DTAC SIM cards and eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: September 2024

All you need to know about DTAC SIM cards and eSIM for Tourists to Thailand that help you make an informed decision on choosing ways to connected with people back home while traveling.

If you are planning a trip to Land of Smiles – Thailand, staying connected is key to a stress-free travel experience, whether you are navigating bustling stress or sharing your travel adventures on social media. Think of DTAC  – one of the major mobile network carriers in Thailand which pioneers in providing SIM and eSIM services for tourists. In this article, we will help you understand the process of acquiring and using a DTAC SIM card and eSIM, comparing different SIM card options to ensure you can stay connected with family, friends, and people back home while traveling.

I. What You Need to Know about DTAC – Quick Facts

Here are some facts about DTAC Thailand that may be beneficial for your trip.

• DTAC, also known as Total Access Communication Public Company Limited, is a telecommunication, GSM mobile phone company in Thailand, established in 1989. 
• DTAC is one of top 3 major mobile network operators in Thailand
• DTAC offers comprehensive coverage in Thailand, including both remote areas popular with tourists
• DTAC SIM cards can be found at the airports, official DTAC stores and other convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
• For compatible devices, DTAC provides eSIM services, both for locals and international tourists
• DTAC provides reliable 4G speed across Thailand, ensuring fast internet access for travelers
• DTAC SIM can be topped up online through apps, in DTAC stores or in convenience stores.
• You will need to show your passport when buying a SIM card directly from DTAC due to Thai regulations.
• DTAC may have a fair usage policy for unlimited data plans, which may reduce speeds after a specific amount of data is used.

II. Why Choose DTAC Thailand? Coverage and Speed

The reasons to choose DTAC while traveling Thailand are many. After all, they are mainly about coverage and speed. Here we go into details of each factor.

1. DTAC Coverage

DTAC has a solid coverage in most tourist areas, including major cities and metropolitan areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya, Pai, Sukhothai, etc. For those traveling to less touristy areas, DTAC’s coverage can be inconsistent. Below we give the latest 3G, 4G, 5G coverage maps of DTAC:

From the coverage map above, we can see that:

• 3G coverage: DTAC’s 3G network is widely available in Thailand (with speed of up to 42 Mbps) which is sufficient for basic internet usage like checking email, browsing web or using social media.
• 4G coverage: also widely available in Thailand (with speed of up to 300 Mbps), which is suitable for demanding activities like playing games, downloading files and streaming video.
• 5G coverage: currently in its early stages of development (with speed of up to 1Gbps), which is suitable for more demanding activities like augmented reality or virtual reality.

2. DTAC Speed

DTAC speed is categorized behind the other major network operators AIS and TrueMove H. 

According to the Mobile Network Experience Report for Thailand by Opensignal, DTAC came the 3rd position in both overall Download and Upload Speed Experience on a national level. 

• Download Speed Experience: DTAC scored 11.3 Mbps compared to 17.6 Mbps for AIS and 16.4 Mbps for TrueMove H.
• Upload Speed Experience: DTAC scored 4.1 Mbps compared to 8.2 Mbps for both AIS and TrueMove H

However, DTAC speeds improved significantly when connected to 5G networks:

• 5G Download Speed: DTAC scored 29.4 Mbps (compared to 156.4 Mbps for AIS and 100.4 Mbps for TrueMove H).
• 5G Upload Speed: DTAC scored 16.5 Mbps (compared to 25.5 Mbps for AIS and 20.9 Mbps for TrueMove H).

► Our conclusion:

Overall, though DTAC scored lower than AIS and TrueMove H; it still offers generally adequate speeds for most daily Internet usage. There are many reasons why you should choose DTAC. Here are some of the most persuasive:

• Pricing: DTAC offers competitive plans specifically designed for tourists, which surely add more value to your money. 
• Unlimited 5G: When connected to unlimited 5G networks at max speeds, DTAC provides significantly faster speeds than overall averages.
• International Calls: DTAC’s international calling rates can be more economical, potentially saving you money on calls back home.
• Customer Service: DTAC has a strong reputation for customer support, which is essential for travelers in need of assistance.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of DTAC for Travelers to Thailand?

Travelers to Thailand can stay connected with DTAC’s range of tailored connectivity services, including prepaid SIM options, Prepaid tourist eSIM, Portable hotspots, and Public WiFi access. Here is the details:

1. DTAC SIM

Tourist SIMs of DTAC include two main categories:

• dtac Happy Tourist Infinite SIM: designed for tourists, offering data, voice packages tailored to short-term stays.

• dtac Happy Tourist SIM: A prepaid SIM card that provides data packages, ideal for data-driven travelers who need high-speed internet access without making calls or sending SMS. The extensive 4G/5G network coverage of DTAC means you can enjoy high-speed internet across Thailand’s popular tourist hotspots.

We will mention these two categories of dtac tourist SIM in the next section.

2. DTAC eSIM

A digital SIM card that can be activated and installed online on eSIM-compatible devices, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. Generally, DTAC eSIM is also similar DTAC SIM in terms of plan features and prices.

3. DTAC Pocket WiFi

A portable Wi-Fi hotspot device for rental that provides high-speed internet access for multiple devices, suitable for groups or families traveling together. 

4. DTAC WiFi

A free Wi-Fi service available at DTAC retail stores, partner locations, and public hotspots throughout Thailand.

