Best Thailand SIM Cards: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

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

Prepaid Thailand SIM cards with data plan helps you stay connected and in touch with loved ones and share your adventures with ease. Wondering if you should get one? We’ll cover the most useful information about Thailand SIM cards, including types, costs, best plan options and where to buy in this guide.

I. Do I Need a SIM Card in Thailand?

Yes. In more detail, you need a prepaid Thailand SIM card.

A prepaid SIM card provides reliable, high-speed internet access (4G/5G) on the go, allowing you to use your phone for calling, texting, browsing the web, whether it is to book a taxi, navigate the maps, use translation apps, or share your adventures in real-time.

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

Why shouldn’t you use your home SIM card while traveling Thailand?

It is because the roaming fees associated with your home SIM card may be too expensive or that your home network may not offer optimal coverage in Thailand.

Choosing a prepaid Thailand 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 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.

III. Which type of Thailand SIM card tourists should choose from?

Tourists to Thailand can choose from 02 main SIM card types:

1. Prepaid physical tourist SIM cards

This type of Thailand SIM is available in 04 formats to fit most devices: standard, mini, micro, and nano.

Tourist SIM cards for Thailand are especially designed for people traveling to Thailand and offer special rates on data, calls, and SMS.

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.

To buy prepaid tourists SIM cards in Thailand, you need to show passport and probably personal documents like ID card.

2. Prepaid tourist eSIM (virtual SIM)

eSIM is the latest and most convenient option for staying connected while traveling. eSIM has the same function as the traditional one, but completely digital. Therefore, you can activate it remotely, even before arriving in Thailand.

Tourists who do not need to make calls and text SMSs often choose data-only eSIM plans to save money while still staying connected without paying for calls or SMS they may not use.

So Thailand SIM cards vs Thailand eSIM, which one is better for tourists?

To help you make an informed decision on which type of SIM cards to use in Thailand, we make a comparison table on Thai SIM vs eSIM:

Factor	Thailand eSIM	Thailand SIM card
Format	Digital, embedded on your device	Physical card inserted into your phone
Activation	Online, remotely, before or upon arrival	At physical stores, usually upon arrival
Availability	– Requires a compatible device (newer models. – Use our esim compatible list or guide to check esim support)	Works with most unlocked phones
Purchase and activation	Easier, no need to find a physical store	Requires visiting a store, potential queues, or waiting for delivery
Switching networks/plans	Can store multiple eSIM plans at once, switch digitally.	Requires swapping physical cards
Cost	Can be more expensive, depending on the plan	More affordable
Pros	– Convenient, easy to manage, can’t be lost – No need to register	– Widely available – Cheaper – Works with most unlocked older phone models
Cons	– Requires a compatible device (newer models. – – Use our esim compatible list or guide to check esim support)	– Requires physical handling and storage – Can be lost or damaged

So which one is right for you?

• Choose Thailand eSIM if you prioritize convenience, have a compatible device, and do not mind paying a bit extra for that ease.
• If you have an older device and are budget-conscious, a traditional SIM card can still offer a good experience.

IV. Which Thailand SIM card plans tourists should choose?

Choosing which mobile plan for your stay in Thailand depends on different factors, including your trip duration, data usage habits, calling needs, and preferred level of convenience.

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

1. Prepaid DTAC SIM cards for tourists

DTAC provides the most varied plans for tourists to choose from among three major Thai mobile network operators.

DTAC SIM plans for tourists start from 49 Baht, with different features varied by validity periods.

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

There are 04 DTAC tourist packages, which are described in the table below:

Happy Tourist SIM Package	Validity	Price	Mobile Data (5G/4G speed)
1-day Pay-As-You-Go	1 day	49 Baht	1GB
8-day Happy Tourist SIM	8 days	299 Baht	15GB
10-day Happy Tourist SIM	10 days	349 Baht	50GB
15-day Happy Tourist SIM	15 days	599 Baht	30GB

Other features:

• Unlimited calls in-net
• Unlimited chat via 5 apps
• Baht credit free, vary by package
• Baht credit free for calls in Thailand, vary by package

► 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:

AIS Plan name	Validity	Price	Data (5G)	Other features
Pay as you go	1 day	49 Baht ($1.3)	1GB	Inter call from 1 baht/min
8-day plan (Bert seller)	8 days	299 Baht	15GB	50 Baht Call credit Inter call from 1 baht/min
15-day plan	15 days	599 Baht	30GB	Inter call from 1 baht/min
30-day plan (Best saver)	30 days	899 Baht	50GB	Inter call from 1 baht/min
30-day unlimited	30 days	1699 Baht	Unlimited	50 Baht Call credit

► 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.
• Tourist SIM packages, with validity periods from 8, 10 to 15 days.

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

Below we give details about Thailand tourist packages by TrueMove H:

TrueMove H plan name	Validity	Price	Data (5G)	Other features
Unlimited 5G internet & call	8 – 15 – 30 days	499 – 699 – 1199 Baht	Unlimited	100 Baht call credit for international calls Unlimited call in Thailand Unlimited WiFi
8-day plan (best seller)	8 days	299 Baht	15GB	100 Baht call credit (local + international) Unlimited in-net calls Other social bonus
10-day plan	10 days	349 Baht	50GB	15 Baht call credit (local + international), SMS, MMS Unlimited in-net calls Free calls with specific conditions Other social bonus
15-day plan (best seller)	15 days	599 Baht	30GB	100 Baht call credit (local + international) Unlimited in-net calls Other social bonus

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

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

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

• Buy SIM online before traveling (be prepared but not recommended due to waiting time)
• Buy eSIM online before departure (the most active way, but just for eSIM only)
• Buy at Thai airports, (convenient but expensive)
• Buy in Thai cities (least recommended due to complicated procedures)

Now, we will explain each way in short:

1. Buy online before departure

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

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

• Buy Thailand 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.

Pros: convenient, easy to buy, have Internet access right upon arrival.

Cons: only applicable for those with eSIM compatible phones.

3. Buy at Thai 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.

Here is the map of SIM card shops at BKK airport for you to refer to:

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.

Pros: Wide choices of data packages, best rates, get instant support.

Cons: Require passport copy for registration, potential language barrier if buying outside big cities.

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.

VI. Buy Thailand eSIM – Where to buy and which to choose

You should buy eSIM for Thailand from a reputable eSIM provider instead of Thai mobile operators to avoid registration procedures like Gigago.

Gigago offers various flexible eSIM plans that provide both data allowance as well as call credits, not commonly found with many other eSIM providers.

For Thailand, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from an 8-day plan with 15GB of data for $6.90 as their most minimal plan. They also have unlimited data plans available with various validity periods, with prices between $6.90 – $34.90 .

To see more details about plan features and installation guide, check Gigago Thailand eSIM.

VII. FAQs about Thailand travel SIM Card