thailand
Ask question

How can I get phone service and a driver's license in Thailand with a NON O visa?

NON-O VisaThailand Mobile PlansThailand Internet ServicesDriver's License in ThailandExpat AssistanceAIS Mobile ServicesTrue Mobile ServicesDTAC Mobile ServicesResidency CertificateExpat Living in Thailand
Dec 14, 2024
a month ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I arrived in Thailand on NON O 90 day retirement visa yesterday. Today i went to AIS for phone and wifi service. They told me they don’t offer long term package including locally priced phone plans and wifi, Non O doesn’t qualify. I also need something else — like a Thailand Drivers Licence. Not even planning on getting a vehicle. Is there an easier way? I hv passport + Non O and will have lease shortly. How else can I do this?
7,026
views
10
likes
148
all likes
57
replies
1
images
44
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, who recently arrived in Thailand on a NON-O 90-day retirement visa, is seeking guidance on acquiring mobile and internet services, as well as a driver's license, without significant hassle. Responses from the community suggest that other mobile service providers like DTAC and True might offer better options compared to AIS, which reportedly denied service based on visa type. Additionally, users shared various strategies for obtaining a Thai driver's license, emphasizing the need for a residency certificate and suggesting that it can be accomplished without hiring an agent for those willing to complete the required steps on their own.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Lim ***********
I got a True broadband and a basic cable TV package and a free mobile SIM came with it (Udon Thani Central Plaza) . I pay THB 680+/month. You will need your condo lease and passport.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Dhyana ******
They lied. We have long term contract with them. All you need is your passport and your lease.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Dadderbob **********
Go to
****
no pronlem. AIS sim
a month ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Mark *******
 strange as pay as you go is available to you. I use 6mbps unlimited 360 days. Works well. Think you were looking at postpaid plans which you can't get unless working.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andy ********
Go to a phone Kiosk and get the plan set up there. Nearly always cheaper too for AIS packages
a month ago
Like
Reply
Cathryn *****************
Get a tourist sim from and
****
, I have had the same one for almost 2 year and recharge online when the data runs out. I chose TRUE. Oh remember to take your passport with you.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Asokā **********
You easily take a dtac prepaid card - i hv that since 2008!
a month ago
Like
Reply
Otis ******
@Asokā *********
 dtac was best 10-'18 likely unchanged as Norge owned
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Otis ******
Reply
Frangipani *******
Another option is to buy a tourist SIM and just keep topping it up to keep the same number.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Res *****
Just go to different office.its works)
a month ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
I went to the ais www store and got an esim. Got to upload passport page.
a month ago
Like
Reply
John ********
Maybe things have changed since the 60 day +30 visa excempt came into play . Ais gave me a 90 day 10 mgb deal 1990 baht ... 3 months £45.00 ish . Not too bad eh ?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Darrel *********
try a different true/ais. You might have to wait for a 1-year extension.

Here is what I did. I first went on Lazda got a 1 year pre-plan (usually a really good deal)

the following year I asked true to convert it to a post-pay and supplied them with my non o. I want to say I didn't need a work permit but I cannot remember.
a month ago
Like
Reply
George *************
I got a 90 days package by ais at the airport fir 1900 bath and I also got a Non I visa.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Radost **************************
No problems at all, just get WiFi and sim card, I am getting every month 10 sim cards for customers on my name and I have 3 fiber connectingd on my name too
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kenny ***********
And reload with credit card
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kenny ***********
Dtac at 7-11
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stu *********
Doesn't make any sense they won't sell you a sim card and service. If you leave Thailand the next day they aren't out anything since you already paid. They don't reuse sim cards.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
@Stu ********
 I think the number gets reused after a period of inactivity, I have a number on AIS that is prepaid, I have it on a minimal plan and just top it up as I visit 2-3 times a year, however on Some of the Apps, Lazada, Shopee, someone elses photo pops up, being the previous owner of the number. Can't seem to change it.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob ********
Reply
Simon ********
Doesn't sound right
a month ago
Like
Reply
Tony **********
Just pre pay for 3 months. Then when close to expiration, sign up for a year. I got year's service before I got DL.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
Go with True. That's what I did, had no problem
a month ago
Like
Reply
Ian ********
My ais phone and internet was done 3 months ago with passport only . Ho to anouther shop
a month ago
Like
Reply
J ******************
There are many AIS outlets maybe try another bit like trying to open bank accounts. Outlets in larger shopping malls maybe are better, failing that other providers
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@J *****************
 I tried 2 at different shopping malls, they both said no and I had a driving licence. I gave up and went to the 3BB shop a few metres away and they set it up in a few minutes. It's very strange, I think it might depend if you live in an expat area, as they will deal with foreigners living here more often.
a month ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Stuart **********
 It's just normal, some companies or branches go to the advanced school of how to make things difficult 😂 for ferang. They seem to be full of their own self importance.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@John *********
 🤣 yes, that's why I decided to forget AIS and go a few metres down the mall to another provider. It seems very strange refusing business like that, but TiT.

Brandon made a good suggestion of offering 6 months payment in advance, but at the time I never thought of that idea.
a month ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Stuart **********
 Great to hear. If the screw won't fit in the hole.... drill another hole. Save yourself the frustration 🙏
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Brook ********
I don’t think you went to a AIS company store. Maybe you went to an authorized agent or didn’t understand them.

Hundreds of people do this successfully every day.

