Best SIM card for Bangkok: What to buy and where to get it

Over 28 million international tourists visit Thailand, most of which land in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. SIM card companies are on hand to help you get connected with Thailand prepaid SIM card options moments after landing. But they require a registration process.

Let’s discuss where to find one, the best providers, and how to skip this process by getting an international eSIM.

Where to buy a SIM card in Bangkok?

Major providers like AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H have SIM card stores at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, so you can pick one up and avoid roaming rates while in Thailand. 

If you don’t want to deal with SIM store queues straight after your flight, you can also look for SIM card shops that can be found in popular areas like malls and convenience stores. Moreover, many providers offer the option to arrange delivery to your hotel or another address. Let’s explore each of these offers in detail.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

All three major providers sell tourist SIM cards at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Here is where you can find their SIM card shops and how to buy a SIM card at Bangkok airport.

International arrival hall (before or right after customs bag check)

The international arrivals terminal is a convenient place to start when searching for a TrueMove H, dtac, or AIS SIM card at Bangkok airport. Here, you’ll find AIS, True, and dtac SIM card counters and other provider kiosks ready to help you stay connected.

• AIS: Exit 7 and 9, Floor 2, Main Terminal, Public Area
• TrueMove H: Exit 4, 5, 6, and 10, Floor 2, Main Terminal, Public Area
• dtac: Exit 7 and 9, Floor 2, Main Terminal, Public Area

Baggage claim hall

You can also find SIM card shops near the Baggage Claim Area at BKK, so you can get a local SIM while waiting for your luggage. 

• AIS: Baggage Claim 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 19, and 20, Floor 2, International Arrival Hall
• True: Baggage Claim 7, 11, 17, and 19, Floor 2, International Arrival Hall
• dtac: Baggage Claim 7, 10, and 19, Floor 2, International Arrival Hall

Public arrival areas (after baggage claim)

For travelers who want to get a tourist SIM card at the Bangkok Airport before leaving the arrival terminal:

• AIS: Exit 9, Floor 1, Main Terminal, Public Area

Other locations at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

For travelers who missed arrival area stores at Bangkok Airport or want to purchase their tourist SIM cards later:

• Departure Terminal at Bangkok Airport:
  • AIS: Exit 6 and 7, Floor 4, Main Terminal, Public Area
  • True: Exit 3 and 5, Floor 4 (East), Main Terminal, Public Area
    
• Bangkok Airport: SAT-1 Terminal:
  • AIS: East S14 and S16, Floor 2
  • True: West S15 and East S17, Floor 2
    
• Partner Stores
  • dtac: Baggage Claim 8, 16, and 18, Floor 2, International Zone

Downtown Bangkok

If you’d rather get your prepaid SIM at a store, here are some locations of the dtac, AIS, and TrueMove H SIM card stores in downtown Bangkok.

dtac Stores:

• dtac House
  319 Chamchuri Square Building, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Located near Sam Yan MRT Station.
  
• dtac Service Hall – CentralWorld
  4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4 CentralWorld, Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Situated within the CentralWorld shopping complex.
  
• dtac Service Center – Terminal 21
  88 Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Wattana), Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
  Located on the 6th floor of Terminal 21 shopping mall.

AIS Stores:

• AIS Shop – CentralWorld
  4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4 CentralWorld, Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Found within the CentralWorld shopping complex.
  
• AIS Shop – Siam Paragon
  991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Situated on the 4th floor of Siam Paragon Mall.
• AIS Shop – EmQuartier
  693, 695 Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
  Located on the 3rd floor of EmQuartier shopping center.

TrueMove H Stores:

• True Shop – Siam Square
  424/5-6 Siam Square Soi 6, Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Near Siam BTS Station.
  
• True Shop – CentralWorld
  4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4 CentralWorld, Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Within the CentralWorld shopping complex.
  
• True Shop – ICONSIAM
  299 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
  Located on the 4th floor of ICONSIAM shopping mall.

Keep in mind that store locations and operating hours may change. Before visiting, check the official websites or contact the stores directly for the most up-to-date information. 

Arrange a SIM card delivery

Theoretically, you can arrange for your prepaid SIM card to be delivered to your address in Bangkok. However, in practice, it doesn’t go as smoothly. Here’s why.

dtac SIM card 

If you check the Happy Tourist option on their website, you will see a link that offers you an option to have your SIM card wait for you at the airport. However, clicking on that link takes you to a 404 page.

If you try to buy this prepaid SIM card first, and then pick a delivery option later, it still doesn’t work properly. Currently, you are stuck in step one without an option to proceed with your purchase. Moreover, all that you are allowed to do is buy an eSIM.

AIS Thailand SIM card

AIS doesn’t offer the delivery on their own. However, they cooperate with third-party partners that you can work with to deliver your prepaid SIM to an address in Bangkok. Partners that do this for AIS are HyperAir and Klook.

True Move H

You can choose a home delivery option when you choose your Thailand SIM card. You’ll need to fill in the correct address, but also some additional information so the delivery person can find you more easily. Also, there’s an option to choose whether you want to receive the package yourself or another person can take it for you. 

Retail stores

There are several store chains that sell prepaid SIM cards. You can get your  Thailand SIM card at the following markets:

dtac: You’ll find them in 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Big C, and Tesco Lotus stores

AIS Tourist SIM: Every store with AIS Telewiz, AIS Butty, or AIS12CALL! logo. This includes FamilyMart

True: Same as dtac, you’ll find TrueMove H prepaid SIM cards in 7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus, and FamilyMart

When purchasing a prepaid SIM card from convenience stores or supermarkets, ensure that the SIM is appropriately registered and activated. Staff at official provider shops can assist with this process to ensure compliance with Thai regulations. Here are some more details about regulations concerning Thailand SIM cards.

