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Best SIM card for Bangkok: Comparison guide
Traveling to Bangkok is great, and having a Bangkok SIM card can make it even better. Compare tourist offers from Holafly, DTAC, True Move H, and AIS.
November 1, 2023
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Bangkok is one of the most beautiful cities someone could plan to visit. There are many things to do there, but being a tourist, you should not neglect communicating. Today, we will discuss something important the SIM Card Bangkok; it will help people, especially travelers, who want to stay connected without any issues. So, in case you want to go ahead and try one, we have information about plans, prices, and providers!
Unlimited data eSIM for Bangkok
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What is the Best SIM Card for Tourists Visiting Bangkok?
When choosing the best option, we must consider the amount of data, connection speed, coverage, price, and accessibility for tourists. The best prepaid SIM card for Bangkok combines these virtues in a single offer. Holafly is an online store that offers virtual SIM cards for this destination with all these points in favor.
On the other hand, Thailand SIM cards host various networks offering various services. Some of these are available in the more popular areas of Bangkok. Here, the best local prepaid SIM cards are from AIS, DTAC, and True Move. These would make a good choice for tourists.
As far as we can see, the options we have to buy tourist SIM cards are:
- Online stores offering international SIM card with service in Bangkok
- Local operators selling data packages on tourist SIM card
Holafly embedded SIM for Bangkok with unlimited data
This alternative is focused on tourists with compatible phones interested in traveling to Bangkok. Unlike physical SIM cards, these eSIMs do not need to change the chip in your phone SIM card slot to work. You only need to scan a QR code that you receive in your email after purchasing the data package for your destination.
Whenever you can use them, a virtual SIM card is a better option than a physical SIM card. They are the natural evolution in communication and offer you advantages such as:
- eSIMs are easy to activate through a QR code without SIM registration.
- This digital SIM card offers 4G LTE coverage with True Move network support.
- You only need a compatible phone and internet connection for purchase and installation.
- You can buy unlimited data packages for multiple destinations with the eSIM to travel southeast Asia, including Bangkok.
- Tethering / Hotspot: enjoy 500 MB per day to share with others.
- People would have access to 24/7 customer service in various languages and communication channels.
Now, the only thing we have to mention, and that people have to remember, is that eSIMs won’t give new phone numbers to people. So, if you don’t get one, don’t be surprised. And remember to choose the Bangkok eSIM and visit this beautiful place! or other packages for nearby destinations, such as virtual SIM cards to use in UAE.
How much does a Holafly eSIM card for Bangkok cost?
Currently, Holafly’s official store has eight data plans for Bangkok; all offers include the benefit of unlimited browsing and different days of use.
| Days of Use | Unlimited data | Price (USD) |
| 5 | Yes | $19 |
| 7 | Yes | $27 |
| 10 | Yes | $34 |
| 15 | Yes | $47 |
| 20 | Yes | $54 |
| 30 | Yes | $64 |
| 60 | Yes | $84 |
| 90 | Yes | $99 |
Prepaid SIM card Bangkok from local phone companies
Within the city, several local operators have good coverage and interesting data plans. However, as visitors, we only have access to prepaid SIMs. Consider also that you may have to go through the SIM card registration process, have local currency to purchase, and locate official carrier stores in the city. We will focus on this type of plan that each operator offers.
DTAC Thai SIM card for Bangkok
DTAC has the largest telephone network in the country, so their Thailand tourist sim cards have several offers. As these packages are focused on tourists, they are one-time purchases, and you will not be able to renew them. If you need more days, you must buy another DTAC SIM card. They also offer benefits such as:
- Gives access to 4G and 5G connections.
- Allows data sharing
- You can make calls to local numbers
- Works well on an unlocked phone.
We can tell that the DTAC network is a good option for people who want to use a SIM card in Thailand. Still, compared to the Holafly virtual SIM card, we can tell which one is superior due to everything it offers to people.
DTAC Happy Tourist SIM price
The visitor packages are called Happy Tourist SIM cards and currently have three options available; these include unlimited data but are subject to speed limitations based on network availability and usage.
- DTAC Happy Infinite SIM for 8 days at 449 Baht (Approximately $12.5)
- DTAC Happy Infinite SIM for 15 days at 699 Baht (Approximately $19.5)
- DTAC Happy Infinite SIM for 30 days at 1199 Baht (Approximately $33.5)
True Move H SIM card for Bangkok
True Move H is DTAC’s primary competitor in the country to the point of offering very similar coverage, service, and support. Within Bangkok, there are several official carrier stores, including some inside international airports like Bangkok International Airport and Phuket International Airport. Their packages include benefits such as
- Wi-Fi hotspots are available with your device.
- Works with 4G and 5G connections.
- Packages include 10 GB free to use TikTok
- You can call local numbers
You can also buy prepaid packages inside phone shops and convenience stores like 7-Eleven. This operator supports Holafly virtual SIM cards for Bangkok, so when you buy one, it is as if you have a local SIM card in Thailand.
True Move H Thailand Tourist SIM price
The company also sells SIM cards for visitors called Thailand Tourist Infinite SIM with prices and benefits similar to those of DTAC.
