DTAC SIM cards and eSIM for Tourists: Plans, Prices and How to Buy

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: June 2026

Planning a trip to Thailand and considering DTAC for staying connected? Here’s what you need to know about DTAC SIM cards and eSIM for tourists to Thailand, including how DTAC fits into Thailand’s current two-network landscape after the 2023 merger with True Move H, helping you make an informed decision on choosing ways to connect with people back home while traveling.

👉 Get your Thailand eSIM, activate before you fly:

Thailand eSIM

$8.90

I. Quick Facts About DTAC

• DTAC (Total Access Communication) was established in 1989 and operated as one of Thailand’s top 3 mobile networks
• In March 2023, DTAC merged with True Move H under True Corporation — full network integration was completed in October 2025
• The DTAC brand continues at the retail level — you’ll still find DTAC-branded SIM cards, stores, and packages. The network now runs on the combined True Move H infrastructure
• DTAC SIM cards are available at airports, official True-DTAC stores, and 7-Eleven convenience stores
• eSIM is supported on compatible devices
• Passport is required when purchasing at a counter, per Thai regulations
• DTAC SIMs can be topped up via the True app, at stores, or at 7-Eleven
• DTAC Tourist SIMs have a fair usage policy — speeds may reduce after the high-speed data cap

II. DTAC Coverage and Speed

1. DTAC Coverage

DTAC has solid coverage across major tourist destinations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Ayutthaya, Pai, Sukhothai, and most urban and coastal areas.

Since the True-DTAC network integration completed in October 2025, the combined spectrum has improved performance in many areas. That said, for remote regions — national parks, border areas, smaller northern provinces — AIS still has a slight edge in rural coverage. So, if your trip involves significant time off the beaten path, keep this in mind.

• 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 update: Following the merger, the combined True/DTAC entity reported 93% nationwide 5G coverage as of February 2025, including over 99% coverage in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and Eastern Economic Corridor.

💡 Quick guide by trip type:

• Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, beach resorts: DTAC/True Move H — strong coverage, no issues
• Chiang Mai, Koh Samui: Both networks work well
• Remote areas, national parks, small islands: AIS has broader coverage — consider AIS if this is a major part of your trip

2. DTAC Speed

DTAC speed changed significantly after the merger. After the True-DTAC network integration completed in October 2025, DTAC and True Move H now share the same infrastructure.

According to the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report (June 2025, Thailand), DTAC and True Move H are joint winners for Download Speed Experience, confirming the two brands now perform at the same level.

What this information means for tourists:

• DTAC wins Video Experience — the most relevant category for travelers streaming YouTube, Netflix, or making video calls
• DTAC wins Reliability — consistent connection is useful when navigating unfamiliar streets or booking rides
• DTAC and True Move H are equal on Download Speed and Coverage — same network, same performance
• AIS leads on Upload Speed, Consistent Quality, and Games — relevant if you need rock-solid consistency or fast uploads

Below are some speed test results in the real world to confirm the Opensignal report above – done on Speedtest.net, Bangkok/Chiang Mai

Note: These are individual samples — speeds vary by location, time of day, and device.

→ 💡 For everyday tourist use, all three networks are adequate in major cities. DTAC’s edge is video streaming reliability — useful for most travelers.

III. DTAC Tourist SIM Plans & Costs

DTAC offers two formats for tourists: a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Same network, same plans — the only difference is how it’s delivered to your device.

1. DTAC Physical SIM

After the True-DTAC merger, both brands sell tourist packages independently. DTAC’s website (dtac.co.th) carries the entry-level range; True Move H (true.th) has the full lineup including unlimited plans. Both run on the same network — the brand you pick doesn’t affect coverage or speed.

Under DTAC brand (dtac.co.th) — entry-level:

Under True Move H brand (true.th) — full lineup:

All plans include free access to 5 chat apps. The brand you buy from doesn’t affect coverage or speed because it is the same network.

⚠️ Important note on calls (effective January 2026): Outgoing calls to numbers outside the DTAC/True network are charged at 5 THB/minute — applies to other Thai networks and international calls beyond included credit.

2. DTAC eSIM

The eSIM version carries the same plans and pricing as the physical SIM, with no card to swap. It works on eSIM-compatible devices and supports dual SIM — your home SIM stays active for calls and OTPs while the DTAC eSIM handles data in Thailand.

There are two ways to get a DTAC eSIM — at a counter after you arrive, or online before you fly. The next section covers both.

→ Check if your device supports eSIM before purchase.

IV. Where to Buy a DTAC eSIM and How — 2 Ways

Tourists can get a DTAC eSIM in 2 ways: buying at the counter and buying online.

Here is a quick comparison between buying online vs. buying at the counter:

Let’s check in details each one:

1. Buy at a DTAC/True counter after arrival

DTAC eSIM is available at official True-DTAC stores and airport counters across Thailand.

