Buying a SIM card at Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) for Travelers 2024

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: September 2024

This guide is for travelers arriving at Don Mueang International Airport – Bangkok’s regional budget airport who look for ways to stay connected during their Thailand trip. Discover the essential steps for purchasing a SIM card at Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) as a tourist in Thailand, including the latest prices. Additionally, we will explore the merits of buying a Thailand SIM card at the airport and present the optimal alternatives for accessing the internet in Thailand.

I. Can I Buy a SIM Card at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK)?

Yes, you can buy SIM card at Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). This is the fastest and easiest way to get Internet access for Thailand travel (true if your phone does not work with eSIM).

When buying a SIM card at Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is convenient and saves time. You can start using your phone immediately after landing. It also ensures you have local connectivity for navigation and communication right away.

However, SIM cards at the airport can be more expensive compared to buying them in the city or online. The data plans available at the airport might also offer less value or fewer options than those found elsewhere.

▶ Our recommendation:
If you require immediate internet access and don’t mind waiting in line, we suggest buying a SIM card at Bangkok airport (DMK) upon arrival. However, if you prefer better prices and plan options, consider alternative methods.

Choose a SIM card with data only to save money because you can still access the internet while staying connected with people back home through voice apps.

If your phone supports eSIM technology, consider using an international tourist eSIM for Thailand. This option allows you to activate your plan online without the need to wait in line at the airport’s SIM stores. Simply scan the QR code provided.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Bangkok DMK Airport? 

You can buy SIM cards at SIM shops of Thai mobile internet providers, Klook stalls or convenience stores like 7-Eleven scattered throughout DMK airport. 
But, if you buy a SIM card for Thailand travel from AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC official stores in DMK airport, you can avoid tourist/convenience tax.

Here are the detailed locations of each:

1. DTAC stores

DTAC, a leading network company in Thailand, is the top choice in major cities. Tourists visiting Thailand can enjoy high-speed internet with DTAC Happy Tourist SIM plans, reaching speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

There are 02 stores of DTAC at DMK airport.

Locations of DTAC Official store at DMK airport:

• Branch 1 : International Arrival hall, between Exit No.3 & No.5
• Branch 1 : International Arrival hall, Opposite Exit 6

Guide to find the stores: as soon as you turn left after the baggage claim area, you can find one DTAC booth. Another is on the way when you walk towards the domestic terminal. 

Opening hours: 00:00 – 23:59 from Monday to Sunday

What to prepare: passport, carrier-unlocked, cash or card payment (accepted)

Cost: 249 THB – 1549 THB

Note: 

• DTAC stall at DMK airport’s departure hall only sells travel SIM cards to be used abroad  – not in Thailand, so be aware of this.
• There are some SIM card plans of DTAC that are only sold at DMK airport, and you cannot find them in regular DTAC stores or from other resellers.
• Truemove H and DTAC Thailand announced that they will merge into one company called True Corp in March 2023. 

2. AIS stores

For visiting towns like Chiang Rai in Thailand, get an AIS SIM card. AIS is a major cellular provider in Thailand, though no longer the largest after a merger. 

You can easily purchase an AIS SIM upon arrival at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport. However, there is ONLY ONE AIS BOOTH in the international arrivals at DMK airport (unlike DTAC and TrueMove H which have multiple booths). So, you should expect potential waits during busy periods when buying at AIS booth.

What to prepare: cash only, passport/ID card, carrier-unlocked phone

Cost: 299 THB – 1999 THB

Note: 

• With AIS, you can buy an unlimited data plan at the Bangkok Don Mueang Airport. This is an exclusive option for only DMK airport.  You cannot find this plan in other airports in Thailand. 
• Prepare cash in advance if you want to buy AIS SIM card at DMK airport
• The salesperson may take up your photo as part of the SIM card registration laws of Thailand.
• Most ATMs in Thailand (including DMK airport) apply a standard fee of 220 THB for cash withdrawals using international cards. To avoid multiple charges, you should withdraw a sufficient amount of money upfront to cover your expenses throughout your trip.
• AIS eSIM is not available at DMK airport, but you can buy it online

3. TrueMove H Stores

TrueMove H is the 2nd largest cellular network company in Thailand. In some locations, it has better performance than AIS. 

At DMK airport, TrueMove H has 03 stores in the international terminal. You can also find TrueMove SIM at 7-Eleven store.

