How to Get Internet & SIM Cards

Staying connected while traveling is essential, and luckily, Thailand has a variety of options to keep you online. Whether you're looking to share your vacation photos or need access to maps and travel apps, here's what you need to know about getting internet access and SIM cards in Thailand.

1. Buying a SIM Card

The easiest way to get online in Thailand is to buy a local SIM card. They’re cheap, widely available, and work well for tourists.

• Where to Buy:

  • Airports: You can purchase SIM cards as soon as you arrive at Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) or Don Mueang (Bangkok) airports, as well as at major international airports in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. There are kiosks inside the arrivals area where you can choose your plan.

  • Mobile Shops: You'll find SIM cards in convenience stores like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, as well as in dedicated mobile network stores for AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove in shopping malls and busy areas like Sukhumvit in Bangkok.

  • Online: Some telecom companies allow you to pre-order SIM cards online and pick them up at the airport or have them delivered to your hotel.

• Documents Needed:
  You’ll need to provide your passport when purchasing a SIM card, as Thai regulations require this for registration purposes.

• Best Providers:
  Thailand’s major telecom companies offer good coverage and affordable plans:

  • AIS: Known for the best coverage across the country, particularly in rural areas.

  • TrueMove: Offers competitive pricing and good coverage in both cities and rural regions.

  • DTAC: Another great option for budget-friendly plans, with strong coverage in cities and tourist hotspots.

2. Choosing a Plan

SIM card plans are available in prepaid options, and most providers offer packages tailored to tourists. They usually include data, local calls, and international minutes.

• Data Plans:

  • 1GB to 5GB plans for a few days up to a week.

  • 10GB to 30GB plans for long-term stays (1-3 weeks or more).

  For tourists, data-only plans are also common, allowing you to avoid calls and texts if you’re just interested in internet access.

• Prices:
  SIM cards typically cost around 100–300 THB (about $3–$10 USD) for the initial card and basic plan. Additional data or minutes can be purchased as needed, and the cost is very reasonable compared to international roaming rates.

• Top-up & Refill:
  If you run out of data or minutes, you can easily top-up your SIM at convenience stores, mobile shops, or online. Recharge cards and refill options are available for as low as 20 THB.

3. Using Free Wi-Fi

Thailand has an abundance of free Wi-Fi in public places, including cafes, shopping malls, restaurants, and some public parks. Many hotels also offer free Wi-Fi to guests. Here’s how to use it:

• Hotel Wi-Fi: Most accommodations will provide Wi-Fi access in your room or in common areas. Check the Wi-Fi password at check-in.

• Cafes & Restaurants: Look out for the “Wi-Fi” sign in cafes and restaurants. You’ll usually need to ask for the password.

• Public Wi-Fi: Some cities offer free Wi-Fi in public areas like Bangkok's Sukhumvit district or Khao San Road, but be cautious when using these networks as they may not be secure.

4. Mobile Hotspot

If you have multiple devices or prefer not to rely on public Wi-Fi, you can also rent or buy a mobile hotspot. These portable devices allow you to share your mobile data with other devices such as your laptop or tablet.

• Where to Rent:

  • Mobile hotspot rentals are available at airports and in major cities. You can rent them for a day, a week, or longer, depending on your needs.

  • Some companies, like Wi-Ho, offer rental hotspots that can be picked up at the airport or delivered to your hotel.

5. Internet Cafes

While internet cafes are becoming less common with the rise of mobile data, they are still found in some areas. If you need a computer for a quick task, you can find them in larger cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

6. Using International Roaming

If you're unable to buy a local SIM card, check with your home provider to see if they offer international roaming in Thailand. However, keep in mind that roaming charges can be expensive, so it's better to get a local SIM for more affordable rates.

Quick Tips:

• Stay within your data limit: Thailand offers affordable data, but check your usage to avoid surprises. Apps like TrueMove’s TrueMoney or AIS’s myAIS let you monitor your data usage in real-time.

• SIM card validity: Most tourist SIM cards are valid for 30 days, but you can extend them by visiting the provider’s store or by buying a new card when your current one expires.

• Use messaging apps: WhatsApp, LINE, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are popular messaging apps in Thailand and will work great over mobile data or Wi-Fi.

If you're planning on staying connected throughout your trip, buying a local SIM card or renting a mobile hotspot is by far the best and most affordable way to go. If you need any more tips or have questions about specific providers, feel free to ask!