In Thailand, most cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer WiFi access. However, some hotels may charge for this service, sometimes at a high rate. Having a local phone number is useful for ordering taxis or contacting friends or your hotel. You can purchase an eSIM or a SIM card with unlimited data from a local Thai mobile operator. This guide will help you buy a SIM card, top up your account, and extend its validity to ensure you stay connected during your travels in Thailand.
Content of this article:
- Buy an eSIM with unlimited data in Thailand
- How to buy a local SIM card in Thailand
- How to Buy a SIM Card from a Thai Operator with Unlimited Internet
- What You Should Know About Thai Tourist SIM Cards
- How to Extend the Validity of the SIM Card and Buy Additional Internet
- How to top up a Thai phone number account
- How to connect to the Internet without changing the SIM card in your phone
- How to book a hotel with free wi-fi connection to Internet in a room
eSim with unlimited data Book attractions and tours with discounts Taxi from or to an airport
Buy an eSIM with unlimited data in Thailand
Let's start with the easiest and fastest way to get unlimited data in Thailand - eSim from Yesim.
eSIMs are virtual SIM cards that you can activate on a compatible device without needing to insert a physical SIM card. Companies like Yesim offer eSIMs with unlimited data plans, allowing you to stay connected without worrying about data limits.
An eSIM is ideal for tourists who need constant access to news, email, instant messaging, and social media.
Steps to Purchase an eSIM:
- Check if your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.
- Choose the number of days you need internet in Thailand.
- Pay with PayPal or a credit card.
- Follow the instructions received by email to add the eSIM to your phone.
- Activate the eSIM upon arrival in Thailand and enjoy unlimited data.
If you need internet access on another device during your travels, you can always buy a package on the eSIM website and activate it immediately.
How to buy a local SIM card in Thailand
If you need to call local phone numbers in addition to having stable internet access, you should buy a local mobile SIM card. This is very easy to do in Thailand.
You can save money by buying a tourist SIM card at a discount on the Klook website.
Tourist SIM Card Packages from Thai Mobile Operators are Available at:
- Special kiosks at airports
- Mobile operator stores in large shopping centres and near some tourist attractions
- 7-Eleven and Family Mart stores, which are widespread across Thailand
Tourist SIM Cards eSim Cards Pocked 4G WiFi device with Unlimited Data
Thailand's three largest mobile operators, DTac, TrueMove, and AIS, offer good coverage, high-speed mobile internet, and SIM Card packages for tourists.
The conditions differ slightly between operators, so there is no need to spend too much time searching for the best offer. Instead, enjoy your time on the beach!
How to Buy a SIM Card from a Thai Operator with Unlimited Internet
You can purchase a SIM card with unlimited internet upon arrival in Thailand. Most international airports in Thailand have mobile operator kiosks. However, you might encounter long queues or find the kiosks closed for lunch.
A more reliable option is to order a SIM card in advance from the comfort of your home, often with a discount on the Klook website.
Order your SIM card online, and you pick it in an airport:
- SIM card with pick up at Bangkok airports (Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi).
- SIM card with pick up at Phuket airport.
- eSim card is suitable for mobile phones and tablets that support eSIM. SIM card activation occurs using the code in the letter to your email, and connection to the Internet is possible immediately upon arrival in Thailand.
- Pocked 4G WiFi device with Unlimited Data for those needing internet on multiple devices. It can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. These routers can be picked up at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports in Bangkok, or at Phuket Airport.
Staff at the airport kiosks will set up and activate your SIM card, enabling you to connect to the internet and make calls immediately.
SIM cards are also available at 7-Eleven and Family Mart stores across Thailand. Note that you will need to activate these SIM cards yourself, and store staff may not always be able to assist with this process.
What You Should Know About Thai Tourist SIM Cards
One of the most popular options is the TrueMove Tourist SIM package for 15 days, which includes:
- High-speed 4G/5G internet: Maximum speeds of 1,000 Mbps for 5G, 100 Mbps for 4G, and 42 Mbps for 3G.
- 100 baht credit for calls, SMS, and MMS.
- Free data transfer for 14 social networks.
- Low rates for international calls: Use the code 00600 for cheaper rates.
- Free calls to numbers with the same tariff: If you buy several identical starter packages, you can call each other for free.
How to Extend the Validity of the SIM Card and Buy Additional Internet
To check the balance and expiration date on the TrueMove tourist card, dial *123# and make a call.
To extend the validity period of the SIM card and number, you need to top up the balance:
- Top up by 10, 20, or 50 baht for a 30-day extension.
- Top up by 90, 150, or 300 baht for a 50-day extension.
You can use the code *900*1756# (dial the code and press call) to get an additional 3 GB of Internet at a maximum of 5G speed for 8 days for 150 Baht. If you do not buy an unlimited package, then 1.5 baht per 1 MB will be debited from your existing balance.
You must have the required amount on your thai mobile phone account to connect an additional data package.
How to top up a Thai phone number account
You can top up your account at any 7-Eleven or Family Mart store. To enhance communication with non-English-speaking store staff, write your Thai SIM card phone number on paper along with the name of the mobile operator, or provide the seller with the SIM card pack.
You can find out your number by dialling *833# and pressing call.
You can top up your mobile phone balance at self-service machines near the entrances of 7-Eleven and Family Mart stores or online on the mobile operator's website - https://iservice.true.th/prepaid-top-up.
How to connect to the Internet without changing the SIM card in your phone
If you don't want to bother with changing the SIM card in your phone, want to use unlimited Thai Internet, but don't want to turn off your "home" phone number:
- rent a mobile 4G router that will distribute the Internet via WiFi to your other devices (supports up to 5 devices simultaneously),
- buy e-sim if your mobile phone model supports eSIM.
How to book a hotel with free wi-fi connection to Internet in a room
Having to pay for Internet access in a hotel or having no Internet in the room is often frustrating. Fortunately, this can be easily avoided. When booking a hotel on websites like booking.com or agoda.com, simply apply the "Free WiFi" filter to view hotels that offer complimentary Internet access.
Do you plan to travel to Thailand? An article that may be useful to you is 7 Reasons to Visit Koh Lipe (Thailand)
