On this Thailand sim card information, I in contrast the three finest suppliers, AIS, DTAC, TrueMove H, and Thailand E-SIM concerning pricing, Web protection within the nation, and knowledge velocity.
Hello Trisha! I discovered your digital nomad weblog via a good friend right here in Berlin and I have to say wow you have got traveled rather a lot in your life!!! I’m notably enthusiastic about all of your Asia content material since I’ve not been. Thanks for all of the solo feminine journey and distant work suggestions. I can see that you just go to Thailand rather a lot. What’s the finest Thailand sim card you suggest? I get combined info and totally different suggestions amongst buddies so I believed to ask you. Thanks a lot prematurely!
Bernd Finkel, Germany
Join The Good Nomad Publication and obtain traits about dwelling overseas, digital nomad visa information, value of dwelling, and all the pieces you have to learn about shifting and dealing overseas.
Hello Bernd!
Thanks for the message and for supporting this weblog! AIS is generally the popular Thailand sim card however I’ve been utilizing my DTAC sim for years so I didn’t change it to AIS.
I spotted I don’t need to accumulate tons of of sim playing cards for each nation I go to so I saved my Thai sim since I all the time go to this nation.
I’m solely with DTAC due to the time I’ve been utilizing it, however you’ll be able to go for AIS if you wish to. On this publish, I’ve in contrast the three totally different prime Thai SIM card suppliers so you’ll be able to verify what works properly for you.
As standard, I can’t actually determine what sim card works finest for you as I don’t know the way you employ the Web. If you’ll use it for Hotspot, undoubtedly go for DTAC however if you’re touring round the entire nation, AIS is nice!
When you’ve got any questions that weren’t answered right here, I’d be completely satisfied to replace this publish – simply let me know! Good luck in your journey and revel in Thailand!
Xx,
Trisha
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🙋 Is it needed to purchase a Thailand SIM card?
For me, it’s needed as a result of I work on-line however if you’re solely in Thailand for a couple of days, the wifi within the lodges are very respectable, particularly in main cities like Bangkok the place there’s higher infrastructure.
In the event you want it for work, you undoubtedly want to purchase a Thailand sim card. However if you happen to don’t need to spend additional and likewise plan to be disconnected, you’ll be able to simply hook up with your lodge’s wifi.
I do perceive that on this day’s digital age, you’d probably need to be linked even if you’re not a distant employee (share journey pictures and reel sto buddies), so yeah, the need of shopping for a sim card in Thailand will depend on yor private choice.
Many vacationers ask if they will use their US cellular phone in Thailand and the reply is YES! Verizon and AT&T has worldwide plans though I’m way back unsubscribred to those since I’m all the time touring.
However I’m 100% positive that native Thai sim card knowledge plans are manner cheaper than Verizon or AT&T. I imply, you may get a knowledge plan in Asia for $5 USD for 8 days!
In case your telephone is locked to any of those US suppliers, the native Thailand SIM card suppliers could not assist your US telephone. Nonetheless, it’ll nonetheless work with Wi-Fi in Thailand.
🆚 Thailand sim card vs Thailand E-sim
I’m a fan of each native SIM playing cards and E-sim. In lots of nations, the e-sim doesn’t work as I count on it to (and vice versa), in order a digital nomad, I typically have each.
I do know that’s not too handy but when your livelihood will depend on the Web, you bought to have all of it.
In case you are deciding between an area Thai sim card versus a Thailand E-sim, listed here are some factors to contemplate:
| Thai Sim Card | Thailand E-sim | |
| Set up and Setup | Requires a go to to a retailer or kiosk to buy and activate. Bodily set up in your machine is critical. | Prompt activation and setup straight out of your smartphone or pill. No want to go to a retailer or swap bodily SIM playing cards. |
| Comfort | May be much less handy for vacationers who want to keep away from the effort of discovering a retailer and coping with potential language obstacles. | Extremely handy for vacationers who need to prepare all the pieces prematurely and have their knowledge prepared upon arrival. |
| Compatibility | Works with any unlocked telephone that helps SIM playing cards, providing broader compatibility. | Appropriate with eSIM-enabled gadgets. Not all telephones assist eSIM expertise, so compatibility might be a problem. |
| Price | Usually provides more cost effective choices, particularly for longer stays or heavier knowledge utilization, with native charges and promotions. | Costs are aggressive and are sometimes tailor-made for short-term use, however is likely to be barely larger than native charges as a consequence of comfort components. |
| Flexibility and Plan Choices | Presents a variety of plans that may embrace limitless knowledge, calls, and texts, typically with added advantages like native reductions. | Gives quite a lot of plans tailor-made to totally different durations and knowledge wants, which could be simply switched or upgraded via the app. |
| Protection and Velocity | Direct entry to the native community supplier’s service, which may doubtlessly provide one of the best accessible protection and speeds in distant areas. | Makes use of native networks, so protection and velocity are usually good, however efficiency can differ primarily based on the underlying service. |
| Buyer Assist | Entry to in-person buyer assist in shops, which could be useful for resolving points rapidly. | Assist is usually supplied on-line via chat or e-mail, which could be handy however will not be instant. |
💰 Thailand E-sim costs
The Thailand E-sim has aggressive pricing in comparison with native Thai sim. Once more, I exploit each in an emergency since my job is 100% depending on the Web.
