Best Thailand SIM Cards for Tourists: A Comprehensive Guide

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: November 2024

Thailand SIM cards are essential for tourists to stay connected throughout their trip at competitive rates. Find out which type of Thailand SIM cards to choose, costs, best plan options, where to buy and notes from experienced travelers.

I. Why buy a Thailand SIM card when traveling?

Yes, you need a prepaid SIM card for your trip to Thailand. Using a SIM card will provide you with reliable, high-speed Internet access (4G/5G) on the go, allowing you to make calls, texts, browse the web during your trip.

Moreover, a tourist SIM card often offers good coverage in almost all tourist destinations in Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, etc.

Why not use your home SIM card while traveling Thailand?

You should not use your home SIM cards when traveling Thailand due to high roaming fees. Also, your home network may not offer optimal coverage in Thailand.

Choosing a prepaid SIM card is ideal because it helps you:

• Have multiple data plans to choose from which are more affordable than roaming charges
• Access 4G/5G networks in Thailand which come at faster speeds and better coverage
• Save money if you choose a prepaid data-only plan
• Have complete control over your expenses without hidden fees if choosing prepaid plans.
• Top up easily when necessary, whether online or at various stores.

II. Which type of prepaid SIM cards to choose from?

Tourists should consider two key factors when choosing a SIM card for Thailand: the form of the SIM and the plan that suits your needs.

1. Prepaid physical vs. eSIM

Tourist to Thailand can choose between traditional physical SIM cards and the convenient eSIMs.

• Physical SIM cards are widely available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile network kiosks across Thailand. Physical SIMs plans are available in data-only or full-service packages with voice, text, and mobile data. You can easily find these SIM cards upon arrival at Thailand airports, in official stores of Thai mobile network carriers (AIS, DTAC, TrueMove H), or even at convenience stores like 7-Evelen stores.

• eSIM (digital SIM) offers a more convenient option. There is no need to physically insert a card into your phone. You can download the eSIM profile by scanning a QR code given by the eSIM provider or through an app. This means you can set up your Thai eSIM before you even land in the country. Moreover, using eSIM eliminates the need to swap out your home SIM card, allowing you to receive calls and texts during the trip. However, eSIMs are only available in eSIM-supported smartphones.

2. Prepaid 4G data-only SIM cards vs full package SIM

Depending on how you plan to use your phone while traveling, you can choose either prepaid 4G or full package SIM card plan for Thailand. Each option caters to different types of travelers.

• 4G SIM cards: ideal for tourists who primarily need Internet access for activities like browsing, navigating the maps or using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Line, etc. People can still stay in touch with family and friends back home by using VoIP services with data-only SIM cards. They are also more affordable than full package ones.
• Full package with calls and texts: include local minutes for voice calls, SMS and data. They are ideal to make local calls to hotels, tour operators, restaurants, or other services. Some even include international calling minutes or special rates for calls abroad.

Depending on your device and communication needs, select the right option that help you stay connected throughout the trip.

Gigago’s recommended tips:

• Choose an eSIM if your phone is compatible. It allows you to set up your connection before arriving in Thailand.
• Opt for a prepaid data-only SIM if you want to save money. However, if you need to make local or international calls, a full package is more appropriate.
• Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked before buying a SIM card for Thailand.

III. How much does a SIM card cost in Thailand?

In Thailand, SIM card prices for tourists are affordable and vary depending on the duration and type of plan you need. You can get a SIM card with 500MB to unlimited data, valid for 1 to 30 days, for just $1.50 to $65. These options are perfect for short-term travelers or those staying for a longer period, offering flexibility in both data volume and duration.

IV. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Thailand?

You can get a tourist SIM plan for Thailand in 04 ways:

1. Buy online before departure

Because Thailand is a popular destination among travelers, you can easily buy a Thai SIM card before departure.

You have 02 options to choose from when buying a SIM card for Thailand before departure.

• Buy a SIM card online and wait for it to be delivered to your location. This option can be found on various e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Shopee, Lazada, SIM corner, etc. However, it is not recommended because the possibility of shipping will depend on your location.
• Buy online and pick up at specific airports, such as BKK airport. This option is often found in Klook, Agoda, etc. After ordering online, you will receive a confirmation email and ticket. Then, after arriving at BKK airport, you find the appointment place to pick up the SIM.

Pros: be prepared before the trip, have enough time to choose the most suitable plan for your needs.

Cons: risk of not receiving SIM in time.

2. Buy eSIM online, either before departure or after arrival

This is the most recommended way to get Thailand SIM but only works for eSIM-compatible devices. You can order prepaid eSIM card packages for Thailand online from websites like Gigago before your trip. After paying online, you will receive an email that contains QR code and eSIM information.

This option is very convenient because you do not need to look for SIM stores or wait for SIM delivery. The eSIM is also easy to install and activate remotely.

3. Buy Thailand SIM cards at airports

You can purchase prepaid SIM cards from airport kiosks of main mobile operators like True, AIS, DTAC at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Phuket airport (HKT), and other international airports throughout Thailand.

