How to buy a SIM card in Thailand: Options and alternatives

Is buying a SIM card worth it when traveling to Thailand?

When traveling to Thailand, it’s always worth it to buy a local SIM plan. While you don’t want to spend your vacation glued to your phone, you’ll need an internet connection to:

• Translate menus and street signs.

• Get directions to attractions, restaurants, and hotels (whether you’re on foot or driving, you’ll still need to look into Google maps data usage and other navigation apps).

• Post on social media.

• Research tourist destinations and plan excursions.

• Stay connected with friends and family.

Roaming with your home service provider is an option, but international data roaming comes with a high cost. For example, Apples Maps data usage is relatively efficient, but your home mobile carrier may still charge you up to US$10 a day just for accessing international data! Even minimal phone use can carry a high price tag when you’re traveling abroad. A SIM card for Thailand lets you bypass these high roaming charges without sacrificing internet access.

How to buy a SIM card in Thailand

To buy a SIM card in Thailand, you have multiple options. You can buy a SIM card online before you leave for your trip, or you can pick one up when you arrive in Thailand. If you buy a SIM card in person, you’ll need your passport because Thai law requires tourists to register SIM cards to their name and passport number.

Before going to Thailand

You can purchase a SIM card before going to Thailand through multiple online retailers. Simply go directly to an online marketplace like Amazon or a mobile service provider and order a prepaid SIM card. Then, it will be mailed to you.  

Buying a SIM card online can help you get data immediately once you touch down in Thailand, and you can skip the hassle of tracking down a local SIM card vendor. However, you may have to pay shipping and handling fees. If you decide to order online, be sure to place your order well in advance. You don’t want your SIM to arrive after you’ve left for Thailand! Alternatively, consider using an eSIM, which can be installed on your device before departure and activates automatically upon arrival.

Upon arrival

If you wait to buy a SIM card for Thailand upon arrival, you have a few different options. You can pick up a SIM card immediately in the airport, or you can head into the city and look for a retail or convenience store.

Airlines

Some airlines, like Thai Airways, offer free SIM cards to tourists. However, these SIM cards are more of a gesture than a genuine deal. They typically come preloaded with only a small amount of data (about 20 MB), and you’ll have to top it off to use the card during your trip. Still, that SIM card may be useful to help you call a rideshare to your hotel.

Airport

Every international airport in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), has clearly marked SIM card vendors. You can generally find kiosks for Thai mobile providers near baggage claim, and they often have larger counters and/or full stores in the arrival hall.

It’s important to note that if you buy a SIM card at the airport, you’ll be paying premium prices. Mobile providers know that people want to get internet access as soon as they arrive, so they charge slightly higher prices at their airport locations.

Retail stores

DTAC, AIS, and TrueMove H all have retail stores in Thailand’s major cities, tourist destinations, and malls. If you’re unsure which prepaid SIM card is right for you, the employees will be able to explain the different data plans, and they can help you activate your SIM.

Convenience stores

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Tesco all sell SIM cards for Thailand. 7-Eleven typically carries DTAC, while Family Mart and Tesco usually offer AIS SIM cards. While it's easy to purchase a SIM card at these locations, activating it can sometimes be tricky due to instructions being primarily in Thai. If you're unfamiliar with the language, it might be easier to visit a mobile provider's store, where staff can assist with setup and answer any questions.

How much does a Thai SIM card cost?

Thai SIM cards typically cost between US$1.50 and US$18, depending on your plan and provider. Most Thai SIM cards for tourists are prepaid with fixed data plans, and they’re only valid for a certain amount of time. We discuss different SIM card plans below.

The best SIM card providers in Thailand

AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H are the top three SIM card providers in Thailand. We’ll walk you through all of their plans so you can compare your options.

AIS (Advanced Info Service)

Advanced Info Service (AIS) has the widest 4G/5G coverage in Thailand, so an AIS SIM card is a solid choice, no matter where or when you’re traveling (even if you’re arriving during monsoon season, the worst time to visit Thailand).

You can choose from four different AIS SIM cards for tourists.

• 8-day: 15 GB data, free social media, and US$1.50 of calling credit for ฿299 (US$9).

• 15-day: 30 GB data and free social media for ฿599 (US$18), along with international calls at US$0.02 per minute.

• 30-day: 50 GB data and free social media for ฿899 (US$26), along with international calls at US$0.02 per minute.

• Pay-as-you-go: You can pay as go you at a rate of ฿49 (US$1.48) per GB of data and ฿1 (US$0.02) per minute.

DTAC

DTAC (Total Access Communication) is another major Thai mobile carrier, and it has special rates for travelers, known as Happy Tourists SIMs.

DTAC offers multiple options for their Happy Tourists SIMs.

• Pay-as-you-go: Pay as you go at a rate of ฿49 (US$1.48) per GB of data

• Happy Tourist Infinite: unlimited data and unlimited calls within Thailand for 8 days (฿499/US$15), 15 days (฿699/US$21), or 30 days (฿1199/US$35)

• Happy Tourist 8-day: 15 GB of data and unlimited calls within Thailand for ฿299 (US$9)

• Happy Tourist 10-day: 30 GB of data and unlimited calls within Thailand for ฿349 (US$11)

• Happy Tourist 30-day: 50 GB of data and unlimited calls within Thailand for ฿599 (US$18)

While DTAC offers a variety of special rates, this network has less 5G coverage than AIS Or TrueMove H, so if you’re concerned about internet speed, DTAC may not be your best bet.

TrueMove H

If you’re only interested in unlimited data, TrueMove H may be a good choice for you. TrueMove H’s Thailand travel SIM cards all come with unlimited data plans:

• 8-day unlimited data and ฿100 calling credits for ฿499 (US$15)

• 15-day unlimited data and ฿100 calling credits for ฿699 (US$21)

• 30-day unlimited data and ฿100 calling credits for ฿1199 (US$35)

Since TrueMove H’s unlimited tourist plans are similarly priced to DTAC, you should check each network’s coverage map for the area(s) you’ll be visiting to determine the right provider for you.

Which one is the best overall?

So, which Thai SIM card is the best overall? The answer will really depend on your needs. Here’s a quick table to compare:

However, you’re not limited to physical SIM cards for your Thailand trip. You have another option that’s even easier to use: an eSIM.

eSIMs: The best way to get internet access in Thailand

An eSIM is the best way to get internet access in Thailand. It’s a virtual alternative to physical SIM cards that takes advantage of pre-installed mobile device software to support more than one carrier. eSIMs allow you to skip the hassle of a physical SIM while still getting cost-effective, high-speed internet.

The benefits of using an eSIM for Thailand include:

• Security. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs can’t be lost, damaged, or stolen.

• Flexibility. You can purchase eSIM services at any point in your journey, and you can easily switch between carriers for the best coverage.

• Affordability. eSIMs offer cost-effective plans that are cheaper than international roaming and even some prepaid SIM cards. A Saily eSIM data plan for Thailand starts at just US$2.99 for 7 days.

Download an eSIM for Thailand to spend less time fussing with physical SIM cards and more time enjoying Thailand’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine!