You’ve just touched down in sunny Thailand, ready for adventures from spotting elephants and lounging on stunning beaches, to late-night parties and making new friends.
You reach for your phone to let everyone back home know you’ve arrived… and maybe snap a selfie for social media.
But wait! No service, and airport Wi-Fi is slow. What now?
Don’t worry. This step-by-step guide will show you how to get reliable, affordable cell service in the Land of Smiles, so you can stay connected from the moment you land.
Krista Stelzner, assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge, snaps a selfie with a Thai girl during a community service event at The Child Development & Protection Center in Huay Yai, Thailand.
Step 1. Unlocking Your Phone
Using your home mobile plan overseas can be inconvenient, and often surprisingly expensive.
Before you travel, make sure your phone is unlocked by your home network. An unlocked phone can accept a Thai SIM or eSIM, which is cheaper, faster, and far more practical than relying on roaming. Many providers unlock phones for free once your contract ends, but it’s best to check before you fly.
It’s also worth knowing what kind of SIM your phone supports. Most modern phones now use nano SIMs, and many newer iPhones and Android devices also support eSIM or dual SIM, allowing you to keep your home number active while using a Thai SIM for data.
If you’re unsure, a quick Google of your phone model will tell you exactly what it supports, and if all else fails, staff at mobile shops in Thailand can usually check and set everything up for you in minutes.
Step 2: Deciding on Roaming vs. Thai SIM Card
Some travellers want to keep their home number active, which usually means turning on international roaming.
You can do this, but it’s rarely the best option. Roaming charges for data are often high, limits are tight, and it’s very easy to rack up an unexpected bill — even if your provider claims to have “travel-friendly” packages.
A far cheaper and more reliable option is to use a Thai SIM or eSIM for data and local calls, and rely on apps like WhatsApp, Line, or FaceTime to stay in touch.
If your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM, you get the best of both worlds:
- Keep your home number active for SMS verification or bank messages
- Use a Thai SIM for fast, affordable data
For most visitors and expats, roaming simply isn’t necessary. Buying a Thai SIM at the airport or from a local provider shop is quick, inexpensive, and usually takes just a few minutes.
Step 3: Getting a Sim at the Airport Vs a Provider Store
If you’re staying in Thailand for a week or less, buying a SIM at the airport can be convenient. Airport plans are designed for tourists and usually include data, local calls, and texting for short stays. You’ll pay a little more for convenience, but it’s quick and hassle-free.
For longer stays, it’s usually better to visit a provider store or booth in a shopping mall. There you’ll find a wider range of plans, better value for money, and more flexibility if you plan to stay weeks or months.
Another popular option is using a data-only eSIM. If you want to keep your home number active for calls or SMS — especially for banking codes — an eSIM for data works very well. Services like Saily let you activate mobile data before you even land, with no physical SIM to swap and no shop visit required.
In most cases, buying a physical SIM in Thailand requires a passport, as SIM cards are registered to your name. This is standard practice. While smaller shops may not always ask, you should assume registration is required and carry your passport with you.
Step 4. Choosing Your Provider & Your Plan
Thailand has three main mobile providers: AIS, TrueMove H, and DTAC. All offer prepaid, pay-as-you-go plans suitable for tourists, retirees, and long-term expats.
All three providers now offer fast 4G and 5G coverage across most of the country, including cities, towns, and popular tourist areas. For everyday use — messaging, maps, streaming, and hotspotting — any of them will work well.
Most plans come in daily, weekly, or monthly formats, with options ranging from capped data allowances to “unlimited” data at a capped speed.
Quick provider overview:
1. AIS
Often considered the most reliable network nationwide, especially outside major cities. Strong coverage, good speeds, and an easy-to-use app for managing plans and top-ups.
2. TrueMove H
Competitive pricing and very good coverage in urban areas. Known for offering plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots around Thailand, which can be useful if you’re trying to save mobile data.
3. DTAC
Generally user-friendly for foreigners, with clear English support and simple prepaid options. Coverage is solid in cities and tourist areas.
In recent years, all providers have made managing your plan much easier through their mobile apps, where you can:
- Check data usage
- Buy or change plans
- Top up credit
- Contact customer support
Rather than chasing a specific deal, it’s best to choose a provider based on coverage where you’ll be staying, and then pick a plan that matches how much data you realistically use.
Step 5: Topping Up with Credit
Adding credit to your phone — known locally as topping up — is quick and easy in Thailand.
You can top up at:
- 7-Eleven stores (almost everywhere)
- Mobile provider shops or mall booths
- Street kiosks and top-up machines
- Online via your provider’s mobile app
Once you’ve added credit, you can use it to activate data, call, or text packages. The cost of your chosen plan is simply deducted from your available balance.
