Answered9 days ago
What are the best options for mobile data and internet for expats in Thailand?
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Hi. What do you guys use for your online jobs? I'm having trouble with AIS staff telling me to keep buying monthly simcards due to the data package. Any tips/recommendations is highly appreciated.
Answer summary
Many expats find themselves frustrated with AIS's policy of requiring monthly renewals for tourist SIM cards. Alternatives like True and Dtac offer various plans that can be more efficient for online work. Recommendations include purchasing a long-term SIM with larger data packages, such as 100 GB for 400 THB, or unlimited data options from True for around 1800 THB annually. It's advised to avoid the tourist SIM if possible and consider getting fiber internet, like 3BB, for reliable home access. Suggestions to switch SIMs include visiting 7/11 for better deals and avoiding AIS shops which may push expensive contracts.
48 repliesnewest first
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Josephine ********
For online job on DTV most people stop using monthly tourist SIM. AIS staff will push monthly because tourist SIM has limit. Better get long term package. You can buy AIS yearly SIM with one hundred gig per month from AIS shop or Lazada, or convert your number to postpaid with data plan if you have Thai bank and address.Other option is home wifi plus backup. Get 3BB or AIS fibre for condo, around six hundred baht for high speed unlimited, then use cheap mobile data as backup. Many DTV remote workers use wifi router with unlimited SIM from NT or True, they have three hundred baht per month unlimited data deals.I found good comparison of AIS vs True vs NT for DTV remote work and where to buy yearly SIM in Unlock Thailand by Isla Rey on Amazon, it also lists how to get fibre without work permit. That will save you buying SIM each month.
Brian ****
What? I've had my AIS prepaid SIM for 2.5 years.
Brian ****
What? I've had my AIS prepaid SIM for 2.5 years.
رسلان ***********
Just buy 1 year unlimited true sim card from Lazada, it’s much cheaper
Anonymous ******************
Go to
Download True/ DTAC app to buy data packages. You can top up via the app if you've got True Money Wallet, if not,
****
, buy a True/ Dtac sim card. Every time you top up, you extend your sim card by like 30 days or something. Download True/ DTAC app to buy data packages. You can top up via the app if you've got True Money Wallet, if not,
****
+ cash.InspiringPi***********
OPAnonymous participant 208 I did, the cashier at the counter told me its for locals only. I'm confused now why would she say that if I am allowed to buy it.
TaupeSqu*********
Bro you stuck on the tourist sim grift, switch to Dtac easy
Capibararrraw*************
Honestly don't even use AIS, highly recommend Dtac or True, get a 49 baht Sim card.
You can top up 20 baht and keep validity for ages (I'm using the dtac tourist sim since oct 2021)
You can top up 20 baht and keep validity for ages (I'm using the dtac tourist sim since oct 2021)
James *******
According to NBTC regulations, foreign tourists who wish to continue using their TOURIST SIM beyond 60 days from the activation date must reconfirm their identity by either of the following methods:
Send your passport number via SMS to
Visit any AIS Shop nationwide for in-person assistance with the verification process.
Send your passport number via SMS to
*****
61 (free of charge), then complete the verification through the link provided in the reply message.Visit any AIS Shop nationwide for in-person assistance with the verification process.
Jon **********
Finn mobile have unlimited, it's post paid.
Joe ******
Get a True SIM from
****
(not tourist), download the app and choose an appropriate bundle. Every AIS shop I went to just wanted to push 1000 baht monthly contracts on me, wouldn't recommend them personally. The AIS bundles on their app are extortionate too.
InspiringPi***********
OP@Joe *****
I did go to a ****
, the girl at the counter said it is for locals only. I am so confused.l why would she say that if I am allowed to purchase it.
Joe ******
InspiringPineapple1568 Yea I had the same thing but it's not true. I got mine here:
*****************************************
idiots******
True has a 1yr unlimited* internet sim card. I think it is 1800 for the year. Depending how much data you use you can either go with that or get the fiber internet service
InspiringPi***********
OPidiotsomchai Unfortunately, my landlord will not allow the installation of the fiber internet service. Thablnk you for this new information, as I have been told True and DTAC are under one company so I'll inquire about both networks and the data package you recommended. Thank you so much.
Ivan ************
idiotsomchai fully unlimited with True is 899/month.
The 1 year SIMs can be enough and are a very good deal. But they aren't fully unlimited max speed. They either have speed caps, data caps, or both. They often say "unlimited" but are only fast for X GB and then drop to very, very slow, almost unusable for anything.
Their current annual offer is 2,750 for "Unlimited 100 GB internet, continue using at 128Kbps speed after internet runs out". Even the fast is speed capped to 15Mbps. This would be more than enough for me for mobile use but it could be constraining if someone was using as their only connection, that's the scenario someone might want full speed, actually unlimited. And that exists, but it's a more expensive.
The 1 year SIMs can be enough and are a very good deal. But they aren't fully unlimited max speed. They either have speed caps, data caps, or both. They often say "unlimited" but are only fast for X GB and then drop to very, very slow, almost unusable for anything.
Their current annual offer is 2,750 for "Unlimited 100 GB internet, continue using at 128Kbps speed after internet runs out". Even the fast is speed capped to 15Mbps. This would be more than enough for me for mobile use but it could be constraining if someone was using as their only connection, that's the scenario someone might want full speed, actually unlimited. And that exists, but it's a more expensive.