What you need:

• Your passport (required for registration per Thai law)
• An eSIM-compatible phone
• Staff will scan your QR code or send it to your email on the spot

Where to buy: Airport counters (open 24h) or True-DTAC stores in major malls — CentralWorld, MBK, Terminal 21, ICON Siam in Bangkok.

Plans available at counter:

• DTAC counters: 299 THB (8 days) / 599 THB (15 days)
• True Move H counters: full lineup including Infinite plans (349–1,199 THB)

Downside:

• You’ll need to queue at the counter after a long flight.
• Registration takes 10–15 minutes.
• Airport counters can be busy during peak arrival times.

2. Buy online from Gigago before departure

Gigago is an official True Move H / DTAC authorized partner — the same network, without the airport queue, set up from home.

What you need:

• An eSIM-compatible phone
• Email address to receive the QR code
• No passport required at purchase

Where to buy: Buy directly on Thailand eSIM by Gigago.com. QR code will be delivered by email instantly after purchase.

Gigago Thailand eSIM plans covered by DTAC/True Move H:

Note: Plans can be topped up and extended while you’re in Thailand.

All Gigago plans include a real Thai phone number — most counter plans at this price range do not. Plans can be topped up and extended while in Thailand.

👉 Buy the best Thailand eSIM plan for your trip here:

V. Where to Buy a DTAC Physical SIM Card and How – 5 Ways

You can buy DTAC physical SIM cards in 3 common places:

1. At the Airport

All international airports in Thailand have True-DTAC SIM counters:

• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK): True-DTAC counters on the arrival floor (Level 2), open 24 hours. Before the exit after immigration. Check this BKK airport map to see more details.
• Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK): True-DTAC counters on Level 1 of the arrival hall. See this DMK airport map.
• Phuket (HKT): Counters on the ground floor of the arrival hall. See this HKT airport map.
• Chiang Mai (CNX): Counter is after exiting secure corridor. Check this CNX airport map.

What to bring: Bring your passport — registration is required. Both DTAC (299/599 THB) and True Move H (349–1,199 THB) counters are available. No price premium vs. official websites.

2. At True-DTAC Stores

DTAC SIM cards are also available in major shopping malls across Thailand, such as CentralWorld, MBK, Terminal 21, ICON Siam in Bangkok. Staff speak English and can assist with registration and setup.

3. At 7-Eleven

Tourists to Thailand can buy physical DTAC SIM cards in most 7-Eleven stores. It is convenient for top-ups, but staff may have limited English — registration assistance is not always available. Setting up calling features may require a follow-up visit to a True-DTAC store.

4. Via Lazada/Shopee (online marketplaces)

DTAC tourist SIM cards are also available on Lazada and Shopee — delivered to your hotel or picked up at a convenience store locker.

⚠️Important note: Purchasing via marketplace may let you skip the passport step at checkout, but Thai regulations still require SIM registration. The seller will typically register the SIM on your behalf using your passport details — you’ll be asked to provide a photo of your passport after purchase.

This means your SIM is registered to someone else’s account before being transferred to you, which can cause issues if you need customer support or want to use advanced features like WiFi Calling.

✅ Our recommendation: Only use this option if you need the SIM delivered before arrival and can’t use eSIM. For most tourists, buying at the airport counter or getting a Gigago eSIM online is more straightforward.

5. Train stations

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

VI. How to Activate DTAC SIM/eSIM in Thailand

1. Activating a Physical DTAC Tourist SIM

• Purchase at airport counter or True-DTAC store — passport registration is done on the spot by staff
• Insert SIM into your phone (ensure it’s unlocked)
• Restart phone — network should connect automatically
• If not connecting: go to Settings → Mobile Network → Select Network → DTAC (or True Move H)

2. Activating DTAC Tourist eSIM

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan
• Scan the QR code provided
• Follow on-screen prompts to complete setup
• Set the eSIM as your primary data line

On Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.):

• Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager
• Select Add Mobile Plan
• Scan QR code
• Assign the eSIM to data

💡 Pro tip: Set up your eSIM at home before flying — this way you connect automatically when you land, without needing airport WiFi or a counter visit.

→ AIS thailand SIM card and eSIM guide

VII. How to Top Up Your DTAC SIM or eSIM

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

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

1. Via the True app (recommended)

• Download the True app (iOS or Android)
• Register with your DTAC number
• Select Top Up and choose your package
• Pay via credit card or local payment methods

2. At 7-Eleven

• Purchase a DTAC top-up voucher at the counter
• Enter the voucher code by dialing 100[code]#

3. At True-DTAC stores

• Staff can top up directly with cash or card

4. 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.

Extending validity: DTAC tourist SIM validity can be extended up to 1 year by topping up through the True/DTAC app or at any store. Note: tourist SIMs cannot be converted to a regular prepaid plan — they remain on tourist packages throughout.

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.

VIII. FAQs