Answered7 days ago
Can tourists buy regular SIM cards in Thailand and register them with a passport?
THIM and TDAC notice
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Getting a physical simcard in Thailand
If you come as a Tourist, can you still be able to purchase DTAC/TH-AIS normal simcard at nation True Shops/7-Eleven then register with your passport? Or you are only be allowed to purchase Tourist-simcard with max validity no more than 60 days?
My phone does not support eSim.
If you come as a Tourist, can you still be able to purchase DTAC/TH-AIS normal simcard at nation True Shops/7-Eleven then register with your passport? Or you are only be allowed to purchase Tourist-simcard with max validity no more than 60 days?
My phone does not support eSim.
Answer summary
Yes, tourists can purchase regular physical SIM cards from providers like DTAC, AIS, and True in Thailand without being restricted to a tourist SIM package. These can be bought at various locations such as 7-Eleven stores or directly from service provider shops at airports and malls. Registration is required, and you will need to present your passport. Regular SIMs are often more economical and can offer no maximum validity period as long as you continue to top up. There are also prepaid packages available that provide flexibility in usage.
39 repliesnewest first
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Raymond *********
esim.me
Raymond *********
I believe you can add a special SIM card that converts your phone to esim
Terry ********
I just purchased an e-sim before I arrived and it worked perfectly
MaxiM******
I usually book online via Klook and pick up at the airport. Much better deal than any other places
Lars-Göran ************
Any phone shop will sell you a "real" prepaid sim. Most
****
unfortunately only have the overpriced "Tourist sims" now... They are quite OK for those staying a week or two.
Rosie *******
I when to the mall. True store quick and easy process. Cheapest option
Elías ********
You can, at the telco offices at any major shipping centre. Don't forget to bring your passport.
RelaxedHa*********
I chose ais felt they were more reliable when it came to connection
RelaxedHa*********
I chose ais felt they were more reliable when it came to connection
MysticalAs***********
Can get a year plan with physical Sim at an AIS store at any mall with your passport
Dan *********
You can go to AIS in store in the mall and buy 3, 6 and yearly packages with a physical sim that gives you a set amount of data every month (Itypically 50gb plans) and pay once and good for the whole time in country.
Mike *******
I bought a True-Move SIM last year (a hybrid pre-paid, monthly renewable plan, which I can cancel any time). It was a tedious process at the True-Move shop (about an hour), but it’s doable.
Paddy *****
Every time you add value it adds validity time. So adding many small amounts is better than one large one.
Paddy *****
Go to service provider in the mall to register your sim and passport.
Paddy *****
Every time you add value it adds validity time. So adding many small amounts is better than one large one.
Mike *******
I bought a True-Move SIM last year (a hybrid pre-paid, monthly renewable plan, which I can cancel any time). It was a tedious process at the True-Move shop (about an hour), but it’s doable.
Jean ************
Mike Innes the process can be much faster, but I know that everything is possible!
Ruud ****************
Yes
Christian ********
You can order one from klook in the net and pick it up at the airport.
Bern ******
Brought a True prepaid sim card because I carry a phone just for travel. Was able to get more time at the true store at the True store .
Jay ****
Been using the same tourist prepaid sim card for 6yrs. Ais is the best service all over Thailand.
Billy ************
AIS store at airport or city centre.
Nigel **********
If your arriving at any Thai airport there are booths from AIS and True. That’s the best option.
Валерій *********
Nigel Saunders In the 7-Eleven store, they don't want to sell anything to tourists other than a tourist SIM. In the operator's stores too. I bought it in the Top store AIS sim card for 50 baht, registered. There was an initial plan for 7 days. Then on the AIS operator website, you can choose additional services that you want. I topped up my phone through the AIS mobile application
Lars-Göran ************
Nigel Saunders Grossly overpriced, but easy.
Thaimer ******
Nigel Saunders no, it’s not. They’re much more expensive than sims you’ll in DTAC, Ais or true store in any mall
Marianne ********
@Thaimer *****
If you need internet instantly, get the smallest package possible just to get online. The packages for topping up are the same, just the initial purchase-sum will be different at the airports. But it's not gonna break the bank if you need to get online when you land.
Kate *******
Nigel Saunders they’re a chunk more expensive!
Nigel **********
@Kate ******
price over convenience. You get a Sim straight away. 🤷♂️Marianne ********
There's no max validity, afaik.
It's just a pre-pay package which you can choose to top up until the end of time.
It's just a pre-pay package which you can choose to top up until the end of time.
Dave **********
Just buy a SIM card at almost any
****
the staff there are able to activate, get one that you can add more time to it ( easily done )
Ivan *********
Dave Ferguson I used my Local
****
in Nakhon Ratchasami to get a ****
sim put in my own phone. I took about 10 minutes /We bought some ****
goods ( As usual the ****
were Excellent)
Tautvydas **************
You can get a physical sim or an e sim in any of those shops you listed. I got mine this week.
AIS everything unlimited 1200bht/month
AIS everything unlimited 1200bht/month
Russ **********
@Tautvydas *************
got our AIS labelled5Gsim, but opted the 999thb UNLIMITED 4G choice.. that was over three years ago and the same is working well to this day... We come back twice a year a month each time. All we do is ensure to always leave enough credit topped-up to cover the minimum 20thb per month. 4G so much more reliable countrywide...
Thomas ************
@Tautvydas *************
AIS 12 months THB 1550 80GB/month full speed 5G
TOURI******
@Tautvydas *************
for 1 month?Tautvydas **************
Per month. You can cancel whenever you want and there is different cheaper plans also
Thaimer ******
Yes, you can buy physical sim and it doesn’t need to be tourist package. It will be cheaper than Esim
MaxiManner1
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