Try again or hire an agent.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Brook *******
 I tried 2 at different shopping malls, they both said no and I had a driving licence. I gave up and went to the 3BB shop a few metres away and they set it up in a few minutes. It's very strange, I think it might depend if you live in an expat area, as they will deal with foreigners living here more often.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Brook ********
@Stuart **********
 you need a passport, not a drivers license.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Brook *******
 naturally I had that as well.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Alan ******
Big C. Only need your passport, mobile and internet, did it last week
a month ago
Like
Reply
Wylie *******
Use someone other than AIS. I have a longterm package with true.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
Pay for the full year
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
When you get any plan with True you are locked into that price for as long as you have it. It doesn't change in price, or services. My internet speed has increased over the years at no additional cost.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Alex *******
You can have your driver license by your self , 220, thb

-You need the residency certificate from immigration

- make appointment ( watching video)30 minutes online get the code , make appointment with transportation office ,

and quick test (2 minutes)

Easy ,, Good Luck
a month ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Alex ******
 that isn’t so cut and dry. 220 baht? Ok
a month ago
Like
Reply
Alex *******
@Steve *******
 this is how much I paid in the transportation office in Krabi Town,,
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Dane ******
@Alex ******
 u mean with license conversion?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Alex *******
@Dane *****
 yes correct
a month ago
Like
Reply
Dane ******
@Alex ******
 could i message you directly for a little bit more info, id like to convert my us drivers license
a month ago
Like
Reply
Alex *******
@Dane *****
 you don’t have to convert , you can keep your original, but you need the international driver license from home country, and than you can have 2 years temporarily

I’m not sure you can if you have tourist visa!
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Marcel ***********
I tried dtac they came but could not hook up the the condo said ais building only 4 days later as hook me up no problems
a month ago
Like
Reply
Mark *******
AIS are talking nonsense, I was offered SIM on an annual plan either prepaid or postpaid, try going another AIS shop.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Janelle *****
That’s just not true.

Just go to the one at emsphere they’ll set you up without all that

I got the long term package just fine on a dtv all I neeeed was my passport they didn’t even check my visa
a month ago
Like
Reply
Peter ********
@Janelle ****
 They probably did check your visa when you handed over the passport for them to copy. Haven't you noticed how much time Thais spend looking at your passport?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Ian **********
Sounds like they want you to prove your address
a month ago
Like
Reply
Eddie ******
Use agent for drivers licence 1500 baht less hassle
a month ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Eddie *****
 yeah that isn’t cut and dry and it’s not 1500 baht.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Eddie *****
 or do it yourself easily and legally in a few minutes for a couple of hundred baht.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Thomas *******
@Eddie *****
 I got a Thai driver's license in Nong Khai for 205 baht, no agent. Did paperwork at transport office, went to immigration, waited 1 week and had certificate of residency from immigration, back to transport office, quick couple of tests and now I am a proud owner of a Thai DL.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Thomas *******
Reply
Leigh ************
You need to be registered living there to get a driving liscence ... try 7 eleven for sim card and just top up each month
a month ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
Ask if you can pre-pay for 6 months in order to establish service. When I got DTAC for fiber internet that was the condition they gave for me.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Phil *******
Get a mobile router and sim card, easy.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Alain ***************
I had my condo agent help me with fiber but did dtac myself. They requested a work permit but at the end accepted my offer to setup automatic payment with my wise account in front of their eyes lol
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
I had the same problem with AIS, so I chose a different provider.

Very strange, it seems to depend on the city you live as other people seem to be able to use AIS.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best cell phone plans in Thailand for expats without a work permit?
15 comments
2 months ago
What should I do if the bank claims my Non-O retirement visa is a tourist visa?
146 comments
3 months ago
Can DTV visa holders subscribe to internet and postpaid mobile services in Thailand?
12 comments
4 months ago
Do I need a Thai ID number to get a SIM card as a DTV visa holder in Thailand?
20 comments
4 months ago
What are the best visa options and strategies for a 60-year-old retired Canadian planning to stay in Thailand longer than 90 days?
59 comments
4 months ago
What are the best phone service options for expats in Thailand?
61 comments
4 months ago
What are the best mobile phone SIM and Internet packages for expats in Thailand for short stays?
13 comments
5 months ago
What are the necessary steps to obtain a Non O Retirement Visa in Thailand after entering on a Non O E-Visa?
17 comments
6 months ago
What steps should I follow to apply for a Non O Visa as an American retiree in Thailand, and what should I know about health insurance requirements?
19 comments
8 months ago
What is the best way to transition from a 60-day tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa in Thailand?
30 comments
10 months ago
What do I need to apply for a Retirement O Visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
24 comments
a year ago
What are the requirements and tips for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand while residing in Bangkok?
3 comments
a year ago
What are the best services for obtaining a non-o retirement visa in Pattaya?
38 comments
a year ago
What are some recommended visa services in Bangkok for obtaining a NON-O visa and renewing a driver's license?
3 comments
a year ago
What are the requirements and process for obtaining an O visa for retirees in Thailand if you don't meet financial criteria?
103 comments
a year ago
What is the best mobile data SIM card for expats in Thailand with an LTR visa?
49 comments
2 years ago
What are the best SIM card and internet options for a new apartment in Thailand?
19 comments
2 years ago
Can I extend my Thai driver's license without a Non-O visa?
34 comments
3 years ago
How can I apply for a one-year retirement visa in Thailand while staying in a serviced apartment?
4 comments
3 years ago
How can I get internet in Thailand without a long-term contract?
13 comments
3 years ago
How can I transition from a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?
26 comments
5 years ago
What are the current requirements for obtaining a driving license in Thailand for expats on a Non-Immi-OA visa?
18 comments
6 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a motorcycle license in Thailand while waiting for a Non-O visa?
8 comments
6 years ago
What are the requirements and process for acquiring a driving license in Thailand on a non-O visa?
11 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.