These days, the easiest way to remember is: use the app. All major providers offer English-language apps where you can do all the things mentioned in the previous section.
You can still activate plans via dial-in codes or by calling customer service, but most people find the app far simpler. Providers also regularly offer promotions or bonus data, especially for app users, which is handy if you’re watching your budget.
Step 6: Tethering from Phone to Laptop
Spotty Wi-Fi is a common frustration for travellers. If you want to use a laptop or tablet while out and about — or if everyone in your hotel is hogging the Wi-Fi — your phone can act as a personal hotspot.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Hotspotting uses a lot of data, so a large or unlimited data plan is recommended.
- Check your provider’s app or plan details to avoid unexpected throttling once you reach your limit.
How to set up a hotspot:
iPhone / iPad
- Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot
- Turn Allow Others to Join on
- Choose a Wi-Fi password if prompted
- Connect your computer, tablet, or other device via Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth
Android
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering
- Turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Set a password if prompted
- Connect your other device
Hotspotting is a convenient way to stay connected, especially if you have multiple devices, but always keep an eye on data usage to avoid throttled speeds or extra charges.
Step 7: Guarding Your Data
Most Thai prepaid plans give you a set amount of high-speed data, and once you hit that limit, your speed is throttled, often to levels slow enough that browsing or streaming becomes frustrating.
A few simple strategies can help you make your data last:
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Most cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and even some public areas offer free Wi-Fi. Thai providers also have mobile Wi-Fi hotspots scattered around cities.
- Save heavy activities for Wi-Fi: Video streaming, large downloads, and cloud backups can quickly eat your data allowance.
- Adjust app settings: On both iPhone and Android, you can:
- Turn off cellular data for apps you don’t need to use on the go
- Enable “low data mode” or “power saver” to prevent apps from refreshing in the background
- Consider a VPN: Not only does it help protect sensitive information on public networks, it can also reduce background data tracking in some apps.
Being mindful of your usage ensures you get the most out of your plan without surprises, especially if you only top up once or twice during your stay.
Step 8: Avoiding Over Charging
One of the best things about prepaid or pay-as-you-go plans in Thailand is that you won’t get a surprise bill — once your credit or data runs out, services simply stop until you top up.
To stay on top of usage:
- Enable alerts: Most providers can send notifications in English when your data, call minutes, or texts are running low.
- Use the provider’s app: You can quickly check your remaining balance, top up, and see when your plan expires. Apps often give real-time usage updates and can even remind you to renew or extend your plan.
- Note expiry times: Many daily, weekly, or monthly plans have fixed validity periods. Knowing exactly when your plan ends prevents frustrating downtime, especially if you rely on your phone for navigation or contacting friends.
Step 9: Staying Active
How long your SIM lasts depends on the type you have. Most prepaid tourist SIMs are valid for about 30 days after topping up. For longer stays, topping up regularly keeps your SIM active and your number usable.
Checking your expiry:
Via app: All major providers (AIS, TrueMove H, DTAC) let you see your remaining validity and data in their mobile app — the easiest and fastest method.
Via USSD codes: If you prefer, you can still check manually:
- AIS – *121#
- DTAC – *101*9#
- TrueMove H – #123#
Using the app is generally simpler, and it also lets you top up, buy new packages, and see your remaining data in real time.
Tip: Even if you rarely use your SIM, topping up at least once every 30 days helps keep your number active.
Extend Your SIM’s validity
To extend your validity:
AIS:
- Add 10 Baht credit for 30 Days Validity
- Alternative method: Dial *500*9# Add 30 days validity for 30 THB via Mao Mao package
DTAC:
Extend your validity for up to 365 days, at a cost of 2 Baht per month.
- Press : *113*30*9# for 30 days extension. Cost 2 Baht
- Press : *113*60*9# for 60 days extension. Cost 4 Baht
- Press : *113*90*9# for 90 days extension. Cost 6 Baht
- Press : *113*180*9# for 180 days extension. Cost 12 Baht
- Conditions: Must activate SIM for at least 90 days or have usage of 200 THB.
TrueMove H:
Extend your validity for up to 365 days at a cost of 2 Baht per month
- Press : * 934 * 30 # for 30 days extension. Cost 2 Baht
- Press : * 934 * 90 # for 90 days extension. Cost 6 Baht
- Press : * 934 * 180 # for 180 days extension. Cost 12 Baht
Step 10: Contacting Customer Service
If you have questions about your SIM, plan, or international roaming, all major Thai providers make it easy to reach them. Most support is now app- or LINE-based, which is faster and more convenient than calling.
