WHAT SIM CARD TO BUY IN THAILAND TO HAVE INTERNET ON MOBILE

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In all trips it is always highly recommended to get a SIM card to have internet on mobile. And Thailand is no exception. It is one of our favorite destinations and one of the first things we do whenever we step on Thai land is to buy a local SIM (that and eat a padthai in Rambuttri). Also in Thailand, SIM and data packages are very good prices. In this article we talk about which SIM card to buy in Thailand to have internet in the mobile, of the different companies and of the places where to buy them.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, check out these 40 tips that we give you

Although it is not the option that we usually use, it is interesting for those who do not want to complicate life. The most important company that offers these cards in Spain is Holafly. You go to their website, ask for the card, you get home and install it on your mobile just upon arrival in Thailand to start having internet. Prices are around 20-25€ (sometimes less with special discounts) and shipping is free.

The operation is very simple and there is no need to make any configuration changes on the mobile. The shipping also includes the precise instructions and in case of doubt or problem, they have a 24-hour support service.

There are different cards depending on the number of days you want to be and the amount of GB included, although they usually give unlimited data at reduced speed once you have consumed your GB (something quite interesting).

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There are three large companies that offer prepaid SIM cards to load internet packages and / or calls:

AIS
DTAC
TRUE MOVE

The first two are the large telecommunication companies in Thailand, and the third offers very good deals. In general, any of the three is a good option and you will only have to compare your plans to decide on one of them.

They usually offer two types of plans: prepaid Y for tourists. The latter are valid only in a limited period of days (1 or two weeks), are usually more expensive and are the ones you will see at the airport stations. If you want to opt for prepaid plans you will have to go to one of its stores and request the SIM with the package that interests you.

EYE: Sometimes there are offers that you will see on the internet but that are not offered in stores, so take a screenshot of the one you want to hire and show it to the clerk.

AIS

Prepaid AIS packages (2GB for 400THB per month, about € 12)
AIS tourist packages (15 days and 30 GB for 600THB, about € 18)

DTAC

Prepaid DTA packages (5GB for 300THB per month, about € 9)
DTAC tourist packages (15 days and 30 GB for 600THB, about € 18)

TRUE MOVE

Prepaid True Move packages (3 GB for 300THB per month, about € 9)
True Move tourist packages (no longer offering)

To prepaid packages must be added the card cost, which is usually about 50THB.

We almost always opt for True move, because the SIM can be purchased at any 7-Eleven at a price of 49THB and right there you can load some plans (at the same counter or at some machines outside). But beware, because these stores do not have all the packages, and most likely you only have access to those of a few days. In that case, you must go to a True Move store to load the one that interests you. In addition, the 7-Eleven staff is not specialized in this product and does not usually speak English well, so it is sometimes a bit desperate.

This last time we stayed 2 months and True Move had a 6GB plan for 2 months for a total of 500THB which was the one we chose. But, it was at reduced speed and we do NOT recommend it.

In the airports most important there are places where they sell SIM cards for tourists. As we anticipate, these plans are usually valid for a few days and are loaded with GB to the eyebrows. But they are more expensive.

The other option would be to look for the company store closest to your accommodation (in shopping centers there are usually all). In addition DTAC for example offers its tourist cards also in the stores of 7-Eleven, Tesco and Family Mart.

To buy it, you just have to take your passport and pay. They themselves take care of installing the SIM and letting it work.

If we had to choose, for a long trip taking the trouble to go to a store, maybe we would opt for a prepaid DTAC package, such as the 5GB for 300THB. The AIS company is the main one in Thailand and it would be a safe bet, but the plans are somewhat more expensive. However, this changes a lot and you will have to look carefully at each of the companies and their offers.

For a short trip and for those who want to save the stress of comparing and looking for stores, we would directly buy the Holafly card or opt for one of the AIS or DTAC tourist plans. But what is clear is that buying a SIM with internet in Thailand is almost a must!

Here we have explained which SIM card to buy in Thailand, the companies and where to do it. We hope I can help you on your trip and if you have any questions or recommendations you know: leave a comment!