Thailand SIM card

pjbltd

Hi,

I am travelling to Thailand for 15 days next week and wanted some advice on buying a SIM card while I am there.

Any advice is much apprecited.

Thanks,
pjbltd

NiftyDigits

As you leave Customs and Excise:







SIM card usually around 49 to 69 baht. They'll try to suggest a sizable topup of 300 baht or push you towards a Tourist SIM of the same price. No need. You can top up the basic SIM at most 'convenience' shops with 50 baht upwards and choose the pack best suited to your usage pattern.

eDicky

If the airport stands are crowded with people queuing you can get a prepaid SIM in any 7-eleven convenience shop or elsewhere in town (usually Bt50 including Bt15 call credit), although if you want to set up a data package you may need the help of a phone shop or one of the network shop in most shopping malls as info in English is otherwise scarce.

NiftyDigits

Actually, there is a lot of information in English. Almost too much.

Example: Happy(DTAC) Prepaid options

If you don't need a large amount of super fast Internet, I recommend these options for relatively good value.
Prices quoted are exclusive of VAT. So add 7% to determine the amount that you should top up.

Super Net - Weekly: 7-day 79 baht

Able to use maximum speed at 512 Kbps. Usage greater than limited volume will be subject to speeds of no greater than 64 Kbps
1.2 GB
Valid until 31/08/2015
Activation shortcut *104*857*9# dial

79 baht + 7% VAT = 84.53 baht

So top up at least 85 baht for this package. Around £1.55.

The other networks have similar packages and there are no issues with tethering.

If you do need a mass of full speed Internet, then TRUE H and DTAC(Happy) have 12GB for 854 baht incl(£15.50. But i doubt you'll need that much if you intend to be out and about. Lots of packages in between.

It's worth noting that there are often staff handing these SIM cards out when you disembark. So you might not even have to buy a SIM.
They don't do level playing field in Thailand. Foreign companies often compete against 'influential people'.
So only TRUE H get to hand out their SIMs airside.

budgetflyer

So cheap compared to uk !

Doshwaster

As you come out of the terminal there are a row of booths next to each other from the main networks selling SIM cards. All of the deals are similar so I'd go for the one with the shortest queue.

You might save a bit of money by getting from a 7/11 but the staff on the booths will set your phone up for you and make sure it is working.

pjbltd

Thanks for all the replies. I will need data for Whatsapp and Line and Google Maps. Any advice for SIM cards for tourists with 4G?

Doshwaster

pjbltd wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I will need data for Whatsapp and Line and Google Maps. Any advice for SIM cards for tourists with 4G?

I've never used 4G in Thailand so I wouldn't know but I'd doubt that there is much network coverage outside of Bangkok.

I wouldn't worry about data too much. Almost everywhere you go will have free wifi. I mainly get a cheap SIM just in case I need to call a hotel.

pjbltd

I do want 3G at least. I mainly use data rather than calls or texts.

NiftyDigits

pjbltd wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I will need data for Whatsapp and Line and Google Maps. Any advice for SIM cards for tourists with 4G?

Only DTAC(Happy is their Prepaid brand) and True H have 4G. You won't need it anyway, for the stated usage.
There is 4G in major cities, not just Bangkok.
There are a plethora of packages within my link. The airport staff will likely lead you to a 299 baht Tourist SIM unless you already know the package that you want.

NiftyDigits

Doshwaster wrote: »

As you come out of the terminal there are a row of booths next to each other from the main networks selling SIM cards. All of the deals are similar so I'd go for the one with the shortest queue.

You might save a bit of money by getting from a 7/11 but the staff on the booths will set your phone up for you and make sure it is working.

Did you miss post #2?

In any case, it's not a great description, as the concessions are inside the terminal.

Another thing to consider is that the country is in a bit of a shambles when it comes to telecommunications...so 4G is on the 2100MHz band at the moment. So if your phone can only utilise 4G on the 2600MHz band, as in the UK, no 4G for you in Thailand.
UK is on Band 7. Thailand on Band 1. So you can check if your phone can utilise 4G in Thailand.
At least they have got around to putting 3G on the 2100 band, so all UK phones will receive 3G there.
Until recently TRUE H and DTAC were on 850MHz and AIS on 900Mhz.

If the OP can receive 4G in Thailand, here are some options with TRUE H.

If only 3G, you can choose from the other options from within the link. The 4G options will still offer you 3G on a 3G only phone.