Customer support options:
DTAC
- Call from your phone: 1678
- LINE: @dtac
- Email: feedback@dtac.co.th
AIS / One-2-Call
- Call from your phone: 1175
- LINE Messenger: @12Call_Fan
- Email: callcenter@ais.co.th
TrueMove H
- Call from your phone: 1331
- LINE: @truemoveh
Tip: For most quick queries such as plan details, topping up, or checking coverage the provider’s app or LINE support is usually the fastest option. Calls may take longer if you don’t understand the Thai menu options, although most providers offer an English option.
Tips to Start Planning Your Trip Now
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never travel without it. I’ve been using SafetyWing for years. You should too.
Need an e-SIM?
My personal e-SIM recommendation is Saily. Read about it here.
Improve Your Thai Skills:
Learning Thai makes life much easier here, and more fun. I use Thaipod101. Click here for a free account. It is really easy to use.
Last Updated on
Amar says
After browsing through several walkthroughs, I find yours helpful, yet not commercialized towards any providers/resellers, and that's got me writing for advice.
I am staying in Thailand for 15-16 days from mid-December, travelling to only the tourist destinations of Phuket and Pattaya, besides Bangkok. I mainly will use the internet (somewhere 15-30GB would suffice) and really doubt on needing to make a local phonecall (but if there is one to offer, why not). I understood that it would be wiser to obtain a plan in town, can do that in order to enjoy better plan offerings for the same price than those Tourist plans.
Now the question is, will I be able to obtain a Thai provider E-SIM with a plan that is good for my stay, if I walk to a downtown store of any carriers? And what would you suggest for a mobile plan?
Better yet, a comparison of those e-sim services would be appreciated by many like me, if you update your post with that info.
Cheers,
Nov 25, 2022 at 12:34 am
LuisZ says
I’m worried of losing the esim without using it…
Or what can you suggest me in order to have a permanent Thai number?
Expecting for your answer and thank you again.
Luis
Jul 26, 2022 at 11:32 pm
JamesE says
The only difference between a physical "regular" SIM and a Tourist SIM is that the tourist SIM has a 1-year expiration date built into the system. What I don't know is if that also applies to eSIMs. The other thing is that from a functional standpoint there is no difference between a "regular" SIM or eSIM or one targeted for tourists. So, you can buy whatever voice/data package that makes sense for how you are planning on using the SIM. And to do that requires some installation.
I see on dtac's website that the eSIM is only available through 3rd party resellers. Your best bet is to call the place you bought it from and to have them enable international use (or help you set it up) so that you can receive OTPs from dtac to set up the "dtac" and "dtac Call" apps. (Note: once they're set up you won't really need international service again.) The "dtac" app is similar in functionality to the dtac website while the "dtac Call" app uses data (cellular or WiFi) for voice and text. The reason the Call app is important is that all of your voice and texts are billed at the Thailand rate and not at the international rate for your country. So, you download the apps, run them to set them up which is when you will receive the texts with the OTP, now you can buy whatever voice or data package you want and use the dtac Call app for voice and text. All this is much less of an issue if you're in Thailand and a dtac rep at a store can set it up in two minutes. So, if you're going to Thailand anytime soon and can wait, just wait.
If you do set this up at home make sure you disable the eSIM after you're done. You won't actually need the eSIM until you're using cellular data in Thailand. You really do not want to accidentally start to roam on the dtac line. It's insanely expensive.
This gives you at least a year to make sure your Tourist eSIM doesn't expire (again a question for the vendor you bought it from) like a physical one would. If it does then that would be an issue for a dtac Center to sort out for you. Good luck!
Jul 27, 2022 at 5:51 am
JamesE says
Jul 27, 2022 at 10:36 pm
John says
Jan 18, 2022 at 10:41 am
JamesE says
Jan 18, 2022 at 11:34 pm
Val says
We have recently been advised by our bank that we can no longer make online transactions unless we have local mobile phone number so we can receive SMS code. We used to use a pin2 to transact our transfers.
Due to Covid we are back in Australia and cant see us returning anytime soon. Do you know if I can set up Thai mobile plan from outside of Thailand. I would need to pay online?
Aug 22, 2021 at 11:20 am
Henry says
Jan 24, 2022 at 12:05 pm
JamesE says
Your second question is easy but requires a few hoops to jump through. You need to set up the number inside of Thailand so you'd need somebody in-country to help you. They would purchase the SIM (฿50 =/-) and add a small balance. You would download the carrier's VOIP app (I use dtac Call) and the service app (dtac, for me). Your friend/relative will have the SIM on a phone and with you on a chat you set up the service app (your f/r will receive a one-time password) so you can access it, then you set up the VOIP app (another OTP) with the service directed to the app, not the SIM (it's easier than it sounds). Now all calls/texts sent to your Thai number go to your phone in Oz and you can make calls or send texts at the local Thai rate. You can easily top-up your account online via the website or service app. Just make sure you trust the person with the SIM not to burn through ฿300K a month streaming videos and playing games. The SIM will still work fine for outbound and data.
