, 8 in the case of using multiple sim in the same device, both physical sim and esim, if one number is in use, can the other numbers receive or make calls, 9 can i transfer the same number from another network esim to true's esim, 10 what is good about esim, 11 can the esim be used abroad, 12 does tourist sim support esim.

• Get Started eSIM supported list How to set up FAQs
• About Us About Thailandesim Contact us

No products in the cart.

Thailand SIM cards & eSIM: Detailed Guides 2023

Planning a trip to Thailand? Buying a prepaid Thailand SIM card or eSIM with data plan to keep you get connected during your Thailand vacation is highly recommended.

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. When visiting Thailand, staying connected with family and friends, accessing maps and navigation apps, and using social media platforms can be necessary for a comfortable and convenient trip.

You can ensure this by buying a Thailand SIM card or eSIM. While SIM cards have been the standard choice for tourists, eSIM are now getting more and more popular thanks to its convenience and ease of use.

So, which one is the best for travelers to Thailand? Discuss the pros and cons of each option and how to choose the most suitable one for your trip in the Land of Smiles.

Let’s get into all you need to know about the e(SIM) cards for your trip in Thailand.

Table of Contents

I. should you get a new thailand sim card when traveling to thailand.

When traveling to Thailand, you may need a new local sim card if you want to access local mobile networks and use your current phone to make calls, send text messages, or surf the Internet. 

It is because your current sim card may not be compatible with the local mobile networks in Thailand or the roaming fees for using your main sim card may be too expensive. 

By buying a new SIM card for Thailand, you can reap some benefits as follows:

• Taking advantage of Thailand’s 4G/5G networks to have better coverage
• No need to switch between multiple SIM cards and being able to keep your contacts in a single device.
• The price of using a local sim card will be much cheaper than the internal roaming fees
• Even it helps you save more money in case you do not want to make calls or texts, that is when you can buy a data-only SIM card in Thailand

II. Types of Thailand SIM Card

Before buying a new sim card, make sure that your phone is unlocked so it can receive the signals of cellular operators in Thailand.

In terms of forms, Thailand SIM cards for tourists are now available in the following types: 

• Physical SIM,
• eSIM (virtual SIM)

1. Physical SIM (mini-sim, micro sim, nano sim)

This type of sim cards in Thailand include:

• Prepaid local Thailand SIM cards

Prepaid Thailand SIM cards are popular among tourists. You can buy it at the airport and many convenience stores. This type of sim offers a certain amount of data, calling and texting credits that could be used during your trip.

Where to buy: at the Thai airport, in official stores of mobile network operators or in convenience stores in Thailand. 

Requirements: passport and probably personal information like ID card.

• Tourist SIM cards with calls, texts and data

Tourist Thailand SIM cards are specifically designed for those traveling to Thailand and offer special rates for calls, texts and data. These cards are readily available at the Thailand airport and many convenience stores.

Where to buy: buy online, at Thai airport, in mobile carriers’ official stores, in convenience stores

Requirement: passport and probably personal information.

2. Prepaid Thailand Tourist eSIM

This type of sim card sounds new to many of you, but it is the most updated and convenient way of communicating for travelers abroad these days. Prepaid Thailand tourist eSIM is 100% online and can help you stay connected in Thailand almost wherever and whenever you are in Thailand. It has the same function like a traditional tourist sim card but you do not need to swap a new sim card. 

Oftentimes, tourists will choose data-only tourist eSIM for their trip to save money while still maintaining contacts with others via apps.

It is recommended to compare the plans and rates offered by different mobile network providers to find the best option for your needs.

Where to buy: buy at online stores of eSIM providers like Gigago, Airalo, Holafly, etc.

Requirement : an unlocked and eSIM-compatible device

Which type of SIM to choose when traveling to Thailand?

Quick advice: You should choose a prepaid data eSIM for your Thailand trip

III. What is a Tourist Thailand eSIM?

eSIM stands for embedded sim , a virtual SIM card which is embedded directly into a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, rather than being a removable, physical card. If you travel to Thailand, an eSIM can be used to offer cellular data connection while staying in the country without having to swap a physical sim card.

Tourist eSIM is available in Thailand and provided by 3 major networks in Thailand (AIS, DTAC and True Move). All these network operators are offering high-speed eSIM data services. 

It works well everywhere in Thailand, no matter if it is in a big city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai or in an island like Phuket.

Before your trip, you can buy an eSIM plan from a mobile network operator of your choice. After you arrive, your device will automatically connect to the local network using the eSIM, and you will be able to use data for activities like internet browsing, social media, maps, and more.

However, it is important to note that not all mobile devices can work with eSIMs. So, you had better check with the provider or carrier to confirm whether or not your device is supported with eSIM technology.

IV. Why eSIM for Your Thailand Trip?

An eSIM is not a requirement for traveling to Thailand, but it comes with some advantages and conveniences for travelers. 

Here is a brief comparison between Thailand eSIM vs physical SIM card. Let’s see how similar and different they are!

Thailand eSIM vs Thailand SIM Card

Which place / city in Thailand will you go in your trip? See useful guides on buying SIM cards or eSIM by place?

• Bangkok SIM cards and eSIM
• Phuket SIM cards and eSIM
• Chiang Mai SIM cards and eSIM

V. Thailand eSIM Types and Features

Advice: A data eSIM is highly recommended for those who just visit Thailand for tourism purposes because they can still keep their original phone number to receive urgent calls, and have Whatsapp, Telegram, Viber and other apps to stay in contact with your family, friends.

