Buying a SIM card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) for Travelers: Best Plans + Updated Costs 2024

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.

I. Should I Buy a SIM Card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?

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: 

• We recommend you to buy a SIM card at Bangkok airport BKK upon arrival only if you need instant Internet access and don’t mind queuing to get a SIM card. If not, consider another alternative for better prices and plan options.
• Choose a data-only SIM card which allows you to get Internet connection while still maintaining contacts with people at home via voice apps.
• If your phone is supported with eSIM technology, consider using International tourist eSIM for Thailand to avoid waiting lines at SIM stores at the airport. All steps are done 100% online, just scan QR code to activate your plan.

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

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:

1. DTAC stores

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:

• From Gate 7: Exit the gate and head straight to the Arrival Hall. The DTAC store is on the left side near Baggage Claim No. 19.
• From other gates: Make your way to the Arrival Hall. Look for Baggage Claim No. 19, the DTAC store is nearby.

Alternatively, there is another DTAC location near Baggage Claim No. 8 and No. 16 in the Arrival Hall.

Official stores:

• Branch 1 : International Arrival Terminal, Exit Gate 7
• Branch 2 : International Arrival Terminal, Exit Gate 9
• Branch 3 : International Arrival hall, Baggage Claim No. 19
• Branch 4 : International Arrival hall, Baggage Claim No. 10
• Branch 5 : International Arrival hall , Baggage Claim No. 7

Partner stores:

• Branch 1 : International Arrival hall, Baggage Claim No. 18
• Branch 2 : International Arrival hall, Baggage Claim No. 16
• Branch 3 : International Arrival hall, Baggage Claim No. 8

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: 

• DTAC stall at BKK 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 airports, and you cannot find them in regular DTAC stores or from other resellers.

2. AIS stores

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: 

• With AIS, you can buy an unlimited data plan at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This is an exclusive option for only BKK airport.  You cannot find this plan in other airports in Thailand. 
• Prepare cash in advance if you want to buy AIS SIM card at BKK airport
• The salesperson may take up your photo as part of the SIM card registration laws of Thailand.
• Most ATMs in Thailand (including BKK 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 BKK airport, but you can buy it online

3. TrueMove H Stores

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: 

• Booth at VISA On Arrival
• International Arrivals Hall
  • Baggage Claim No.8
  • Baggage Claim No.11-12
  • Baggage Claim No.17
• International Arrivals Terminal 2nd Floor (After Custom Declaration)
  • Exit B : Gate 4, Gate 5 (Flagship store), Gate 6
  • Exit C : Gate 10
• International Departure Terminal 4th Floor
  • Row L- K
  • Gate 4

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).

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

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.

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

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:

• Compare prices between carriers before purchasing.
• Package details and prices may change over time. For the latest information, please contact the provider directly.

V. Registration Process for Getting a SIM Card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

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.

VII. Thailand eSIM at Bangkok Airport- an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Cards

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.

VIII. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Bangkok BKK Airport?

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.

IX. FAQs