I additionally love these pricing plans as a result of it’s not so overwhelming: there are solely 2 decisions and they’re each straight to the purpose.
The value distinction is simply $10 USD for the 50 GB plan and the limitless knowledge plan. And that is just for Thailand. Truly, the Asian plan covers 18 nations and begins at $5 USD for 7 days!
Thailand E-sim (Primary)
$9.90 USD
HAPPY TOURIST SIM
Thailand E-sim (Infinite)
$19.95 USD
HAPPY TOURIST INFINITE
🤳 Bonus: In case you are touring to different nations in Asia, you’ll be able to go for the regional plan covers 18 Asian nations for as little as $5 USD. This fashion, you don’t have to fret about your sim card whereas altering nations.
📍The place to purchase a sim card in Thailand
Getting a SIM card in Thailand is simple and handy as a result of there are lots of locations to get one. The next are a number of the most typical locations to purchase a SIM card in Thailand:
Can I get a SIM card at Bangkok airport?
Completely!Shopping for a sim card at Bangkok Airport is extra beneficial than shopping for it within the metropolis. The principle motive is airports have English-speaking crew.
You possibly can verify the dtac Thai sim card kiosks on the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Worldwide Arrival Terminal at gates 7 & 9, and on the baggage declare areas 10 & 19, from 7 AM – 10 PM every day.
If you’d like AIS, you’ll be able to open the AIS Bangkok airport kiosk location right here.
For TrueMove, click on right here to see the outlets’ location.’ location.
Official cellular community supplier shops
AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H all have official shops and repair facilities all through the nation, notably in main cities and vacationer locations.
These shops provide a variety of SIM card choices and might present further help in organising the cardboard, topping up credit score, or addressing some other issues.
Comfort shops
Widespread comfort retailer chains akin to 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Tesco Lotus Specific could be present in practically each nook of Thailand.
Most of those shops promote SIM playing cards from the three most important suppliers, making it a handy choice for vacationers who could have missed the chance to buy one on the airport.
Purchasing malls and electronics shops
Massive buying malls, notably in main cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, typically home shops that promote SIM playing cards.
These shops could be discovered alongside different electronics and cell phone retailers. Moreover, in style digital chains akin to Banana IT, Energy Purchase, and Jaymart might also carry SIM playing cards.
Cell phone kiosks and road distributors
It’s common to seek out cell phone kiosks or road distributors promoting SIM playing cards in bustling areas, evening markets, and vacationer hotspots.
Whereas this selection could be handy, guaranteeing that the Thailand SIM card is official and from a good supply is important to keep away from potential points.
To date, I’ve had no points shopping for sim playing cards on the streets of Bangkok or within the markets so I can say road distributors promote legit sim playing cards.
In the event you learn this text and have a nasty expertise with shopping for Thai sim card from the road distributors, go away a remark under to assist different vacationers!
🇹🇭 Useful Thai phrases for getting a sim card
In case you are within the airport, there shall be English-speaking workers who can help you. Nonetheless, if you’re within the metropolis, I’m afraid that not everybody can communicate English in Thailand, particularly in a vital topic akin to a sim card.
All people will say simply go to a 7 eleven and you can be good to go as the method is fairly straight ahead.
However some readers of this weblog have reported that’s is extraordinarily tough for them, particularly when receiving textual content messages from the networks.
As in each nation, these textual content messages or confirmations that you just get are within the native language. I’m so sorry, I do not need any recommendation.
I simply wing it and usually ignore these Thai textual content messages. It’s what it’s.
