Thailand SIM card for tourists: How to stay connected

Why get a SIM card in Thailand?

Getting a Thailand SIM card for tourists is a cheap way to use your phone overseas without roaming. When it comes to UK network providers, you’ll usually need to purchase a travel data pass or data package add-on to get decent international roaming rates — otherwise, roaming in Thailand can be extraordinarily expensive.

If you choose to roam with your UK provider, you can expect the following pay-as-you-go rates:

• Vodafone: 12p (US$0.16) per MB of data, 60p (US$0.81) per minute of outgoing calls, 36p (US$0.48) per minute of incoming calls, 8p (US$0.11) per SMS text, and 66p (US$0.89) per text with images.

• EE: £1.80 (US$2.42) for calls and 60p (US$0.81) per SMS text. You’ll only have access to data if you purchase a Travel Data Pass once you land in Thailand. 

• O2: £7.20 (US$9.66) per MB of data, £2 (US$2.68) per minute of incoming or outgoing calls, and 50p (US$0.67) per SMS text.

• Three: £3 (US$4.03) per MB of data, £2 (US$2.68) per minute for outgoing calls, £1.25 (US$1.68) per minute of incoming calls, 35p (US$0.47) per outgoing SMS text, and free incoming texts. 

When providers charge by the megabyte, roaming charges can amass to the hundreds of pounds, especially if you mindlessly scroll through short-form video content or stream music. This is why many travelers purchase a Thai SIM card to skip the headache of a gargantuan roaming bill. 

But let’s rewind a bit — what is a SIM card? A SIM card is a small, removable chip that you can pop into your phone or tablet to connect to local cellular networks. A local SIM card lets you connect to the internet at cheaper rates than international roaming, and, depending on the SIM provider, you might get a local phone number to make calls and send SMS texts. 

The benefits of getting a tourist SIM card for Thailand include:

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  Cheaper mobile data than any UK providers’ roaming rates. If you don’t purchase an international roaming add-on and stick with pay-as-you-go rates, a 30-second Instagram Reel could set you back between £1.20 and £72 depending on your mobile plan provider. You can skip the guessing game with a prepaid SIM card for Thailand.

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  Having a Thai phone number. Registering for some apps like LINE or GrabFood is easier with a local number.

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  Mobile data on the go. You won’t have to search for free Wi-Fi networks just for a quick Google search or to quickly translate a phrase from English to Thai.

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  Faster internet speeds than with public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are patchy, especially on the southern islands. Plus, internet traffic works a lot like Bangkok’s nonstop traffic — the more crowded it gets, the slower the speeds.

Curious about how much mobile data you’ll use when using navigation apps around Thailand? Check out our guides on Google Maps data usage and Apple Maps data usage.

Tourist SIMs vs. regular SIMs in Thailand

The difference between a tourist SIM card and a regular Thailand SIM card is that the former is made for tourists and the latter for locals. You can easily find tourist SIM cards at the airport where staff speak English and can help you choose a data plan that’ll last for the duration of your trip. But just like airport water bottles, buying a SIM card at the airport will come with a price surge — you can expect prices to be 20-30% higher than SIMs sold at 7-Eleven or mobile operator stores. That said, staff aren’t guaranteed to speak English at convenience stores in the event that you need assistance. And even with the slightly inflated prices, Thai SIM cards are famously cheap compared to ones in other popular tourist destinations. If you’re in Thailand for a short trip, we’d definitely recommend grabbing a tourist SIM card.  

💡 Pro tip: It’s easiest to purchase a tourist SIM card for Thailand at the airport, but it’s cheaper to use a Thai SIM card provider’s app if you need to top up on more data later on.

SIM card registration in Thailand: What to know

As of August 2025, presenting a form of photo ID is mandatory to purchase a tourist SIM card in Thailand — a measure enacted by the government to protect locals and visitors from SIM swapping scams. Your Thai SIM card will be registered under your passport number and name, so make sure you have your passport handy. Staff at the airport, convenience store, or mobile operator store will photocopy your passport and have you fill out a few documents — registration takes around 10 to 30 minutes. Foreigners are also limited to purchasing a maximum of five SIM cards per operator. 

💡 Pro tip: Keeping a photocopied version of your passport is a great travel habit. Better safe than sorry!

