What do I need to do to use my phone in Thailand as an expat from Texas?

The advice everyone has said all have some merit. BUT….

First, see what your local provider has in the way of international coverage. You may not need to do anything, depending on how long you will be traveling.

Second, see if your phone supports two eSIM. If so, you can purchase one at the airport or wait till you are settled. If I’m not mistaken, there are three providers in Thailand. AIS, DTAC and TRUE. I, am personally, a data hog. So I chose an unlimited plan by AIS. I also plan on returning to Thailand multiple times per year. So I can keep my Thai number active for a small monthly fee (40 baht).

There are a number of YouTube videos that talk about this and other things you may want to know before you go. Certain apps to have on your phone as well. Depending upon which airport you are arriving in, you will ant to know where to exchange currency. DON’T go to first kiosk you see. There is one video that tells you where to go in BKK airport for money exchange, eSIM and ride-share to save you money.

Be smart. Do a little research and most of all have fun. Don’t stress.

Buy 1 sim in thai make hotspot whit one poket router or one seconde tef like this you d ont have to use your roaming from your home mobil. Work fine... 👍👌

Get a sim card

I buy a sim in the airport. Maybe slightly dearer that at a , but i need it straight away to contact my driver.

I usually get mine where you go to get your suitcase.

Airalo has a many eSIM options. I personally use the global plan. 20gb data, 200 minutes calling, 200 texts, 365 days in 138 countries for $89. You can get a US number and receive sms 2 factor authentication texts.

You can get it all set up now in about 5 minutes and it will be ready to go.

My Verizon account works in Thailand

I have AT&T and international plan is great. I use hotspot to work from it

We have T mobile for cell service and plan to do nothing but use phones just like we do in US. If your phone is unlocked, you can get an E sim before you leave Texas. Otherwise you can get an international plan via your carrier. Last resort, just keep your phone is airplane mode, with wifi turned on. Though you won’t be able to use it without wifi but you will not incur any data charges that way either.

Just remember you can use messenger calls and video chat to use hotels Internet

I thought the seppos supposed to know everything !?!?!?!?!?!?

Wifi just about everywhere. Your hotel McDonald's the mall

I used global pass in Europe/Africa for 10usd/ day thru my carrier. I've been in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand now and bought an unlimited 19 day Asia data package, Esim for just under 60usd thru Holafly. I bought it before I left the US and turned it on as soon as I was thru immigration in Singapore airport. It's been 100% reliable

Get AIS prepaid before you come to Thailand, get Mint mobile either physical sim or esim and when you get to Thailand you'll need AIS and your Mint mobile # will work domestically for both incoming and outgoing calls as long as your on wifi......

You can buy a new phone for 5000 baht if you find your old one is locked.

Get a thai sim card

Like someone says sim take you're passport with you when you get it

Unlimited sim card . 500 baht in shopping centre

I have Verizon and pay for the travel pass, but you can get a eSIM before you exit the airport and before you go through immigration. Left hand side, kiosks . Was just there a few days ago

1. You don’t need to do anything if you’re willing to pay for roaming.

2. Get an AIS (best coverage) SIM card if you’re a tourist.

3. For long term stay either convert your home SIM to eSIM or get a cheap phone to receive SMS.

For the US there’s some providers of VOIP that support receiving SMS too.

Through using “wifi calling” (turn it on in your smartphone) you can use your home provider as if you were at home (calls to Thai numbers are international then!) whenever you’re in a WiFi.

You firstly need to make sure your phone isn't locked to.yoir provider, it needs to be sim free. Then once you get to thailand buy a local.sim card at the airport probably ais. They will put the sim card in for you and you be be live in thailand

Turn off mobile data, everywhere has wifi

Depending on your carrier check with carrier may have an international plan. You just have to have it turned on your phone works exactly like it was in US. That’s what I use.

I use T-Mobile

Buy a local sim at True, unlimited high speed, the moment you get off the plane. Saves you the long wait after customs and luggage collection

Check out T Mobile got great international roaming

The same you got to do to get your phone running in your own country ,

Get a mobile sim card

Place it in your phone sim slot and open your phone

What else would you do back in your home country , same technique since the early 80ties ,

Download airalo esims for many countries

Must be unlocked from your home country service provider ..

Buy a local SIM card when you arrive or if your phone is compatible for eSIM then you can load one before you travel

You can also buy a puck and just use WIFI on your phone with a local sim

Or you can buy an international plan from your carrier…expensive yes but if you’re only here for a week or month it’s convenient

ESim or True SIm for 30 days USD30