These kiosks are usually located near the baggage claim area. To buy an airport SIM card, you need to show your passport. However, be prepared to queue in lines if you arrive at rush hours.

In the past, SIM cards sold at Thailand airports were often overpriced. However, from 2023 onwards, the SIM card price at the airport is similar to the official listing price.

Pros: Allow to activate SIM right away. Convenient if arriving late at night when stores may be closed.

Cons: Limited package choices, require SIM card registration, risks of stores being closed if arriving late at night.

4. Buy at Thai mobile operators’ official stores or convenience stores

You can purchase Thailand SIM from official retail stores of True, AIS, DTAC throughout Thailand, or from convenience stores like 7-Eleven, 108 Shop, Big C, FamilyMart, Lawson 108 & Tesco Lotus.

For the most convenience, just simply search for the name of a Thai network carrier on Google Maps, and choose the closest store location. At the point of sale, you are required to present your passport and probably other personal information. Rather complicated. Therefore, it is not preferred by most international tourists.

So where should you buy a Thailand travel SIM card?

• If you prioritize convenience and immediate use and don’t mind queuing in lines, buying at the airport is the good choice.
• If your phone supports eSIM, buying eSIM online either before departure or after arrival is the best choice for convenience.

V. Which is the best mobile operator in Thailand?

There are 03 major mobile network carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC and TrueMove H. Both of them have good coverage in most tourist destinations in Thailand and provide SIM card plans for tourists.

Some highlights of each carrier to help you make an informed decision when choosing the carrier for your Thailand SIM:

• AIS: the largest network in Thailand with the best coverage. AIS has 5G coverage throughout the country, so if you want to have faster connectivity, choose AIS.
• DTAC: budget-friendly and numerous value-added services. It offers a variety of data plans catering different needs of tourists.
• TrueMove H: fastest internet speed and outstanding 4G LTE-Advanced network. It offers the highest mobile internet speeds in Thailand, meeting the needs of even the most demanding customers.

VI. Best prepaid card plans for Thailand

Below we give a summary of SIM card plans from the top 3 major Thai carriers:

1. Prepaid DTAC SIM cards for tourists

DTAC offers the most varied plans for tourists among the three major Thai mobile network operators. You can choose from 03 package options:

DTAC white SIM card (without plan)

• No credit included
• Calls and internet counted per usage at the standard local rate
• Cost 49 Baht.

DTAC Tourist Infinite Package

• 3 validity periods: 8, 15, 30 days with cost respectively 449, 699, 1199 baht
• Unlimited 5G mobile internet at max speed
• Unlimited calls to all Thai networks
• 100 Baht free call credit
• 15 Baht free credit
• Have eSIM versions suitable for online purchase

DTAC Happy Tourist Packages

• 1-day Pay-As-You-Go: 1GB, used in 1 day, for 49 Baht
• Happy Tourist SIM: 15-30GB data + unlimited in-net calls, chat via 5 apps, used in 8-15 days, for 299 – 599 Baht

► You can see more details about DTAC’s tourist SIM packages.

2. Prepaid AIS SIM cards for tourists

AIS is the leading mobile network carrier in Thailand, offering the best quality network in the country, but the price seems to be higher than DTAC and TrueMove H. AIS SIM plans for tourists start from 49 Baht too.

A good point about AIS SIM plans for tourists is that its mobile internet speed is 5G.

AIS has 04 plans for tourists to choose from. You can see details in the table below:

► You can see more details about AIS’s tourist plan here: https://www.ais.th/en/consumers/package/international/tourist-plan

3. Prepaid TrueMove H SIM cards for tourists

TrueMove H, another major mobile network operator in Thailand, offers a wide range of tourist SIM card packages for tourists, also available in convenient eSIM versions. For added ease, if you buy your SIM card at a TrueMove H store, you can request the staff to switch your plan to eSIM so you can simplify the installation and configuration process.

Tourist SIM plans by TrueMove H start from 299 Baht.

TrueMove H offers 02 categories of packages for tourists:

• Unlimited 5G Internet and Call packages, with validity periods from 8, 15, to 30 days, prices from 499 – 699 – 1199 Baht
• Tourist SIM packages, with 15GB – 50GB data and other features, used in 8, 10 to 15 days, with prices from 299 – 599 Baht.

Among them, the 8-day and 15-day packages are chosen the most by tourists.

► You can see more details about TrueMove H’s tourist plans here.

VII. Thailand eSIM – A convenient alternative to physical SIM card

You should buy eSIM for Thailand for convenience and security it offers. With an eSIM, there is no need to physically swap out your home SIM card, meaning you can keep your original number active for receiving calls and messages while using local data on your eSIM. This is particularly useful for travelers who need to stay connected to both home and local networks during their trip.

If you have an eSIM-compatible device, you can choose from multiple eSIM data plans for Thailand, starting from an 8-day plan with 15GB of data for $6.90 . They also have unlimited data plans available with various validity periods, with prices between $6.90 – $34.90 .

VIII. FAQs about Thailand travel SIM Card