What’s the best SIM card for Thailand?

AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H are the top three SIM card providers in Thailand. AIS offers fantastic coverage across the country, including southern Thai islands and national parks. Backpackers tend to reach for SIM card packages from dtac, which offers the cheapest rates for its 8-day and 15-day Thailand SIM card plans. TrueMove H is best for heavy data users looking for large data allowances — perfect for digital nomads. 

💡 Pro tip: If you’re heading to another Asian country before or after Thailand, an eSIM for Asia or an Asia SIM card will give you internet access across multiple countries.

Fair use policy: What “unlimited data” really means

When a network provider claims that you’ll get unlimited data, it doesn’t mean you’ll have unlimited high-speed data. Due to something called the fair usage policy (FUP), network providers can choose to slow down your network speeds either after a certain amount of data has been used up per day, during peak usage hours in the country, or while users download or upload large files. In most cases, the data usage cycle resets at midnight or after a 24-hour period. When you’ve used up your high-speed data for the day, you might notice lags if you’re scrolling through your Facebook feed or streaming videos, but slowdowns shouldn’t affect your ability to send messages. 

If you want to avoid slowdowns and get a more consistent connection speed, you can opt for a fixed data package, since the FUP only applies to unlimited plans. 

Need help figuring out how much data you’ll need on your trip to Thailand? Try Saily’s free data usage calculator.

Thailand SIM card providers: Price and data allowance comparison

AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H are the top three providers selling Thai SIM cards for tourists. Prices are relatively similar for 30-day packages, but dtac offers significantly cheaper 8-day and 15-day SIMs.

Please note that currency conversion rates are subject to change. 

AIS Traveller SIM – best network coverage

Advanced Info Service (AIS) has the widest 4G/5G coverage in Thailand, so an AIS SIM card is a solid choice whether you’re sticking to big cities, exploring the Thai countryside, or lounging on beaches in the southern islands. Its 5G coverage is especially strong in major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. If you opt for an unlimited data plan from AIS, you’ll get to enjoy about 2.5 GB of high-speed data per day before speeds get throttled for the remaining 24-hour period. However, you’ll be paying a slightly higher price compared to competing Thai tourist SIMs like dtac. 

dtac Happy Tourist SIM – best price

Total Access Communication (dtac) is another major Thai mobile carrier that offers special rates for travelers with its Happy Tourists SIMs. You can choose between fixed data packages or pay-as-you-go rates, all of which are cheaper than competing tourist SIMs for Thailand. The company merged with TrueMove H in 2023 and has since offered significantly better coverage across the country compared to previous years. Getting a Happy Tourist SIM at the airport is quick and cheap, making it a go-to choice for backpackers and budget travelers. If you run out of data on your Happy Tourists SIM, you can top up in dtac’s app for cheaper rates than in person. 

TrueMove H Tourist SIM – best for heavy data users

TrueMove H offers huge fixed data plans (up to 100 GB) as well as unlimited data, making it a great choice for digital nomads, or travelers planning on streaming loads of videos or sharing their data via a hotspot. TrueMove H reportedly offers the fastest 4G/5G network speeds in major cities and its network coverage has improved since merging with dtac. Since TrueMove H’s unlimited tourist plans cost about the same as dtac’s, you should check each network’s coverage map for the area(s) you’ll be visiting to determine the right provider for you.

Where to buy SIM cards in Thailand

If you want to pick up a tourist SIM card for Thailand when you arrive in the country, look for them at kiosks in the airport, or convenience stores and mobile operator shops around the city. 

Airports

Tourist SIM cards are available at every international airport in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Phuket International Airport (HKT), and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). You’ll find kiosks from AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H where staff speak English and can help you register and set up your SIM card. However, SIM cards sold at the airport will cost about 20-30% more than ones sold in the city and queues can be long during peak travel season. That said, SIM card kiosks on the basement level of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) tend to have shorter queues.

💡 Pro tip: Buying a cheap tourist SIM card is a great option if you a long layover and want faster, more secure internet speeds than the Bangkok Airport Wi-Fi.

Convenience stores

You can also find Thai SIM cards from AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H at one of the country’s many 7-Elevens or Family Marts. You’ll still need to have your passport photocopied for SIM registration, but unlike at the airport, staff aren’t guaranteed to speak English. 

