Learn how to buy a SIM card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) by step as a tourist to Thailand and up-to-date prices. Also, explore whether or not you should buy an airport at Bangkok airport and what is the best alternative to get the Internet in Thailand.
In this article
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with some advantages such as: get instant internet access right, have stable and fast internet connection, avoid high roaming, have the support of staff,…
However, it also has some disadvantages that you should consider before buying a sim card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): expensive than buying a Thailand SIM card outside the airport, have to queue at the airport’s stores, less plan options to choose from,…
Note that the SIM cards sold at BKK airport (and many other international airports) are tourist SIM cards, not the local ones. If Bangkok is one of the stops on your trip to several countries, you should look for the so-called “international world travel SIM cards” which allow you to stay connected and use data in multiple countries.
▶ Our recommendations:
Note: To use Thailand SIM card, your phone needs to be carrier-unlocked.
You can buy SIM cards at Suvarnabhumi International Airport from SIM kiosks of Thai mobile internet providers located in the Baggage Retrieval Hall and the Arrival Hall, after the Customs.
These kiosks offer a range of prepaid SIM card plans with different data and voice call minutes to suit different needs of travelers. Here, you can pick your desired plan, pay and they will install it on your phone. The old SIM will be give back to you with a cello-tape on the envelop that contains the Thailand SIM. However, be noted that the available options and prices may vary by providers.
A good thing about buying SIM cards at Bangkok airport from mobile network operators like AIS is that you can avoid tourist/convenience tax.
Also you can buy SIM cards for Thailand from convenience stores at the airport like 7-Eleven store on the next floor up just under the departures.
Here are the detailed locations of each:
The DTAC plans for tourists to Thailand are of DTAC Happy Tourist SIM line (speed up to 100 Mbps).
Locations:
To reach the DTAC store at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok:
Alternatively, there is another DTAC location near Baggage Claim No. 8 and No. 16 in the Arrival Hall.
Official stores:
Partner stores:
Opening Hours: 00:00 – 23:59 from Monday to Sunday
What to prepare: passport, carrier-unlocked, cash or card payment
Cost: from 249 THB to 1549 THB
Note that Truemove H and DTAC Thailand announced that they will merge into one company called True Corp in March 2023.
Notes:
Pro Tip: If you buy online, you can buy it about 35% cheaper than at the airport
If you plan to visit smaller towns in Thailand like Chiang Rai, go for AIS.
Location: To reach the AIS store at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), head straight from the Arrival Hall to the main concourse, and you’ll find it among the row of shops near the center.
The whole process of buying AIS SIM card for Thailand at BKK airport takes a few minutes. No queue up.
What to prepare: cash only, passport/ID card, carrier-unlocked phone
Cost: 299 THB – 1699 THB
Notes:
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).
From the Arrival Hall, you walk straight to the main concourse and you’ll find the True Move H store among the row of shops, near the center, marked with a red pin on the map.
You can also find TrueMove H SIM card plans and prices respectively sold at BKK airport on its official websites.
Locations:
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 BKK airport. Some SIM card shops do not open 24/24 so if you arrive out of their opening hours, you may not be able to buy a SIM for Thailand.
► Our recommendation: If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend DTAC if you are in budget and AIS if you want better performance (but more expensive, of course).
Advice: Another way to get a SIM card when arriving at Bangkok airport is to buy it online and pick it up at the airport upon arrival. But, this option only works with specific providers. For example, you can buy Thailand 4G SIM card by DTAC and pick up at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The process is quick and easy. It only needs 2 minutes for activation and the staff at redemption counter will help you install and activate the SIM.
Yes, most SIM card stores at BKK Airport are open 24/7, including DTAC, AIS, and TrueMove H stores. However, AIS stores usually have varying hours, typically from early morning to late night.
Pro Tip: If you arrive late and your phone works with eSIM, use eSIM for the most convenience. No need to worry about opening hours of SIM stores after midnight.
You can buy a SIM card at Bangkok’s BKK Airport for just 299 THB, which includes 15 GB of data for 8 days, from DTAC provider. Below is a popular data plan from DTAC that you might consider:
Please note that SIM cards at airports tend to be more expensive compared to purchasing them outside the airport or online. Below is a summary SIM price table of the three popular mobile network operators DTAC, AIS and TrueMove H at BKK Airport:
| Network | Plan Duration | Data | Other Benefits | Price (THB/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTAC | 8 days | 15 GB at max speed | Calls to DTAC numbers, 100 Baht calls to all networks | 299 THB (8.32 USD) |
| 10 days | 50 GB at max speed | 100 mins calls to all networks | 349 THB (9.70 USD) | |
| 15 days | 30 GB at max speed | – | 599 THB (16.68 USD) | |
| Pay-As-You-Go | 1 GB for 24 hours | Calls to DTAC numbers for 1 day | 49 THB (1.36 USD) | |
| AIS | 8 days | 10 GB at max speed | Unlimited social data, 100 Baht credit | 299 THB |
| 8 days | Unlimited data | Unlimited social data, 100 Baht credit | 499 THB | |
| 15 days | Unlimited data at 4 Mbps | Unlimited social data, 50 Baht credit | 699 THB | |
| 30 days | Unlimited data at 10 Mbps | Unlimited social data, 50 Baht credit | 999 THB | |
| 15 days | 100 GB | Unlimited social data, 200 Baht credit | 1399 THB | |
| 30 days | Unlimited data | Unlimited social data, 50 Baht credit | 1699 THB | |
| TrueMove H | 8 days | – | – | 299 THB (8 USD) |
| 10 days | – | – | 349 THB (10 USD) | |
| 15 days | – | – | 599 THB (16 USD) |
Notes:
All customers buying a SIM card at Bangkok airport will have to show any form of photo ID, so you should prepare your passport. Besides, you also need an unlocked phone, cash or card payment (varied by SIM provider) during the purchase.
If you have a phone which supports eSIM, it is recommended to use eSIM for Thailand instead of SIM card for better convenience and value for money.
As a specific recommendation, we suggest Gigago as an eSIM provider for your Thailand eSIM.
Getting a prepaid eSIM from a provider like Gigago has several advantages over other options when traveling to Thailand like easy to use, free roaming charge, country-wide coverage, 24/7 support, instant delivery, original SIM remaining.
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.
A great thing is that making Gigago is the direct partner of one of the most famous Thailand mobile network providers, DTAC. So, be rest assured when buying eSIM from Gigago.
For more details and installation guide, check Gigago Thailand eSIM.
To buy a SIM card in Bangkok city center, you can go to the official stores of major Thai mobile internet providers like AIS, DTAC and TrueMove H stores. 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 at TOT shops and MyByCAT. 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.
SIM cards can be purchased at various locations within BKK Airport, including AIS, TrueMove H, DTAC, 7-Eleven and MyByCAT shops. These shops are typically located in the arrivals area of each terminal.
To purchase a SIM card at BKK Airport, you will need to present your passport and a completed arrival card. Some vendors may also require you to provide a copy of your visa or your photo as part of SIM card registration process.
Once you have purchased your SIM card, you can activate it by following the instructions provided by the vendor. This usually involves inserting the SIM card into your phone and following the on-screen prompts.
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