IV. Best DTAC SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Best DTAC SIM card packages for tourists include: 

• DTAC Happy Tourist Infinite SIM,
• dtac Happy Tourist SIM
• Pay-As-You-Go SIM

Below we make a table describing the details of these SIM Card plans: 

Notes: 

• The prices listed above are subject to change.
• Data usage beyond the included allowance will be charged at a pay-as-you-go rate.
• Calls and SMS to international destinations are not included in the packages.

V. Does DTAC Support eSIM in Thailand?

Yes, DTAC supports eSIM in Thailand.

In fact, DTAC was the first mobile operator in Thailand to launch eSIM services in 2019. The eSIM services of DTAC are similar to their SIM card services. Also, DTAC’s network coverage and quality of experience with eSIM is consistent with physical SIM connection.

VI. Where to Buy a DTAC SIM card and eSIM?

You can buy DTAC SIM cards and eSIM at various places throughout Thailand.

• Buy DTAC SIM cards/eSIM in DTAC official retail stores
• Buy DTAC SIM cards/eSIM from authorized dealers
• Buy DTAC SIM cards/eSIM online

1. Buy DTAC SIM cards and eSIMs in DTAC retail stores

 DTAC has retail stores located in major shopping malls, airports, and tourist areas throughout Thailand.

We summarize the locations of DTAC retail stores below:

Bangkok:

• Major DTAC stores at MBK Center, Siam Paragon, Emporium shopping malls
• Stores also located in busy areas like Rajdamri, Ratchaprasong, Sukhumvit, Silom, Phayathai

Regional cities:

• Pattaya – Stores on Second Road and Walking Street
• Phuket – DTAC stores in Patong, Phuket Town, Jungceylon Shopping Centre
• Chiang Mai – Stores on Loi Kroh Road, Nimmanhaemin Road, Central Airport Plaza

Airports:

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok: Stores are located in both arrivals and departures halls. Check this BKK airport map and DMK airport map to see more details.
• Phuket International Airport (HKT): Store near baggage reclaim area. See this HKT airport map.
• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): Store after exiting secure corridor. Check this CNX airport map.
• Samui International Airport: Stores located in the Arrival Terminal and Baggage Claim area. Check this Samui airport map.

Train stations:

• Hua Lamphong station (Bangkok) – DTAC counter near Platform 1
• Chiang Mai Station – Store near entrance

Shopping malls nationwide:

• Major malls like Central, Zen, Jungceylon, Terminal 21 have DTAC stores.

DTAC World stores:

• Flagship experience centers provide sales assistance in English. Locations include Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya.

2. Buy DTAC SIM cards and eSIM in authorized dealers

DTAC SIM cards can also be purchased from authorized dealers, such as convenience stores, mobile phone shops, and tourist information centers.

3. Buy DTAC SIM and eSIM online

DTAC SIM cards can be purchased online on the DTAC website or other online eSIM providers which are partners of DTAC like Gigago. You can see that there are a logo of this eSIM provider on the DTAC’s official website as below.

► Our recommendation:

As a tourist, you should buy eSIM online, through eSIM providers which are partners of DTAC like Gigago. The reason is because they do not require you to sign up or provide any personal documents for registration and verification. Things are easy and straightforward. Simply visit Thailand eSIM by Gigago to choose the one that fits your needs.

VII. How To Activate DTAC SIM/eSIM in Thailand

The way to activate DTAC SIM and eSIM for travel is simple and straightforward.

1. Activate DTAC SIM cards for Tourists

• Turn off your phone
• Insert the DTAC SIM into the SIM slot on your phone.
• Turn on your phone
• Receive an SMS from DTAC with activation guidelines
• Follow the guidelines to activate your SIM
• Start using your SIM once arrival in Thailand

2. Activate DTAC Tourist eSIM

• After getting an email with eSIM profile, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera
• Follow on-screen guidelines to install the eSIM
• Go to Settings > Cellular Network/Mobile Network > Add eSIM
• After the eSIM is installed, you need to activate it

Note: If you have problem activating your eSIM, you can contact DTAC customer.

VIII. How To Top-up DTAC SIM/eSIM for Travel

There are several ways to top up your DTAC SIM or eSIM, including

• Top up online
• Top up in store
• Top up by other methods

1. Top-up DTAC SIM/eSIM Online

• DTAC website: You can top up your DTAC SIM or eSIM online using a credit card or debit card on the DTAC website or on DTAC’s partner website.
• DTAC app: You can also top up your DTAC SIM or eSIM using the DTAC app, which is available for iOS and Android devices.

2. Top-up DTAC SIM/eSIM In-store

• DTAC retail stores: You can top up your DTAC SIM or eSIM at any DTAC retail store in Thailand.
• Authorized dealers: You can also top up your DTAC SIM or eSIM at authorized dealers, such as convenience stores, mobile phone shops, and tourist information centers.

3. Top up with Other methods

• Top-up machines: DTAC top-up machines are available in many public places, such as shopping malls and airports.
• Bank transfer: You can top up your DTAC SIM or eSIM by transferring money from your bank account to DTAC’s bank account.

Notes:

• Top-up amounts range from 10 THB to 5,000 THB.
• There may be a small fee for topping up your DTAC SIM or eSIM online or through the app.
• Make sure that you have enough balance in your payment method before topping up.

IX. FAQs