I all the time have these Thai phrases helpful when shopping for a SIM card in Thailand. I solely used Google Translate, however a Thai good friend of mine mentioned it’s acceptable and comprehensible.
| Thai | Pronunciation | English |
| “Kho sim card dai mai?” (คอ ซิม การ์ด ได้ ไหม?) | khaw sim kahd dai mai? | Can I purchase a SIM card? |
| “Mee web mai?” (มี อินเทอร์เน็ต ไหม?) | mee in-ter-net mai? | Does it have web? |
| “Tao rai?” (เท่า ไร?) | tao rai? | How a lot is it? |
| “Lod knowledge dai mai?” (โหลด ดาต้า ได้ ไหม?) | loht da-taa dai mai? | Can I prime up knowledge? |
| “Mee prom-chun a-rai baang?” (มี โปรโมชั่น อะไร บ้าง?) | mee pro-mo-chun a-rai baang? | What promotions are there? |
| “Chuay dton-triap sim card hai noi dai mai?” (ช่วยต่อเนื่องซิมการ์ดให้หน่อยได้ไหม?) | chuay dton-nueang sim kahd hai noy dai mai? | Might you assist arrange the SIM card? |
| “Sim ni mi khuam sam-rap phut passa ang-grit dai mai?” (ซิมนี้มีความสามารถพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม?) | sim nee mee khuam sa-mat phoot pha-sa ang-grit dai mai? | Does this SIM provide English language assist? |
| “Kho sim sam-rap tho-ra-sap dai mai?” (ขอซิมสำหรับโทรศัพท์ได้ไหม?) | kho sim sam-rap tho-ra-sap dai mai? | Can I get a SIM for the telephone? |
| “Mee wi-fi pheun-thi mai?” (มี WiFi เพื่อนที่ไหม?) | mee Wi-Fi pheuun thee mai? | Is there WiFi accessible right here? |
| “Rab chan-mai?” (รับชำระเงิน) | rab chan-mai? | Do you settle for bank card? |
It’s also possible to copy/paste the Thai translations or just present this desk if you happen to encounter somebody who doesn’t communicate English whereas shopping for a sim card in Thailand.
In the event you purchase a SIM card in Thailand, it’s possible you’ll typically encounter misunderstandings, particularly concerning costs and knowledge plans.
I have to warn you: You may get pissed off, particularly if given the unsuitable plan. You would possibly generally suppose in-person shopping for is best, however on this case, due to language obstacles, it actually isn’t.
In the event you don’t need to take care of this, go for the Thailand E-sim that you could buy earlier than leaving your own home.
📲 Thailand sim card sizes
As in most nations, a Thailand SIM card is on the market in three commonplace sizes: nano, micro, and commonplace (or mini) SIM.
The scale of the SIM card required will depend on the precise make and mannequin of the cellular machine.
Through the years, the scale of SIM playing cards has progressively decreased, with nano-SIM playing cards turning into essentially the most generally used measurement for a lot of trendy smartphones.
To make sure you get hold of the proper SIM card measurement, these suppliers typically provide a 3-in-1 SIM card, consisting of a standard-sized card with micro and nano-sized cutouts.
This lets you break free their machine’s appropriately sized SIM card simply.
Alternatively, when buying a Thailand SIM card from an official cellular community supplier retailer or a service counter, the workers may also help you establish your machine’s acceptable SIM card measurement.
You should purchase a SIM card adapter if you happen to unintentionally purchase the unsuitable SIM card measurement or want to modify between gadgets with totally different SIM card necessities.
These adapters are often cheap and extensively accessible at cell phone accent shops, digital outlets, and on-line retailers.
In the event you go for a Thai E-sim, the plans are additionally primarily based on the kind of cell phone you employ. That means that if you happen to change cellphones, you additionally want to modify your e-sim plan. (i.e. change from iPhone 15 to iPhone 15 professional).
🤳 How to decide on one of the best Thailand sim card
When selecting a Thailand SIM card supplier, it’s important to contemplate components akin to community protection, web knowledge costs, and web knowledge velocity.
Right here, primarily based on these standards, I in contrast the three most important suppliers that are AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H.
FYI, I do know that AIS is utilized by many however I’ve all the time used DTAC as a result of I’ve had the identical sim card for a very long time. DTAC can be the official native companion of my worldwide e-sim.
Protection
All three suppliers provide intensive protection all through Thailand, together with main cities, vacationer locations, and lots of rural areas.
Whereas protection can differ barely relying on the situation, AIS is mostly thought of to have essentially the most complete protection, intently adopted by TrueMove H and DTAC.
Nonetheless, the distinction in vary between these suppliers is minimal, and it’s best to discover all three networks dependable and accessible throughout the nation.
Thailand sim card knowledge costs
The costs for web knowledge plans provided by AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H are fairly aggressive, with all three suppliers presenting varied choices to cater to totally different wants and budgets.
Thailand SIM card plans from every supplier usually vary from 299 THB to 899 THB, with various knowledge allowances, calling minutes, and validity durations.
