Best eSIM for Thailand: the THB 499 Eight-Day SIM
On a trip of about a week, buy the eight-day unlimited-data SIM: AIS, True and dtac all sell it at THB 499. You register it with your passport. You can buy an AIS eSIM online before you land, or a SIM at the Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airport shops.
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For a week in Thailand, buy the THB 499 eight-day SIM: AIS, True and dtac all sell it, so take whichever counter you pass first. If you would rather have data the moment you land, buy the AIS eSIM online before you fly; it carries no service fee.
Staying three months or more?
No tourist SIM lasts longer than 60 days. AIS sells that 60-day plan at THB 1,599, and the 30-day plan at THB 1,199. When it runs out, a top-up will not extend it. At True and dtac you re-identify with your passport at a True dtac Shop. At AIS you send your passport number by free SMS to 4444161, or walk into any AIS Shop.
Prices by trip length
| Days | Price | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | THB 399 | AIS |
| 8 | THB 499 | AIS, True, dtac |
| 10 | THB 349 | True, dtac |
| 15 | THB 699 | AIS, True, dtac |
| 30 | THB 1,199 | AIS, True, dtac |
The THB 349 ten-day SIM is cheaper than the eight-day one because it lists data and Wi-Fi but no calls. If you want to phone, pick the THB 499 SIM: it includes unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand.
Register and buy at the airport
Every tourist SIM is registered with your passport, and True and dtac allow a maximum of 3 SIMs per person per brand. At AIS you send the passport number by SMS to 4444161 and follow the reply. Skip that step and your service could be interrupted.
At Suvarnabhumi the AIS points sit on the 2nd floor at the baggage claims. At Don Mueang they are on the 3rd floor of Terminal 2. Dtac has a shop at Suvarnabhumi and at Don Mueang.
Photos (2)
- AIS Official Shop – Suvarnabhumi Airport (International Arrival Hall)
- M_I jc
Not confirmed: Monthly postpaid and long-term plans are not covered here: ask an AIS, True or dtac shop. Coverage on the islands is not covered either, so check the operator's coverage map before an island trip.
Common questions
Which tourist SIM is cheapest in Thailand?
For ten days, True and dtac charge THB 349 including VAT.
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM in Thailand?
True and dtac register the SIM with a valid passport, with a maximum of 3 SIMs per person per brand. AIS asks you to register before use.
How long does a tourist SIM last?
Validity follows the package and does not exceed 60 days, and a top-up does not extend it after expiry.
Can I buy an eSIM before I land?
AIS lets a visitor travelling from abroad buy a local eSIM online and use it immediately, with no service fee.
Where do I buy a SIM at the Bangkok airports?
AIS has points at the Suvarnabhumi baggage claims and at Don Mueang Terminal 2, and dtac has a shop at each airport.
Will the SIM work on my iPhone or Android?
The Infinite SIM works with every phone model.
Read next
Sources and reader comments
Company and press pages (not official sources):
- AIS: SIM & plans for tourist (AIS Lucky Tourist SIM) (opens in a new tab)
- True and dtac: Thailand tourist SIM and eSIM, price cards and FAQ (opens in a new tab)
- AIS: eSIM FAQ (opens in a new tab)
- AIS: where to buy the Lucky Tourist SIM (opens in a new tab)
- dtac: register tourist SIM card (opens in a new tab)
General information checked against the sources listed above, not financial or tax advice for your situation. Rules and fees change; confirm with your bank, the Revenue Department or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
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Comments (8)
Charming_Walk1995
What's the difference between actual Thai sim cards for Thai citizens and Tourist sim cards you see at airports? Any price differences or limitations?
3 replies
DivideAcceptable1233
the local sims are registered to your id card and you get proper postpaid plans. tourist sims are prepaid, no id needed beyond passport, and the data packages are more expensive and expire after short time. like you pay 300 baht for something a local get for 150 that booth in the pic looks like they pushing 5g hard, lots of yellow everywhere. typical ais setup
Past_Grass_
Worse tariffs. I paid 400 for a couple gig at the airport just to get me situated, then my thai friend got me an unlimited sim for 950 baht. If you can wait, go outside of the airport or look at esim deals
paivaluc
Ais and true are great. I personally just don't like dtac because of the poorer coverage
Thailand_1982
For Thailand, buy a sim or esim at the airport or 7/11 and use that here. They have data plans you can use to keep in touch with family back home. For Malaysia, I don't know.
View all 8 comments
Recent-Pool3606
If, by chance, your in Vietnam and going to Thailand .... a Thai SIM is cheaper here in Vietnam, than in Thailand! Use Shopee platform (VN equivalent to Ebay/Amazon). AIS 5G 10 Day plan: 999 GB, 100' talk = 180k VND = 255 Baht = $10 AUD. :)
boataccident
Wait until you’re in the city. One month unlimited with True from a 7-11 for like 350, compared to 1700 at the airport
No-Bodybuilder3502
I went to AIS Store (not buddy) in the city and got myself 100gb of unlimited speed data for 350 baht + 20 baht for SIM card. If you're from rich country, it might be wise to save time and get the more expensive sim at the airport, $5-10 vs 30min-1h of your vacation.