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What are the best SIM card options for Koh Phangan and how do they work?

SIM card optionsKoh PhanganThailand SIM cardsAISDtactourist SIMunlimited data7-11mobile data planslocal SIMsinternational SIM cards
Jul 2, 2022
2 years ago
Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sim card advice and recommendations?

I will be in Koh Phangan for a couple of months and wondering the best SIM option?

I have seen 8, 15, and 30 day deals but I'm confused as to how these work and if I can top up again etc.

Some people have said not to get a tourist/traveller SIM.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When looking for a SIM card in Koh Phangan, you have several options. Many recommend going to a local 7-11 to buy a local SIM, typically requiring you to present your passport for registration. Popular providers like AIS and Dtac offer unlimited data plans for around 200-300 baht per month, with AIS noted for its extensive 5G coverage. Users suggest avoiding tourist-specific SIM cards in favor of local packages that allow for easy topping up. Consider your data needs based on your usage, as unlimited data at lower speeds may be sufficient for general use.
Craig *******
Get unlimited data (albeit at lower speeds). Most ppl get sucked into the max speed plans with limited GBs. 95% will not benefit from super high speeds and then you will find yourself needing to top up every 5-6 days. 6-10 Mbps is fine for Netflix, streaming, video calls etc.
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ******
 Thankyou! I will have wi-fi in my accomodation so its mainly for contacting and maps I'll be using it.
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
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Dani *******
So anyone can enter into a
****
and get a sim card with just the passport? Which one has best coverage/signal? (I may be going to off the path forest monasteries)
2 years ago
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Steve *******
@Dani ******
 that is correct. Or get the sim at thr airport, they have tons of SIM booths after the baggage carousels. AIS has the best coverage. True is the fastest in cities.
2 years ago
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Steve *******
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John *********
Hi Rosie, if you are from the US you can get a Google Fi sim card before you come over. It works here.

They have several plans. Mine is $20 a month and $10/ gig of data. I have 1 in my dual sim phone and 1 in my iPad.

I believe they have unlimited plans now. If this is a 1 time trip it is easy and seamless.

I have mine so I have a US number people can call. It rings in over a hundred countries. My calls to the US, when I don't use app, are basically local calls w that sim.

If you are planning multiple trips go ahead and stop by a phone shop or 7-11.

AIS has the largest 5G network, if you have a 5G phone. I don't so I am not sure about actual speeds.

I have used both AIS and DTAC without issue. Avoid True, just don't use them.....for anything.
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ********
 Thankyoy for the advice, I am UK but it seems a 7-11 is going to be the best option. I'll go for AIS i think, that seems to have the best review😊
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
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Dicks ******
Dtac works great on the islands good signal.great speed. easy to top up and buy new package once you download the dtac app all the prices and packages are easy to choose
2 years ago
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John *********
AIS has done me for years. Get a Thai to look at the web site and see the best deals after initial top up. I was getting a month's data for 69 baht last year. Good reception all over the country. Have a ball in Thailand.
2 years ago
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John *********
Easiest country on the planet for local sims. All good.
2 years ago
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Karl ********
Dtac 300 per month unlimited internet 😎
2 years ago
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Оливер *********
Ais 12call. They have unlimited data packages for 200-300 per month.
2 years ago
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Mike *********
@Оливер ********
I use AIS and find them very economical and have excellent countrywide coverage. I recommend. Cheers
2 years ago
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Mike *********
You are very welcome dear lady. Do you intend traveling around Thailand? If so , there’s plenty of advice available and some really good hints too. Let me know if you want advice. Cheers
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ********
 it is unlocked thankyou, i made sure when i got a new phone to get it unlocked. Its great to know the coverage is good all over as thats important to me for work and maps etc. Thankyou for your help :)
2 years ago
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Mike *********
Just make sure that your phone is unlocked so that it will accept any SIM card. If it’s not, most small independent phone stores( or a Tukcom) will unlock it for you very cheaply and also sell you a card and credit. It’s really easy and you really don’t need to overthink it. Best regards and I wish you a great trip. Mike
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ********
 Thankyou, now I see that I should not get a traveller AIS sim (it is 3x my current phone bill) but get from a 7-11 instead :)
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Оливер ********
 thankyou that seems far better than the 1600 traveller sim option.

Do you know where to purchase?
2 years ago
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Оливер *********
@Rosie ********
 familymart! Or, better go straight to an aid shop!
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Оливер ********
 thankyou :)
2 years ago
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Оливер *********
@Rosie ********
 AIS shop, not aid shop!
2 years ago
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Оливер *********
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Peter ***********
@Rosie ********
 , buy
****
. Or many AIS stores @Malls. Also. Check the price AIS store at the airport.
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter **********
 thankyou i'll head to a 7-11 :)
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
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Stuart *********
No clue on the various “traveller” sim options. Just go to a local 7-11 or similar and get a “local” sim package. You’ll need your passport to register it.
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
You can top up via their app or online.
2 years ago
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Rosie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 thankyou, i was going to get at the airport because i have a conencting flight but it seems 7-11 would be better :)
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Rosie ********
 I do believe that all of the providers here will try to sell you a sim package at the airport. Almost certainly you’ll get a better deal at a 7-11 or department store.
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
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