Mobile operator stores

Usually, official mobile operator stores offer the cheapest rates on tourist SIM cards for Thailand. It’s easiest to find these shops in malls like Siam Paragon, MBK Center, or Terminal 21. If you’re staying in Thailand for a while, you might save a decent amount of money by picking up a SIM card directly from a mobile operator’s store instead of an airport kiosk. 

How to top up and extend a Thai SIM card

If you’re running low on mobile data or you’ve completely run out, you can top up on more GBs through AIS, dtac, or TrueMove H’s apps at cheaper rates than in person. For example, you can buy a 15-day SIM for ฿699 (£16.03/US$21.48) at the airport, but topping up in the myAIS app only costs ฿168 (£3.85/US$5.16) for 50 GB. AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H’s apps all accept international credit cards. If you’d prefer to top up your data plan in person, you can do so at a mobile operator’s store or at 7-Eleven. 

How to activate a SIM card in Thailand

Activating a SIM card in Thailand only requires a few simple steps: 

1. Once you’ve purchased a Thai SIM card and completed registration, you’ll need to insert it into your phone or tablet. If you’ve got your home SIM card in your device, you’ll need to remove it — check out our guide on how to remove a SIM card on an iPhone if you need a helping hand.

2. Next, restart your device so it can connect to a local network. 

3. To avoid incurring roaming charges from your home network provider, go to your device’s settings and make sure that your home SIM is turned off. 

4. Start browsing!

If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet after inserting your Thai SIM, you may need to reset your APN settings or manually enter its details. If you get stuck along the way, contact the SIM provider for further assistance. 

An eSIM for Thailand: Is it better than a SIM card?

If you want to skip the hassle of buying a Thai SIM card in person, a fantastic alternative is to get an eSIM for Thailand. An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that doesn’t require you to physically insert anything into your phone or purchase a physical card in person. All you need to do is download an eSIM app, buy a data plan for Thailand, and you’ll receive step-by-step instructions on how to install your eSIM. 

Some of the most notable benefits of an eSIM over a SIM card include:

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  Instant plan activation. You can install an eSIM before heading to Thailand. Many eSIM service providers offer automatic activation, which means you’ll get an internet connection the moment you arrive in the country.

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  No waiting in a queue. You can purchase an eSIM plan right from the comfort of your phone, through an eSIM app or website.

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  No passport required. Thailand’s new law requires tourists to present their passport when buying a SIM card anywhere in the country. You won’t need to show your ID to purchase an eSIM. 

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  Keep your home SIM active. As long as your device supports dual SIM functionality, you can make and receive calls with your regular phone number while using an eSIM data plan.

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  No risk of losing or damaging your home SIM. Tiny SIM cards are easy to lose and tricky to keep track of. With an eSIM, you won’t have to worry about any physical damage to your home SIM since you can keep it in your device.

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  Reduced risk of SIM swapping scams. If you lose or have your home SIM card stolen, it leaves you vulnerable to a SIM swap scam, where attackers can use SMS verification to get into your online bank accounts. Since eSIMs are embedded into your device, it’s trickier for attackers to get ahold of your personal details.

However, many Thai eSIM plans are data-only and won’t come with a local phone number. Depending on the eSIM provider, prices can be higher than tourist SIM cards for Thailand as well. 

TL;DR: An eSIM for Thailand is a safer and more convenient way to get mobile data than with a SIM card, but prices may be higher and you may not get a Thai phone number. 

The best tourist SIM cards in Thailand: Final Takeaways

Getting a Thai SIM card is much cheaper than relying on international roaming rates from UK providers. You can find tourist SIM cards from Thailand’s top three providers — AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H — at all international airports in the country, as well as convenience stores like 7-Eleven or mobile operator stores.  

• Choose an AIS Traveller SIM for the best network coverage in the country.

• Choose a dtac Happy Tourist SIM if you’re on a tight budget. 

• Choose a TrueMove H Tourist SIM if you need a lot of data. 

• A Thailand eSIM is a great alternative to Thai tourist SIMs. You can set up an eSIM before you arrive in Thailand so that you have mobile data the moment you land. You won’t have to worry about losing or damaging a physical SIM card, and you can save time — no waiting in a queue at the airport required.