There is hardly anything easier than getting a SIM card in Thailand - but finding the right data package for it can be a challenge. Almost everywhere there are shops and stands for telephony & Internet, where friendly employees carry out the activation process for you.
What you should think about before buying
You should already have it before departure uncheck "use mobile data", or even remove the SIM card from the phone. Your phone's attempt to update any data or apps after landing could bring tears to the face of the bill later. The prerequisite for using a Thai SIM card is that your device is not blocked for a network provider, ie no Simlock consists.
Then the fundamental question arises, if you actually really mobile Internet need, because resorts, restaurants and cafes have Wi-Fi, the customer free to be able to use. Often, however, there are problems with the signal range or the speed. It all depends on what you want to do.
The next question is: What do you need? There are felt hundreds various Packages with terms of one day to one year, with super fast or agonizingly slow Internet, with free use of apps or free data volume for YouTube. It is guaranteed for every user behavior something with it.
The offers for tourists
The three largest network provider Thailand's DTAC, AIS and True Move. All offer good network coverage, AIS However, currently has the largest coverage in the 4G Area. All three tourist packages have been put together, which basically do not differ from each other.
At DTAC, the package is called "Happy tourist"At AIS and True Move"Tourist SIM"And these two variants are the most popular:
- Valid for 8 days to 299 baht - unlimited internet, 3 GB maximum speed and 100 baht phone credit
- Valid for 15 days to 599 baht - unlimited internet, 6 GB maximum speed and 100 baht phone credit
These are good offers, but it's worth it always for alternatives zu askbecause the providers are constantly laying new special offers on. So it may be cheaper to buy just a SIM card and then load a special package on it. We also find the 100 baht phone credit useful, You can call your hotel, you might get the phone number of a taxi driver or another service provider, you have to call the airport or a tour company - and you're excited about it.
Where to buy your SIM card
No matter where you want to buy your SIM card, you need to have your passport with you. For some years now, prepaid SIM cards have had to be registered. The clerk will just copy your passport, that's it. If you don't care about a few euros up or down, you urgently need to go online or don't have time, then buy your SIM card directly at the airport. The corresponding stands cannot be overlooked. Don’t be lured with “free” SIM cards – nothing is free, and certainly not in tourist destinations.
In the 7/11 Branches are sold only True Move SIM cards and packages, since the two companies belong to the same holding company. In addition, many cheaper deals simply do not get hung up and the staff often just does not speak English enough to give you advice.
You are best advised when you are in a "Phone Shop"Go. My personal favorite is the AIS shop At the end of Walking Street in Thongsala, you are especially friendly and helpful in the "Friendly Shop"At Thantip Market, where all three vendors are represented. In such shops, or at specialized stalls in the Malls of the supermarkets you will find the largest selection of packages and the best advice in comparison. Anyone who stays longer in Thailand will be pleased to discover that the Prices for longer-term packages fall clearly, For example, two weeks prior to the release of this article, AIS had an unlimited Internet for one year to 150 baht per month as a "limited promotion." That was really cheap!
Hot! - Make your own hotspot
Mobile W-Lan routers are a great alternative if you are traveling with a tablet or laptop, or your phone has a SIM lock or you are using an iPhone.
high flyer
The Netgear Nighthawk M1 creates an 4G LTE hotspot and therefore comes up to 1 Gbit / s download speed. The router requires a micro-SIM and can provide access to the internet up to 20 devices. The battery life is about 23 hours.
Preishammer
The D-Link DWR-932 makes a 4G LTE hotspot and allows up to 150 Mbit / s download. The device requires a mini-SIM and is easy and efficient to use. If you fit the Micro SD card slot, the router can be used as a small server. The battery life is about five hours.
Do you really have to be online while on vacation? Write us your opinion in the comments.
