Best SIM Card Thailand for Tourists

So, you’re heading to the land of smiles and need a Thai SIM Card. In this article I’ll share my years of experience traveling to Thailand, and which are the best SIM cards you can get as a tourist, or if you’re moving to Thailand for a short stint.

Most people are going to want to purchase a SIM card directly from the airport for convenience. However, if you have more time, or are staying longer in Thailand – I highly recommend that you don’t do this. It’s ridiculously priced, and the package you get is much less than what you would from any other shop.

Here is a table of the best SIM card in Thailand, if purchased from the airport:

ProviderPlanPriceDataCallsValidityCoverage
AISTraveller SIMFrom 299 THB (approx. $14 USD)15GB high-speed, then unlimited at reduced speeds100 minutes domestic8 to 30 daysCity, town, village, rural, mountains
DTACTravel SIMFrom 449 THB (approx. $12-13 USD)Unlimited high-speed, then unlimited at reduced speeds100 minutes domestic8 to 30 daysCity, town
TrueMoveHappy Tourist SIMFrom 449 THB (approx. $12-13 USD)15GB high-speed, then unlimited at reduced speedsUnlimited domestic8 to 30 daysCity, town, village

Here is a quick table for the best SIM card in Thailand, if you do not purchase from the airport:

ProviderPlanPriceDataCallsValidityCoverage
AISMonthly Prepaid SIM~300 THBUnlimited data (4 Mbps speed cap)Pay-as-you-go rates30 daysCity, town, village, rural, mountains
DTACMonthly Prepaid SIM~299 THB15GB high-speed, then unlimitedOptional call packages30 daysCity, town
TrueMove4G/5G Prepaid SIM~299 THB30GB high-speed, then unlimitedPay-as-you-go rates30 daysCity, town, village

The airport and other shops will try to sell you a tourist SIM card package. We recommend that you don’t get the tourist SIM card in Thailand, because it is more expensive, and you get less. If you’re staying longer than 2 weeks, getting a SIM card when you leave the airport is much more cost-efficient. However, if you want convenience, it is much easier to purchase from the airport directly.

Generally, it is best to get the TrueMove SIM card outside of the airport for convenience and cost. You can get this from any 7-11, and top-up again at any 7-11. The coverage is great for cities, towns, villages and in some rural areas. However, if you are going off-beaten path or to mountainous regions, AIS’s coverage is far better.

DTAC is considered the worst network in Thailand, and we would avoid it if you can. It’s great for city or town breaks, and is generally cheaper than the other two.

Why You Should Avoid Airport SIM Cards

If you want convenience it’s great to get an airport SIM card – you’re connected out of the door, and don’t have to worry about anything. However, the prices are pretty ridiculous, and at that rate, you might as well get an E-Sim for Thailand, so you don’t have to deal with getting a SIM from the airport at all.

For instance, you pay 469 baht for an 8-day package, when you could be spending 300 baht for a 30-day, unlimited package, and pocket the extra 169 baht for a meal somewhere. For the same 30-day package from the airport, you have to pay a minimum of 1199 baht. That’s a shocking 3x mark-up just for the convenience of getting it from the airport.

Here’s a quick table comparing the shop bought and tourist packages:

CategoryTourist SIM (Airport)Shop-Bought SIM
Price Range499–799 THB299–599 THB
Data AllowanceUnlimited high-speed data (7–15 days)Unlimited high-speed data (30-days)
Call MinutesOften includes 30–100 minutes of local callsPay-as-you-go or add-on packages available
Validity7–15 days (short-term focus)30 days or more (long-term options available)
Network ProvidersAIS, True, DTACAIS, True, DTAC
Where to BuyAirport kiosks (e.g., arrivals hall)7-Eleven, Family Mart, official provider shops, malls
ActivationStaff at the airport activate the SIM for youStaff in shops can assist, or follow instructions in English on packaging
ConvenienceQuick and easy at the airport upon arrivalRequires a trip to a store, but widely available in cities and towns
Cost EfficiencyHigher prices but includes convenience for touristsBetter value for data and long-term use

1. AIS – Best Overall SIM Card in Thailand

AIS is widely regarded as the top choice for travelers in Thailand. It offers the fastest speeds and most reliable coverage, particularly for those venturing into remote and rural areas.

  • Coverage: Extensive, with little to no drop-offs, even in rural regions. AIS is ideal for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
  • Speeds: Consistently fast, with excellent performance in urban and suburban areas.
  • Availability: AIS SIM cards are available at airport kiosks and designated phone shops in most shopping malls across Thailand. While it may take more effort to find compared to TrueMove, AIS is worth it for its superior service.
    Pro Tip: Visit an AIS shop to have your SIM activated by a staff member.

2. True – Strong Competitor for City Travelers

True provides high-speed data and competitive coverage in urban and suburban areas. While it lags slightly behind AIS in rural regions, it’s still a great choice for most travelers.

  • Coverage: Reliable in cities and towns. Connection may drop in remote mountain areas or deep countryside.
  • Speeds: Comparable to AIS in cities but slightly slower in rural zones.
  • Availability: The most convenient option, as True SIM cards are sold at nearly every 7-Eleven in Thailand. With 7-Eleven stores on nearly every street corner, buying and activating a True SIM is quick and easy.
    Pro Tip: For convenience, True is your best bet if you’re staying in urban areas or passing through small towns.

3. DTAC – Budget-Friendly but Limited

DTAC is the cheapest option for travelers but comes with trade-offs in speed and coverage. It’s best for those staying within cities and not planning to explore rural or remote areas.

  • Coverage: Less extensive than AIS and True, particularly in remote or mountainous regions.
  • Speeds: Limited to 4G, with slower speeds compared to competitors.
  • Availability: DTAC SIM cards are available at phone shops and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, but their “Happy Tourist” package is not recommended due to subpar performance.
    Pro Tip: Avoid DTAC if you plan to visit islands, countryside, or areas outside major cities.

Guide To Getting A SIM Card Outside of The Airport (Best Option)

You’ll find SIM cards outside of the airport widely available at:

  • 7-Eleven: Thailand’s most popular convenience store offers a variety of SIM cards from providers like AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC.
  • Family Mart: Another great option for SIM cards, often with similar choices to 7-Eleven.
  • Mobile Network Shops: Official provider stores like AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC have branches in malls and city centers.
  • Electronic Stores: Large malls like MBK in Bangkok often have tech stalls selling SIM cards and accessories.

The most convenient option is to go to 7/11, and as for a 300 baht, 30-day, unlimited plan. Alternatively, if you want higher speeds, and better coverage, go to a mall, find a phone shop and purchase a blank SIM with no plan for 59 baht (AIS SIM). Then after, using the app, pick a plan and pay with a credit or debit card.

These are the cheapest and best options, especially if you are staying in Thailand for over a month.

AIS is best for speed and coverage, while True is only slightly worse for coverage, but more convenient as you can purchase and top up from any 7/11 in Thailand (there are a lot of 7/11s).

To purchase a SIM card in Thailand you will need:

  • Passport
  • Cash

If you are purchasing outside of the airport, the store clerk will need to input your passport details into the system and take a photo of you. Once they have done this, the SIM plan can be paid for, and then activated.

Usually, the store clerk will help you activate the SIM card, but if not, it is as simple as putting the SIM card in your phone and waiting for it to receive a connection. If it does not receive a connection, simply go back into the store and ask politely for help.

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