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What is the process for obtaining an e-SIM or SIM card in Thailand as a tourist, and are there new regulations regarding their usage?

e-SIM SIM card True Mobile DTV Thailand Visa Regulations Telecommunications Expat Guides

Jul 9, 2025

5 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m in. Thanks for your help. Arrived at Bkk and was stamped  in no problem, even though I put the wrong arrival dated on my, digital arrival card. Just got scolded a little. I was informed that the digital arrival card is required every time you return.

Still a little confusion in a few areas. We all know about the banking. But had a confusing conversation with a True mobile counter help. She informed me there was no E-sim available for True on a tourist visa longer than 30 days. You had to get a  new number every 30 days. Anyone have any information regarding esims and the DTV?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A recent post discusses the experience of arriving in Bangkok and navigating the SIM card and e-SIM options available to tourists. The author faced some confusion about True Mobile's offerings for tourists, particularly regarding e-SIMs, and whether a new number is required every 30 days under the current regulations. The comments provide a range of solutions, including advice on using physical SIMs, e-SIMs, and methods for recharging and maintaining mobile service. Additionally, new directives regarding SIM card validity for foreign tourists have been mentioned, suggesting limitations on usage extensions and the necessity for ID verification.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.

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Rena *********

We got our Sim from Lazada. 1790 baht for the year. Had to go into True to activate since our passport photos are 80 pounds heavier. Lol but it works great.

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Greg ********

It would seem there were new directives issued a week ago

"Sixth, the operators will have to limit the validity period of SIM cards of foreign tourists to no more than 60 days.

Foreigners will not be allowed to top up the call value to extend the service usage after the service expires. They will have to register to authenticate their ID with the operators again to renew the usage."

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44/nbtc-endorses-8-cybercrime-measures

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Greg ********

From the Phuket News Article dated 6th July - new Sim rules have been issued. Just like the banks it is all down to call centre scammers etc.

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Anonymous ******************

This may explain it:

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Let us know how that works for you with the advice you get.

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Ad**

Did you share any documents with Thai Immigration? I just received the approval confirmation, but I’m still unsure what exactly I need to bring with me. Is the approval confirmation the only required document, or are there additional forms I should prepare? Thanks

Looking forward to your guidance

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I had hard copy of DTV and digital arrival card

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Anonymous *************

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Anonymous ******************

I got a true account with five Internet on a monthly payment plan from the Siam paragon shop.

The lady sold me a prepaid card to give me a Thai number and they let me use my credit card to pay monthly.

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Anonymous ******************

I've had an AIS SIM card for over a year and the account is still active with a balance and just add a little money before it expires and you're good. Currently paying only 30b / 7 days of 10GB data.

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Tony *********

Just go to a True store and get the esim only. 50 baht. comes with 1 day usage (I think) then you get the true app connected to it. Recharge within the app heaps of different packages depend on your needs. I believe the sim is valid for 2 years.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks

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Anonymous *************

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Peter ********

I have the same number with true for years now. I’m 3 months per year in Thailand. With the app I can also top up my sim card so it’s stays active.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

been doing the same thing with another phone and a physical sim. But not sure you can do with e-sim, you have e-sim?

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Peter ********

Anonieme deelnemer

Oh sorry! Yes I have a physical sim.

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Thu ********

hi may I ask how do you top up in the app? Do you have a Thai bank account? Thanks in advance

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Peter ********

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Peter ********

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Anonymous ******************

is this easy to do? I am NOT tech savvy haha but need a sim when I arrive

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Peter ********

Anonieme deelnemer 831

Pretty easy. Just click an amount you want to use to refill your account. The higher the amount the longer it will stay active. 20 baht adds 30 days. And you don’t lose the money. Because in the app you can buy packages with data.

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Peter ********

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Anonymous ******************

Arrived on DTV and purchased an e-sim directly from True. Then before 30-days were up, went back to True and asked to keep number but convert to a post-paid e-sim account. Chose the package (there are several options) that covered the amount of data/voice that I wanted, got to keep the same number I had originally received with tourist e-sim. I was told that it had to be for a minimum of 6 months before I could make changes (ie change plan, cancel,etc.). Bonus is that I can use my int’l CC to pay my bill via their True app.

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Jack *******

Or just pay true for 12 months upfront

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Anonymous ******************

I am not using E-sim but I have been using a True tourist sim card from 7-eleven for almost 1 and half year.

Sim validity life can be increased by topping up balance (or) buying validity packages.

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Anonymous ******************

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