Answered2 years ago
Will a local SIM card work for tourists in Thailand instead of a tourist SIM card?
Question about SIM cards. I went to the AIS in the Lotus by On Nut to get a 30 day SIM card. I asked if they had tourist SIM cards and they gave me a Thai local SIM card, which after checking, is much less expensive than a tourist SIM card. They assured me it would work, but I’m not too convinced based on their lack of English. Can anybody clarify if it would work or if I need a “Tourist Sim Card”. I’m putting it a Samsung Note 20 Ultra brought just for that purpose, to use during the day for Bolt, Grab, maps, surfing for info, etc. I’ll use my Verizon 15 Pro Max for WiFi Calling and surfing at the hotel at night. Thanks.
Answer summary
A local SIM card in Thailand can effectively work for tourists just as well as a designated tourist SIM card. Many users confirm that there is no fundamental difference in functionality between the two types, aside from pricing and expiration terms. A local SIM can typically be topped up with various data plans and used for various mobile services, including calls and internet access, depending on the plan selected. It's advisable to also download the MyAIS app to manage your data and monitor your usage effectively.
34 repliesnewest first
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М. ****
I am usually getting the 535 baht plan for 3 months from dtac. 100g per month is more then enough for me and it appear to have better coverage then AIS
Jeffrey *******
It helps to understand the difference between unlimited data and speed (Mbps).
Unlimited data at a snail’s pace is crap.
Unlimited data at a snail’s pace is crap.
Jimmy **********
I had no problems with a regular sim card.
Baz *********
Download the AIS app (My AIS) and register your SIM so you can manage it yourself and add packages ...
Don't just add credit card expect to get good value...
You need to manage the account and select top up package based on the credit you load on the phone
Don't just add credit card expect to get good value...
You need to manage the account and select top up package based on the credit you load on the phone
Tim *******
Thanx 4 the intel on which make and models of mobile phones u r using.
Eric ******
OPYes, used an eSIM last year because I still had service and was switching between ATT service for WiFi calling in airport mode in the hotel and eSIM when out and about.
Kevin *******
Is your phone unlocked if not the sim won't work. Had to unlock my Ultra S23 works fine now.
David **********
You can get data based sim cards or sim cards with lots of call available specify which one you require there are data sims less expensive. But limited calls available no such thing as a tourist sim card
Eric ******
OP@David *********
if you go to 7-11, they have multiple “tourist” SIM cards. Check pic below.David **********
@Eric *****
no thanks
Luc ************
It's the same card but less expensive
Armando **********
Put it in and find out
Garrett ***********
Only difference is the price
Bart **************
How would it not work? Would the SIM card know that you're a tourist?
Eric ******
OP@Bart *************
Maybe by the phone you put it in? Wasn’t sure.
Galio ****
install the app , register, and see what package you're with . some packages are with self reloading plans upon recharging. in the app you'll see everything about your package.
Thaimer ******
Of course local sim card is way cheaper than tourist one. Why wouldn’t local card works with you? Card do not discriminate if you’re tourist or local.
It’s basically same product with different pricing
It’s basically same product with different pricing
Doug ********
They work for anybody, Thai or foreigner. Why not?
Bob **********
Welcome to Thailand tourist always pay more
Nick ************
Dont run out of data or your credit will be gobbled up super fast. If you phone UK use
*****
44 prefix for cheap calls. The app will clearly show cost, speed and time for data.Thaimer ******
@Nick ***********
he won’t have any credit anyway
Pascal ********
Ofcourse it works. I never bought a tourist SIM because it´s a tourist trap 😁🙂
Paul ********
The data plan you purchase with the SIM is the key. There are many customizable options, regardless of the SIM you bought.
The amount of data included can range from about 10 words to completely unlimited, and the speed offered can be turtle-like to amazingly fast.
You get what you pay for, of course, and unlimited high speed data costs a bit.
Best to load up the MyAIS ap on your phone so you can see exactly where you are with your data plan, and make changes as needed.
The amount of data included can range from about 10 words to completely unlimited, and the speed offered can be turtle-like to amazingly fast.
You get what you pay for, of course, and unlimited high speed data costs a bit.
Best to load up the MyAIS ap on your phone so you can see exactly where you are with your data plan, and make changes as needed.
Wylie *******
The SIM card has no idea whether you are a tourist, expat, or Thai. It should work just fine.
Bob *********
The regular sim is the same as the tourist sim, at the airport and
They most likely put you on a 10 Mbps plan for 450 baht a month? It will keep working of you keep adding money to the number and buy the addon again. Visit any AIS store to top it up and keep it going
****
they just put an expensive plan on the tourist sim good for the number of days you need.They most likely put you on a 10 Mbps plan for 450 baht a month? It will keep working of you keep adding money to the number and buy the addon again. Visit any AIS store to top it up and keep it going
John ***********
@Bob ********
It was 500 baht from AIS in their Future Park store. True next door could only offer me a one month plan for over 1000 baht! I only wanted a one month SIM. AIS also had a 2 week SIM for around 300 baht.
Brandon ************
The only real difference between a "tourist" sim and a regular sim is that the tourist sim will expire and cannot be extended.
Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
That's not correct, they can be topped up and used like any Thai sim card. Only the original deal (which isn't even a deal) expires.
Euan ********
Garrett ***********
@Brandon ***********
They expire?Steve *******
@Garrett **********
Nope they don't expire if you top them up.Brandon ************
@Garrett **********
the tourist sims do. They're only valid for a certain amount of time and then they're done. I've seen multiple people post about not being able to top them up or extend them because they're temporary for tourists
Phil *******
@Brandon ***********
I've never had a problem topping up a tourist sim, multiple times, I've used the same sim for 4 visits.Activity
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