Jon **********
idiotsomchai If you know of a unlimited call and data with high speed post paid that is cheaper than Finn please show me and I'll switch in a heartbeat. I pay 399 + VAT for Finn, I have a better deal than the one on the site since I have been with them since they were called Line mobile back in the day.
idiots******
@Jon *********
True ( formally DTAC) is roughly 1800 for the year. FINN is 760 a month and I read it also runs on True network. Finn is a good deal if you use ALOT of data watching Netflix for example.I would like to correct the price of True (went up) it is no longer 1800. After DTAC merged with True they increase prices significantly
Jon **********
Capibararrrawarrrraaaaaaaa Idk what you mean, this is post paid full speed unlimited calls and data. I haven't seen any cheaper than that, only with much slower speeds. You can probably negotiate with them anyways, I only pay 399 for this package since I have used them for many years.
Capibararrraw*************
SunnyLob********
Get to AIS & get a sim card and ask them you want the 100 GB package. It costs 400 THB. Possible to renew whenever the 100 GB get empty
Luit *****************
Why SIM cards? I just use 3BB fiber internet.
Elías ********
@Luit ****************
fiber for the house, unlimited/limited (I use unlimited) data with tethering for the moveInspiringPi***********
OP@Elías *******
What network do you use to hotspot your laptop with the data?Elías ********
InspiringPineapple1568 there are many different plans and prices, all of which you can check from the app. Even if you're not a member, you can download the app and check the prices.
InspiringPi***********
OP@Elías *******
How much do you pay per.month with DTAC? How's the speedtest?Elías ********
InspiringPineapple1568 DTAC, unlimited data (no cap on data sharing).
InspiringPi***********
OP@Luit ****************
But I need it when I travel around while working.Elías ********
They're asking you to change your number every month??? I have mine since October 2024 🤷🏻
Andy **********
@Elías *******
I've had mine since the early 2000s.InspiringPi***********
OP@Elías *******
Yes, everytime I finish the data package and wanted to top up they tell me to buy another simcard as I am not allowed to top up. And I don't know why.
Rick ****
InspiringPineapple1568 The number is still valid for a couple of months after the tourist plan expires. You can top up at a kiosk and then go to the myAIS app and choose a new plan of your choice.
Rick ****
GivingPersimmon1136 It depends when you bought the SIM. Once it expires you can’t top up. It typically expires after about 2 months of inactivity. Every top up extends the expiration by another month.
GivingPer**********
@Rick ***
I think they changed the "topping up" option? But you can sometimes switch it to a regular. Then the people in the shop, of course, miss out on commission.InspiringPi***********
OP@Rick ***
Thank you. The staff never told me about the app, I appreciate all these information.
Magenta********
InspiringPineapple1568 why are you talking to them the sales people of course we're going to try to sell you something?
Or maybe your insisting on the same data plan you had when you go to SIM card which they don't have?
I mean just download the app login with the phone number and shoes plans there's plenty of plans...
But Heck if you rely on data to work get a second provider you can have two or more SIM cards if you want to just need to register them!
Dtac I'm paying 200 Thai baht a month prepaid for 10 MB unlimited data. Even the two megabits was enough for Netflix on your tablet or phone...
Or maybe your insisting on the same data plan you had when you go to SIM card which they don't have?
I mean just download the app login with the phone number and shoes plans there's plenty of plans...
But Heck if you rely on data to work get a second provider you can have two or more SIM cards if you want to just need to register them!
Dtac I'm paying 200 Thai baht a month prepaid for 10 MB unlimited data. Even the two megabits was enough for Netflix on your tablet or phone...
Tra****
InspiringPineapple1568 Download AIS app, you can keep the same number, but the top has expiration every month I think, and you can extend it for another month when you top up again.
InspiringPi***********
OPMagentaYuzu5267 I'm new here and I don't speak the language. Of course I would need to talk to the staff to explain what I needed, they said they understood and that it's the only choice I have. They have my documents and passport as I have said earlier everytime I walk into their shop to inquire for data. I don't need to insist on having the same data plan as I finished the plan fast so I went back to get a different plan but they keep switching up and then I always finish the data plan before the month even ends. My landlord also does not permit me to install a line for LAN/fiber so that's not an option for me right now but I may take
@Elías *******
's advice and switch to DTAC rather than stay with AIS.
Elías ********
MagentaYuzu5267 tourist sims DO have expiration dates and CAN'T be extended. Those are intended for one-time shirt visit tourists. I bought one of those for my mother when she came. Even if she wanted to keep it longer, it wouldn't have been possible.
Elías ********
InspiringPineapple1568 it seems you're buying tourists sim cards, aren't you? Assuming you're a DTVer, take your printed visa and passport and visit a DTAC/True office to buy a "proper" sim. Mine has no expiration date.
Elías ********
InspiringPineapple1568 change company, then. I chose DTAC because they office was the nearest to my house.
InspiringPi***********
OP@Elías *******
That's what I did with AIS. I was told by locals that AIS is the number one network provider in Thailand so I went there showing my passport and visa. And they just encoded all my information and made me choose a number everytime.Elías ********
From the DTAC app I can manage my data, choose unlimited plans or limited plans. There are even yearly packages.
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