SIM card registration in Thailand

According to the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), all Thailand SIM cards must be registered in the user’s name. This applies to tourist prepaid SIM cards and those used by locals.

When buying a prepaid SIM card, you must show your passport (photo ID) to register the SIM with your name and passport number. You can do this at service provider stores or authorized retailers that sell SIM cards. Typically, registration includes filling out a form and, in some cases, biometric verification, such as a photograph. There is also a limit of five prepaid SIM cards per operator per person.

To make this process easier and faster, SIM providers will take a photo of your passport and upload it to the NBTC database through a phone app. 

Best SIM card for Bangkok: A provider comparison

Bangkok has three leading providers, each claiming to have the best SIM card for Thailand. These are AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H. 

However, in 2023, dtac and TrueMove merged into one company. They are still operating under these two brand names, but merging into one brand is underway. So, don’t be surprised if you see both logos on a single official retail store. For the time being, we’ll treat them as separate providers.

dtac prepaid SIM card for Bangkok

On the dtac official website, you will find two different options for your new Thailand SIM card. There is Happy Tourist Infinite SIM which includes unlimited internet and calls, and dtac Happy Tourist SIM, which includes the same, but also unlimited chat for different applications, and special rates for international calls. 

dtac Happy Tourist Infinite SIM

dtac Happy Tourist SIM

Dtac Happy Tourist SIM cards include two packages: max data speed, unlimited calls among Dtac numbers in Thailand, special rate for international calls, unlimited chat at max speed for 5 applications, and free 15-bath credit. There is also a Pay-As-You-Go SIM card option. 

True Move H SIM card for Bangkok

You can also get the Thailand Tourist Infinite SIM through True Move H. The prices, validity, and features are the same as dtac.

AIS SIM card for Bangkok

Given that their two biggest competitors merged into one huge network, AIS had to add something extra to their packages to make them more appealing to tourists. Their packages offer unlimited data for the same prices as the dtac and True, but they offer more options and a few more perks. 

Let’s start with the AIS Bangkok SIM card price and then continue with the add-ons available.

AIS offers its users the following perks:

• Free Bangkok travel insurance for up to 30 days
• 100 THB discount for Khao Kheow Open Zoo (The home of Moo Deng)
• Discounts for Central Pattana stores
• Free telecare service with Phythai Hospital
• Special room rates with Onyx rewards
• 10% off from TAHTHAi app
• AIS points for special rewards

eSIM for Bangkok: A better option than physical SIM cards

eSIMs is a great idea for tourists traveling to Bangkok who have eSIM-compatible phones (most of them are). eSIMs are different than SIM cards, so there’s no need to swap out your phone’s SIM card — everything is digital. You pick your data package, scan a QR code sent to your email, and activate your eSIM in minutes.

Yes, you’ll see that Thai mobile carriers also offer eSIM options for Thailand, but these are not exempt from the registration process. You must still provide your passport and possibly some other biometric details to activate that eSIM. A better option is choosing an international eSIM for Thailand. Here’s why Holafly is the best option for your trip:

Holafly eSIM for Bangkok with unlimited data

Holafly eSIM for Bangkok is available online. Since it’s a virtual, international SIM card, it doesn’t have to comply with the Thai obligatory registration rule. This means you don’t have to deal with registering or eSIM card limits. Moreover, with Holafly, you get unlimited data and 500 MB per day to share with others.

Here are some key features of this eSIM card for Bangkok:

• Instant installation with no SIM registration requirements
• Connection through the largest network in Thailand – True5G
• Option for Thailand eSIM with flexible duration option
• Tethering/Hotspot: enjoy 500 MB per day to share with others
• Access to 24/7 customer service in various languages and communication channels
• Your primary phone number still active and available for SMS and calls
• Many different payment options

How to buy and install Holafly eSIM

This is how you can buy and install your Holafly eSIM in a matter of minutes:

1. Check if your phone is unlocked.
2. Check if your phone supports eSIM.
3. Choose your Holafly eSIM for Bangkok, Thailand, or even eSIM for Asia.
4. Purchase your eSIM.
5. Scan a QR code you get in your email.
6. Activate your eSIM upon arrival.

The Verdict: What is the best SIM card for Bangkok?

When comparing the three leading providers — AIS, TrueMove H, and DTAC — you’ll see that they offer almost identical tourist SIM card packages with unlimited data and additional perks. AIS offers travel insurance, discounts, and exclusive rewards. 

However, both TrueMove H and DTAC, now part of a merged entity, offer the largest and the strongest network in the country. Basically, the difference between them is minimal.

Also, with all their SIM and eSIM offers, mandatory SIM card registration is inevitable. It is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially after a long flight. This is where Holafly eSIM comes to the rescue. 

It offers instant activation, no registration requirements, and unlimited data. eSIMs are available for Bangkok, Thailand, and even the entire Asia if you plan on traveling more. With tethering options, 24/7 customer support, and flexible duration plans, Holafly eSIM is the most convenient and efficient solution for staying connected.

Connect faster with Holafly

Use the discount code MYESIMNOW5 for a 5% discount.

Get your Bangkok eSIM now

Plans that may interest you

Bangkok

From

$20.90

USD

Phuket

From

$20.90

USD

Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

Read full bio

Related reading