In terms of function, Thailand eSIM is divided into 2 types:

• Data eSIM (for internet access only), and
• Voice, text and data eSIM (for both analog calls, SMS and internet access)

Below are some main features of Thailand data eSIMs :

• Most data eSIMs for Thailand do not come with Thai phone numbers, so you cannot make analog phone calls or texts, but you can do it via apps. 
• The eSIM data plan will automatically connect to the supported mobile network and give you instant access to the Internet.
• eSIM can be installed once only. So if you remove it, you cannot set it up again on any mobile device. However, there are some eSIMs from certain providers which can be installed again once the old one is removed. In such cases, their validity is accumulated and remains unchanged.
• You can add multiple eSIM profiles on a phone, depending on the memory storage of the phone. But only one is activated at a time and maximum 3 eSIMs in one phone is recommended so as to optimize your phone performance.
• Top-up ability: depending on the eSIM provider, when you use up your data, you will need to buy a new data plan or be able to top up.

VI. Popular Thailand SIM Card and eSIM Data Plans and Costs

How does SIM card in Thailand cost?

The prices of SIM cards in Thailand vary based on each Thailand mobile operator . You can check out the SIM card and mobile internet plans on their official websites. Then, the prices of each Thailand SIM card provider will be just slightly different.

You just need to prepare around $5-$10 for a SIM card in Thailand, but you may need to prepare more credit for top-up and register data plans when using.

How does eSIM in Thailand cost? 

The cost of eSIM in Thailand can vary depending on different factors like the service provider, type of device and data plan. 

The following eSIM data packages are currently available for tourists to Thailand that can give you a quick overview of the eSIM cost.

Note: It is recommended to compare the available prepaid plans and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

How much data does a tourist need when traveling in Thailand?

• Oftentimes, 3GB to 5GB of data will be enough to cover a trip of those with regular data usage. If you want to use more data or travel for a longer duration (about 1 month), you may want to get the plan with higher data volume or longer validity.
• Wifi networks in Thailand is very friendly, so, to save data, you should make use of Public WiFi as long as possible.

VII. Thailand eSIM Supported Devices

As mentioned earlier, not all devices can work with eSIM. The eSIM now can be set up on smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and laptops. Similar to eSIM of other countries, to use Thailand eSIM, you should make sure that your device is:

• unlocked, and
• supported with eSIM

Some popular devices that are compatible with eSIM technology in Thailand include:

• iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, 13, 13Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPad Pro (11-inch) and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd generation and later)
• Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5, 6, and SE
• Google Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G, and 5
• Samsung Galaxy Fold series, Z Flip series, S20, S21, S21 Ultra, and Note 20

Please note that this list is under continual update, so to check if your device is compatible with eSIM, look up here . 

VIII. Best Mobile Network Operators Offer Thailand SIM Card and eSIM

In Thailand, there are some major mobile carriers that provide Thailand SIM card and support eSIM services to prepaid customers:

1. AIS (Advanced Info Service)

AIS (Advanced Info Service) is the largest mobile network operator in Thailand, providing 3G, and 4G mobile services to customers.

AIS is known for its widespread coverage, offering excellent network quality throughout the country. It is one of the largest providers of both voice and data services, and is considered to be the largest mobile network operator in Thailand. With a speed at 43.52 Mbps as reported in Q1 2022, AIS offers the fastest mobile data in Thailand.

AIS’s tourist SIM offers unlimited data, local and international calls, and SMS at affordable prices.

Check out AIS Thailand eSIM plan at thailandesim.com !

2. DTAC (Total Access Communication)

Dtac (Total Access Communication) is the second-largest mobile network operator in Thailand, offering voice, data, and mobile internet services.

Dtac has extensive coverage similar to AIS, but with a focus on urban areas. It is also known for its good network quality and reliable service, making it a popular choice for many consumers.

DTAC’s tourist SIM card provides unlimited internet access and a limited number of local and international calls and SMS.

Thailandesim offers various dtac Thailand eSIM with unlimited data and calls.

3. TrueMove H (True Corporation)

TrueMove H (True Corporation) is a subsidiary of True Corporation and provides mobile and broadband internet services in Thailand. It operates under the “TrueMove H” brand name and is known for offering affordable mobile services to its customers.

TrueMove H is known for its high-speed 4G network and . It has a strong focus on data services, and is a popular choice among those who need fast and reliable internet access. The coverage of TrueMove H is considered to be good, but not as extensive as that of AIS or Dtac.

TrueMove H tourist SIM card offers unlimited high-speed internet, free incoming calls, and low-cost outgoing calls and SMS.

Note that: The availability and support of eSIM technology may vary depending on the device and plan, so it’s always best to check with the carrier for the most up-to-date information.

Here is a quick summary of those 3 Thailand SIM card providers in Thailand:

The quick brief above shows that:

• DTAC is the mobile network operator with the best 4G coverage. It also gets awards related to core consistent quality. 
• DTAC has good coverage in urban areas.
• AIS is the mobile operator with the best 5G coverage and fastest Internet speed, followed by TrueMove H and DTAC.
• TrueMove H has good 5G coverage, after AIS

IX. FAQs about Thailand SIM Cards and eSIM

Do i need to unlock my phone to use esim in thailand.

It depends on your phone and carrier. Some phones and carriers may require you to unlock your device to use eSIM, while others may support eSIM straight out of the box.

Can I use my eSIM in other countries besides Thailand?

Yes, you can use an eSIM in other countries, as long as your mobile network operator offers international roaming services. However, it’s important to check the rates and coverage in advance, as they may vary by country.

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

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

• 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
• SING – MALAY – THAI – INDO – CAM
• ASIA – 8 countries
• eSIM Supported List
• How to set up
• About Thailandesim

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in