- True Move H Tourist Infinite SIM for 8 days at 449 Baht (Approximately $12.5)
- True Move H Tourist Infinite SIM for 15 days at 699 Baht (Approximately $19.5)
- True Move H Tourist Infinite SIM for 30 days at 1199 Baht (Approximately $33.5)
AIS SIM card for Bangkok
The last operator in the country with its network is AIS Thailand. By buying a SIM card with them, you can connect to 5G networks in most cities. You can find AIS store inside convenience store or international airports like Chiang Rai International Airport and Bangkok Airport. The offers and prices are the same as in the official carrier store. In either case, you will have benefits such as:
- Free social media apps like, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp
- Works with 4G and 5G connections.
- You can recharge through MyAIS App
- Includes local phone number
Unlike Holafly, AIS tourist SIMs do not include unlimited data, only a portion of the data is at max speed.
AIS Thailand Tourist SIM price
Maintaining the same format as the other major providers, there are three tourist packages among the AIS SIM cards. The prices and plans are:
- AIS Tourist SIM with 15 GB for 8 days at 299 Baht (Approximately $8.5)
- AIS Tourist SIM with 30 GB for 15 days at 599 Baht (Approximately $16.5)
- AIS Tourist SIM with 50 GB for 30 days at 899 Baht (Approximately $25.0)
Where to buy prepaid SIM cards inside Bangkok International Airport
When we are tourists visiting Thailand through its capital, it is expected that the first place we meet is the city’s international airport. The good news is that within the premises, we find branches of the three major local network providers. The locations for each are:
DTAC branches inside the Airport
Official store
- Branch 1: International Arrival Terminal, Exit Gate 7
- Branch 2: International Arrival Terminal, Exit Gate 9
- Branch 3: International Arrival Hall, Baggage Claim No. 19
- Branch 4: International Arrival Hall, Baggage Claim No. 10
Partner store
- Branch 1: International Arrival Hall, Baggage Claim No. 18
- Branch 2: International Arrival Hall, Baggage Claim No. 16
- Branch 3: International Arrival Hall, Baggage Claim No. 8
True Move H branches inside the Airport
- Booth at VISA On Arrival
- International Arrivals Hall: Baggage Claim No.8, baggage Claim No.11-12, baggage Claim No.17
- International Arrivals Terminal 2nd Floor (After Custom Declaration), exit B at Gate 4, Gate 5 (Flagship store), Gate 6, Exit C at Gate 10
- International Departure Terminal 4th Floor, row L- K, and gate 4
AIS branches inside the Airport
- International Arrivals Hall Between gates 6 and 7
Please note that depending on your arrival time, the stores may be closed due to their business hours. You will also have to go through SIM registration and verification that your phone supports local networks. Having your virtual SIM card with Holafly allows you to stay connected from the first moment you arrive at the same speed as a local operator.
SIM Card Registration in Thailand
It’s mandatory in Thailand for people with a passport to register their mobiles. This will happen at all sales points. As mentioned, the phone is not automatically registered after you grab it. According to reports, people can’t sell ‘SIM cards’ without logging in. In addition, there are five prepaid SIM cards available per phone operator in Thailand. The restriction applies to Thai nationals and non-residents, including migrant workers and tourists.
This makes the purchase process a bit slower when using a local operator. In this sense, Holafly is a lifesaver for travelers who want a faster solution. From their website, you can purchase and install your unlimited data package in just minutes. All you need is a compatible phone and a temporary WiFi connection.
Recommendations on the best SIM card for Bangkok
As you have noticed, there are a lot of options, both local and international, to stay connected during our trip. These recommendations are general, so you can apply them to any provider you use.
- Try to buy your Thailand SIM card online before you get to Bangkok. This can help you save money.
- Choose an option that allows you to use your Apps without limitations, like Google Maps.
- You have to confirm that your phone is unlocked to use local networks.
- You can purchase and install your service before you arrive, but you must turn on the data only when you are at your destination.
- Read about which SIM cards work better on the device you own.
Now that we have mentioned so many things, we hope you can get a SIM card and use it without any issues! However, now you can rely on Holafly eSIM for Bangkok cards, as they are the best option for travelers who want to visit Bangkok! And, if you plan to jump to a close country, a Singapore eSIM tourist might help you, too!
Frequent questions about the best SIM card for Bangkok
There are many options, and the best one will always depend on the type of user you are. If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, the best option for travelers is Holafly because of the benefits included and the ease of purchase. Otherwise, you can use local SIM cards aimed at tourists, which do not require a contract to purchase.
You have two main ways: use online stores like Holafly and buy a data package before you arrive, or use a physical store of DTAC, True Move H, or AIS, the local operators with branches in the city. You will find stores at airports, convenience stores, supermarkets, and more.
If you have any issues, they will most likely be resolved by the provider of your SIM card. Make sure there are available channels to contact your provider.
Buying a SIM card in Bangkok Airport BKK upon arrival is considered one of the oldest ways to get a SIM card in Thailand. Several Thai packages from mobile operators are similar in both data volumes and validity. Just consider the store’s working hours and the requirements to purchase one so that you are not taken by surprise.