TrueMove H has 02 SIM card lines for tourists: TrueMove H Thailand Tourist SIM (data + unlimited minutes for calls within the network) and TrueMove H Infinite SIM (unlimited data at max speeds (5G NR) + unlimited local minutes).

You can also find TrueMove H SIM card plans and prices respectively sold at DMK airport on its official websites. 

Locations: 

• Branch 1 : International Arrivals Hall, at Exit 3
• Branch 2 : International Arrivals Hall, at Exit 4
• Branch 3  : International Arrivals Hall,​ at Exit​ 6

Opening hours: 00:00 – 23:59 from Monday to Sunday

Cost: from 299 THB to 999 THB

Note: Be aware about your flight’s arrival time and opening hours of SIM card shops in the DMK airport. Some SIM card shops do not open 24/7 so if you arrive out of their opening hours, you may not be able to buy a SIM for Thailand.

4. Convenience stores or Klook stalls

You can also buy a SIM card for Thailand travel at Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Familymart, and at Klook stall at Bangkok DMK airport.

Things to note:

• 7-Eleven only sells TrueMove H tourist SIM cards (no DTAC or AIS SIM).
• Familymart sells DTAC Happy Tourist SIM cards

If buying from 7-Eleven, the salesperson will help you activate the SIM card. 

But there are not any special deals or promotions of TrueMove H SIM card at the 7-Eleven store. However, you do not need to pay a tourist tax or airport convenience fee here.

► Refer the following guides if you land at other Thailand airports:

• Buying SIM card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
• Buying eSIM card at Phuket Internationi International Airport (HKT)

► Our recommendation: If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend DTAC mobile operator.

III. Do SIM Card Shops At Singapore Changi Airport Open After Midnight?

No, the airport does not have many nighttime arrivals, SIM shops here (AIS’s, TrueMove H’s, and DTAC’s will be closed before midnight (unlike BKK airport where almost SIM stores and booths open 24/24). This means if you arrive late at night, you might not be able to buy a SIM card from a Money Changer.

IV. How Much Does a SIM Card Cost at DMK Airport?

The prices of SIM cards at DMK Airport differ based on the provider and the particular plan you select. Typically, tourist Thailand SIM cards cost from 259 THB ( $7.3 USD) to 1650 THB ($46.4 USD) at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Here is a popular data plan from DTAC that you might consider:

It’s noted that SIM cards at airports are usually more expensive than buying them outside the airport or online. Below is a summary table of the three popular mobile network operators at DMK Airport:

V. Registration Process to Get a SIM Card at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

To purchase a Thailand SIM card at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport, it is necessary to have an unlocked phone, passport, cash or card payment (which can vary depending on the SIM provider). 

Note:

• Compare prices between carriers before purchasing.

• We strongly advise obtaining a SIM card at Don Mueang Airport to avoid any additional fees or taxes typically imposed on tourists or for the sake of convenience.
• Plan prices and features are subject to change over time. Contact the provider for updated information.

VI. Thailand eSIM for Bangkok – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Bangkok Bangkok Airport

For a more convenient and cost-effective option, consider using an eSIM for Thailand if your phone supports it, rather than a traditional SIM card.

For travelers to Thailand with an eSIM-compatible device, Gigago is a reputable eSIM provider to consider. Purchasing a Gigago eSIM before arrival allows instant activation upon landing, avoiding physical SIM queues.

Their plans offer flexibility across devices without swaps plus fast speeds on major Thai networks.

Gigago offers flexible eSIM plans with both data and call credits, including options from an 8-day plan with 15GB of data for $8.90 to a 30-day unlimited data plan for $34.90.

For more details and installation guide, check Gigago Thailand eSIM.

VII. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Bangkok DMK Airport?

You can go to the official stores of major mobile internet providers in Thailand like AIS, DTAC and TrueMove Stores to buy a SIM card in Bangkok city cente. Alternatively, you can also buy SIM cards for tourists at 7-Eleven stores, gas stations, phone stores, etc.

For official stores of MNO in Thailand, you can find them at major shopping malls like CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, etc. and tourist areas like Khaosan Road, Sukhumvit Road, etc.

Price: Starting from 299 THB for a tourist SIM card with 15GB data and 100 THB call credit.

Other options to buy Thai SIM cards in Bangkok city are SIM card from MVNOs like MyByCAT and TOT. These can be found at major shopping malls and tourist areas as well. 

Note: the prices may vary depending on the specific plan and promotions offered at the time of purchase. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and features from different providers before making a decision.

VIII. FAQs