Whereas the costs are comparatively comparable, evaluating the precise knowledge allowances, add-ons, and bonuses every community supplies is essential to find out one of the best worth on your necessities.
Web knowledge velocity
Relating to web knowledge velocity, all three suppliers have invested considerably in upgrading their networks to 4G and 5G applied sciences, guaranteeing quick and secure connections for his or her customers.
Whereas the velocity can differ relying on location, community congestion, and machine compatibility, AIS is commonly acknowledged as having the quickest and most constant knowledge speeds, intently adopted by TrueMove H and DTAC.
Nonetheless, the variations in knowledge speeds between the suppliers are usually minor, and most customers ought to discover the web speeds of all three networks enough for his or her wants.
Backside line
AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H all provide dependable protection, aggressive web knowledge costs, and spectacular knowledge speeds all through Thailand.
Whereas AIS could have a slight edge concerning protection and knowledge velocity, the variations between the three suppliers are marginal.
Listed here are every supplier’s particular plans and choices, so you may get a greater overview and decide which finest meets your necessities and preferences.
🏆 AIS: finest Thailand sim card
AIS, also referred to as Superior Data Service, is certainly one of Thailand’s main cellular community suppliers, providing a variety of SIM card choices catering to the various wants of locals and vacationers.
Identified for its intensive community protection and dependable providers, AIS is a well-liked selection for these seeking to keep linked whereas exploring the nation.
AIS sim card costs
| # of days | Value in USD | Gigabytes |
| 30 days | $36 | 300 GB |
| 15 days | $17 | 30 GB |
| 8 days | $9 | 15 GB |
| Pay as you go | from $1.50 | N/A |
All AIS plans have limitless social media plans for Fb, Line, Whatsapp, Instagram, WeChat, Tiktok, and Twitter.
Limitless calls to AIS numbers solely and worldwide calls are charged at 1 BHT ($0.0029 USD) per minute.
📱 DTAC: Thailand sim card that locals use
DTAC, quick for Whole Entry Communication, is one other outstanding cellular community supplier in Thailand, identified for its aggressive pricing and complete protection.
DTAC Thailand sim card costs
| # of days | Value in USD | Gigabytes |
| 8 days | $12 | Limitless |
| 15 days | $19 | Limitless |
| 30 days | $33 | Limitless |
DTAC additionally provides social media solely packages for as little as $1.50 USD for 7 days of limitless utilization for platforms like Tiktok or Instagram.
That is the best choice if you happen to don’t need to pay for calls and texts.
📳 Thailand sim card with intensive knowledge plan: TrueMove H
TrueMove H, a subsidiary of the True Company, is certainly one of Thailand’s main cellular community suppliers, identified for its aggressive providers and intensive community protection.
TrueMove H costs
| # of days | Value in USD | Information |
| 8 days | $12 | Limitless |
| 15 days | $20 | Limitless |
| 30 days | $29 | Limitless |
📳 How one can activate Thailand sim card
Typically, the your bought Thailand SIM card will robotically activate upon insertion.
Nonetheless, if you happen to want additional help or activation isn’t computerized, you’ll be able to go to any service facilities, the place the workers may also help you with the activation course of.
Alternatively, you can too name hotlines for every sim card suppliers the place they may have an English-speaking workers who can help you on the telephone.
You could marvel how on earth you’ll name these numbers in case your Thai sim card isn’t activated. You possibly can ask your lodge concierge or you’ll be able to truly use your lodge room’s telephone to name these hotlines:
- dtac: dial 1678
- True: dial 1242
Do Thai SIM playing cards expire?
Sure, Thailand SIM playing cards do expire. The validity interval of every card will rely upon the package deal you buy and the person service, nevertheless, it’s often between 30 days to 1 12 months.
After this era has expired, your unused knowledge allowance will usually expire as properly. It’s due to this fact essential to verify the expiration date of your card after buy and preserve monitor of it to be able to keep away from any inconvenience or further fees as a consequence of expired SIM playing cards.
🔃 How one can top-up Thai sim playing cards
Credit for topping up your Thai sim card could be added via varied strategies, akin to buying top-up playing cards from comfort shops like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, in addition to service facilities and approved retailers.
The highest-up card, irrespective of how old-fashioned it’s, continues to be getting used for including Thailand sim card credit.
So as to add credit score utilizing a top-up card, observe the directions on the cardboard, which usually contain dialing a particular code and coming into the distinctive PIN supplied.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to prime up your credit score on-line via the web sites of the sim card suppliers that you just selected.
TALK TO TRISHA
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I’ve been giving skilled and real recommendation to solo vacationers and digital nomads for the final 15 years. You select the vacation spot and I’ll reply all of your questions!