Thailand SIM Card Guide: Best Options for Tourists

Overview

Thailand has excellent mobile coverage and affordable tourist SIM cards. The three main networks — AIS, DTAC, and True Move H — all offer tourist-specific plans with 4G data. 7-Eleven stores sell SIM cards nationwide; airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival.

All SIM cards require passport registration at the point of purchase — this is a Thai government requirement. Keep your passport accessible when buying.

The three networks

AIS (Advanced Info Service)

Thailand’s most extensive 4G network by coverage area. The best choice for:

• Island travel (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta — remote islands where coverage matters)
• Northern mountains (Pai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Ha Giang-equivalent routes)
• National parks and rural areas

AIS tourist plans are available at the airport (counters at both arrival halls at Suvarnabhumi) and at AIS shops in every major shopping mall.

Tourist SIM (8 days): ฿299 — unlimited calls + 30GB data (throttled to 1Mbps after 30GB) Tourist SIM (15 days): ฿399 Tourist SIM (30 days): ฿599

DTAC

Strong coverage in urban areas and major tourist destinations. Generally competitive pricing and sometimes cheaper than AIS for the same data allowance.

30-day tourist SIM: ฿299–499 depending on data allowance

True Move H

The largest subscriber base. Good urban coverage, slightly less consistent in remote areas. Often has promotional deals through 7-Eleven.

Tourist SIM options: ฿299–599 for 15–30 day plans

Where to buy

Airports (most convenient):

• Suvarnabhumi: AIS, DTAC, and True Move H counters at the arrivals level (open 24 hours)
• Don Mueang: Similar counters at arrivals
• Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui airports: counters available but fewer options

7-Eleven — Sells True Move H and DTAC SIMs. Staff can activate the SIM and register your passport. Available 24 hours. The most widely accessible option after airports.

Carrier stores — Full range of plans, staff can advise on the best option. Found in every shopping mall. Takes 15–20 minutes for a new registration.

eSIM options

AIS, DTAC, and True Move H all offer eSIM for compatible devices (iPhone XS and later, many Android flagships). Purchase online before departure and activate on arrival — avoids the airport queue. Check carrier websites for current eSIM tourist plan pricing.

Third-party eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly) also offer Thailand eSIMs with varying plan options — these use one of the main Thai networks as their host.

Data speeds and coverage

In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and major beach destinations: 4G speeds regularly hit 30–80Mbps on all three networks.

On remote islands and in national parks: AIS is more reliable. Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Lanta have 4G coverage on AIS; DTAC and True are variable.

In the mountains (Pai, Mae Hong Son, Ha Giang loop equivalent routes): AIS recommended. Some passes have no coverage on any network.

Practical tips

• Buy at the airport on arrival — the counters are staffed, staff speak English, and you leave with a working SIM
• If your phone is locked to a home network, you’ll need to unlock it first — check with your carrier before leaving
• Keep the SIM packaging — it has your Thai number on it, which you may need for app registrations
• Top-up is available at any 7-Eleven — tell staff you need to “top up” (dtim ngern) and give them your number
• If you’re staying for multiple trips per year, keeping a Thai SIM active with periodic top-ups avoids re-registration