Mobile in Thailand
Staying connected in Thailand makes your trip smoother, safer and a lot more enjoyable. From ordering food to navigating Bangkok’s tiny sois, from booking rides to checking ferry schedules, having mobile data is something you will use every single day. Public WiFi is available in some places but it is not reliable enough for travellers and often requires registration. A local SIM card is simply the easiest way to move around the country without stress.
Why you should get a SIM card immediately
The moment you land in Thailand you will notice that almost everything works through your phone. You need internet for ride hailing apps like Grab and Bolt, maps to find your hotel, translation tools to communicate, mobile payments in shops and even simple things like checking opening times of restaurants or scanning QR menus. A SIM card saves you time and avoids the frustration of always searching for WiFi.
Getting one at the airport is the most convenient option because it takes less than five minutes and the staff will set it up for you. No need to find a shop in the city, no need to deal with language barriers and no need to worry about not having connection during your first few hours in the country.
Which provider to choose
Thailand has three big mobile providers: AIS, True and DTAC. All work well, but AIS offers the strongest and most stable coverage, especially if you plan to travel outside Bangkok to islands or the north. This is why we recommend sticking with AIS for your trip.
Even in remote areas like Koh Phangan, Chiang Rai or small beach towns in the south, AIS usually has the fastest signal. For travellers who move around a lot it is the most reliable choice.
What to buy at the airport
When you arrive you will see “Tourist SIM” counters in the arrival hall. They offer different packages, usually a 3-day, 7-day or 15-day tourist SIM. The staff will insert the SIM, activate it and make sure everything works before you walk away.
Many travellers buy the 7-day SIM because it seems easier but here is the secret most people do not know:
Start with the cheapest 3-day Tourist SIM.
Why? Because once the SIM is activated you can use the AIS App to top up and buy new data packages directly — and they are much cheaper inside the app than at the airport.
The 7-day tourist SIM at the airport is usually overpriced. Inside the AIS App you can choose flexible plans, adjust your data and pay local rates instead of tourist rates.
How to use the AIS App
Once your SIM is active, download the AIS App from the App Store or Google Play. It will automatically detect your number.
Inside the app you can:
top up credit
buy local data packages
check your remaining balance
extend your plan anytime
get cheaper rates than tourist counters
You can pay using your credit card or buy physical top up cards in any 7-Eleven.
What do you need to buy a SIM
You must show your passport. Thailand requires passport registration for every SIM card purchase. Without it, shops are not allowed to activate the SIM for you.
At the airport this process is done within seconds. In the city it takes a bit longer, which is why buying at the airport is more convenient.
Where you can use your SIM across Thailand
Your SIM card will work everywhere in the country. Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Pai, Koh Phangan, tiny islands, villages, mountains and even on long bus rides across the country. Coverage is surprisingly strong in places where you would not expect it, especially with AIS.
How much does it cost
Prices change but to give you an idea:
3-day tourist SIM at the airport: around 149–199 THB
Local data packages inside the AIS App: much cheaper, starting around 50–150 THB for several days of data
You can customise everything based on your travel style.
Why a SIM makes your trip easier
With a SIM you can:
navigate cities with Google Maps
book rides instantly
check ferry and bus schedules
use translation tools
stay connected with friends and family
get restaurant recommendations
receive hotel confirmations
pay by QR code in many places
In short: it saves you time and reduces stress.
Final tip
Activate the SIM at the airport, download the AIS App and switch to local packages once the first three days are over. It is the smartest and most budget friendly way to stay connected while travelling in Thailand.
