AIS is claimed to be the best network in Thailand. This mobile network carrier is familiar with both local residents and international travelers to Thailand. For travelers, it is the key to staying online and in touch throughout the trip, along with other two major Thailand carriers – DTAC and Truemove H. If you are considering whether or not to use AIS SIM cards / eSIMs in your next Thailand trip, read on this guide. Here we show you everything you need to know about AIS SIM services, from pros and cons, its best plans for tourists, prices, where to buy, and how to use for the best value.
In this article
AIS, standing for Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited, is the leading telecommunications network operator in Thailand. Established in 1991, AIS has built a reputation for offering the widest coverage, fastest mobile network speeds, and a variety of plans customized to meet the needs of both locals and travelers.
Some key features about AIS are:
AIS is consistently rated as Thailand’s top mobile operator due to its superior network coverage, fast internet speeds, and tailored offerings for both locals and tourists. Here’s how AIS outperforms competitors like DTAC and TrueMove H:
AIS provides the most extensive coverage in Thailand, including remote areas and islands. Independent reports, including awards from Opensignal, confirm AIS as the leader in nationwide connectivity. In contrast, TrueMove H and DTAC often struggle in rural or mountainous regions.
AIS has been awarded “Thailand’s Fastest Mobile Network” by Ookla Speedtest multiple times, solidifying its position as the leader in mobile internet speed. With an impressive Speed Score™ of 124.49, AIS outperforms competitors like TrueMove H and DTAC in both download and upload speeds. This makes AIS the ideal choice for activities like streaming, gaming, and video calls, ensuring a smooth and reliable online experience for users across Thailand.
AIS offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM options for tourists to Thailand. Both forms offer generous 5G/4G data, unlimited social media access, free calls to AIS numbers, and free access to apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Though competitors also offer similar plans, AIS’s combination of price, coverage and perks often make it the top choice.
► Refer: AIS tourist SIMs
AIS offers a wide range of prepaid and postpaid plans, balancing affordability with better network reliability and speed. While DTAC may have slightly cheaper plans, AIS delivers greater value through higher speeds and more consistent service.
With AIS, you have 02 main options to stay connected while traveling in Thailand: traditional SM cards and eSIMs.
The best option for you will depend on your travel preferences, device compatibility, and how quickly you need to get connected. Let’s see this comparison table of AIS SIM cards vs. eSIM that help you understand the options and choose the best one for your needs:
| Criteria | AIS SIM cards | AIS eSIMs |
| Availability | – Widely available at airports (e.g., Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Don Muang), AIS shops, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. | – Available online via the AIS website or third-party providers like thailandesim.com. – Can be purchased and activated before or after arriving in Thailand. |
| Price | – Starting at 299 THB (~$9) for an 8-day plan with 15GB data. – Up to 899 THB (~$27) for a 30-day plan with 50GB data. | – A little bit higher than physical ones – Starting at 399 THB (~$12.5) for an 8-day plan with 25GB data. – Up to 1699 THB (~$51.9) for a 30-day unlimited data plan. – Prices may vary if buying from third-party providers (e.g., thailandesim.com may offer lower prices). |
| Compatibility | – Compatible with all unlocked phones that support physical SIM cards. – No specific requirements for device compatibility. | – Requires an eSIM-compatible device – Check compatibility before purchase. |
| Setup | – Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone. – Activation assistance is available at airport kiosks or AIS shops. | – Purchase online and activate via a QR code. – Fully digital setup; no physical card required. – Instant activation, even before arriving in Thailand. |
| Convenience | – Physical cards must be carried and swapped out with your home SIM. – Can be purchased and activated immediately upon arrival in Thailand. | – No physical card needed, reducing the chance of loss or damage. – Easily switch between networks without swapping cards. – Perfect for frequent travelers or those who want connectivity pre-arrival. |
| Best For | – Travelers who prefer a physical SIM card or have devices that don’t support eSIMs. – Budget-conscious users who want affordable pay-as-you-go options or short-term plans. | – Tech-savvy travelers with eSIM-compatible devices who want instant activation. – Frequent travelers who prefer a digital SIM for convenience and flexibility. |
The best option for tourists will depend on individual preferences, device compatibility, and travel needs.
If you prefer a physical card or your device does not support eSIM, SIM cards are a good option.
If you want an instant activation and have an eSIM-compatible device, or you value convenience or you are a frequent traveler, eSIMs are perfect for traveler who want a hassle-free, digital setup and flexibility.
Here are the details of popular AIS tourist SIM card plans:
| Plan | Price | Data | Call credit | International call rate |
| 5-day plan | 349 THB | Unlimited 5G/4G High-Speed Internet | 100 THB (local and international calls) | 1 THB/min |
| 8-day plan (best seller) | 449 THB | Unlimited 5G/4G High-Speed Internet | 100 THB (local and international calls) | 1 THB/min |
| 15-day plan | 699 THB | Unlimited 5G/4G High-Speed Internet | 100 THB (local and international calls) | 1 THB/min |
| 30-day plan (best saver) | 1,199 THB | Unlimited 5G/4G High-Speed Internet | 100 THB (local and international calls) | 1 THB/min |
| Pay-as-you-go plan | 49 THB | 1GB high-speed Internet | Not included | 1 THB/min |
For travelers with eSIM-compatible devices, AIS offers eSIM plans that are convenient, eco-friendly, and easy to activate.
| Plan | Price | Data | Call credit | Additional benefits |
| 8-day plan | 399 THB (~$12.14) | 25GB High-Speed 5G/4G Internet | 15 THB (local and international calls) | Free access to AIS SUPER WiFi, Free 10GB at 10Mbps for 7 social apps, Extra 5GB by dialing promo code (7777640#). |
| 30-day unlimited plan | 1,699 THB (~$51.68) | Unlimited High-Speed 5G/4G Internet | None | Free access to AIS SUPER WiFi, Unlimited access to 7 social apps,(Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, etc.) |
You can buy AIS SIM cards after arriving in Thailand at the airports, in AIS shops or convenience stores.
However, when buying SIM cards in Thailand, from any mobile operator, you need to show a passport for registration. This is inconvenient for most tourists. So we DO NOT RECOMMEND this way.
Similar to buying physical AIS SIM cards in Thailand, you also need to present your personal documents like passport for registration if buying the eSIM directly from the AIS operator (through official stores or websites of AIS).
If you want a simpler purchase procedure, buy eSIM for Thailand from third parties like Gigago.com which not only offer competitive prices and more data options, but also do not require any documents when purchasing.
Though the overall performance of DTAC is not as good as AIS, if you travel to major cities in Thailand, the performance between two carriers are not different while the prices are more affordable.
You only need to give an active email address for receiving eSIM information. Things are done in 5-10 minutes.
These rates provide flexibility, but for cost savings, AIS recommends selecting one of their prepaid or postpaid packages tailored to your needs.
You can top up an AIS SIM card using these methods:
You can check balance with an AIS SIM card by dialing *121#.
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