Jan 25, 2022 at 12:23 am
Ken F says
By the way, the article also did not go into which provider has the best coverage so I found a current coverage map on my own and I was surprised to learn how extensive 5G is with some carriers. It looks like while dtac has virtually no 5G, AIS has good 5G in all the major cities and True Move has pretty much got the entire country covered by 5-G. The reason this is surprising to me is because since it took 4 or 5 years longer for smart phones to catch on in Thailand than it did here in the states I guess I just assumed that it would take that much longer for them to build up their 5G networks. But they do not seem to be lagging behind us at all (assuming those coverage maps are correct). And maybe that is not really all that surprising when you consider that Thais are now as thoroughly addicted to having constant mobile internet access as the rest of the world.
As for me I’m not even sure why I should care about 5G coverage seeing as how less than one percent of my total yearly internet access is done through a mobile device (if you don’t include WiFi calling from home). The thing is, when I’m out and about I would rather engage with the world around me than to have my head buried in my phone. In fact, when going to the beach in Thailand (which is all the time) I either leave my phone at home or I lock it under the seat of my motorbike. And when I do use internet on the go it is only to get data that is necessary for me to get where I am going or to do what I need to do in the real world, not to post photos of what I had for lunch on social media.
Aug 05, 2021 at 7:01 am
JamesE says
I think I end up paying about US$20/month which is less than I pay in the states but more than your Mint plan.
Aug 05, 2021 at 11:07 pm
Ken F says
By the way I have also been using dual sim phones for years as I like to have a separate business line and personal line on the same device – although now that I am semi-retired I only have the one number. Of course even single sim phones can have two lines active but with a dual sim you can have a different plan or even a different carrier for each number and this way you can get the best plan for the particular usage pattern for each number. And, as you already know, its also nice when traveling to not have to take your domestic sim out when you put in a foreign country sim. The problem is virtually none of the dual sim phones you can buy out there today are made for the American market and this means if something goes wrong you will not have a valid warranty on the thing – not that the businesses selling these phones will tell you this. My most recent obscenely expensive phone is an American market phone but it is also not a true dual sim phone. It has one regular sim and one e-sim and they cannot both be active at the same time. Still, the manufacturer is supposedly eventually going to put out a software update that will allow both sims to be active at once – although I’m not holding my breath on that one.
In any case I will probably keep my domestic sim active for a bit after going back to Thailand even though it will be a bit pricey to use. The roaming charges would be 25 cents a minute for calls, 5 cents per MMS text, and 20 cents per MB of data.
Aug 06, 2021 at 4:24 am
JamesE says
Yeah, Online Top-up is no problem. I can use my cc or do a transfer from my BKK Bank account.
Aug 06, 2021 at 4:58 am
Ken F says
Aug 06, 2021 at 5:24 am
Chris says
I have a question that is on a slightly different topic, but still around making phone calls. I’m wondering if you have any advise on calling UK/non Thai landlines? We have some loose ends to tie up which will require some calls (to the tax office, for example) and I’m wondering if we should look for a VoIP-type solution (such as Google Voice) or would Thai sims allow WiFi calls to non-Thai landlines? Any advice would be gratefully received!
Jul 31, 2021 at 1:11 pm
JamesE says
Aug 01, 2021 at 1:44 am
Chris says
Aug 03, 2021 at 9:20 pm
James E says
Oct 01, 2020 at 11:41 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 01, 2020 at 11:53 pm
James E says
Oct 09, 2020 at 3:30 am
James E says
Oct 14, 2020 at 3:44 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 15, 2020 at 5:09 pm
JamesE says
Oct 15, 2020 at 11:27 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 15, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Zoe says
wish I'd done that earlier! Can extend for up to a year.
Regards,
Zx
Feb 02, 2020 at 11:06 pm
James E says
Feb 03, 2020 at 3:57 am
Zoe says
Feb 03, 2020 at 9:30 am
James E says
Feb 03, 2020 at 11:43 pm
Zoe says
Feb 03, 2020 at 11:54 pm
Ian says
My question: how do you stop your sim card expiring when you are out of the country? I would like to keep it active for my Thai bank account purposes, but it seems like you can only keep the card alive when within Thailand...
Thanks,
Ian
Jan 28, 2020 at 5:18 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 28, 2020 at 8:40 pm
James E says
Jan 28, 2020 at 9:20 pm
Ian says
Jan 29, 2020 at 1:38 am
James E says
Sep 19, 2019 at 10:04 am
James E says
Sep 22, 2019 at 1:48 am