Tips for DTVers once they’ve arrived. Long but I hope this helps somebody.

eSIM:

I use AIS. Got a “AIS LUCKY TOURIST SIM, Internet 2 Baht/MB. Call any network 1 Baht/min. VDO Call 2 Baht/ min. SMS 3 Baht. MMS 5 Baht. (VAT excluded)” and stopped by a booth at BKK and had them help me activate it. This also gives you a local Thai number.

Originally got a 30day unlimited data pkg. Don’t need a voice package because the sim allows local calls for 1B/minute. The other charges don’t really matter because it’ll use data. Didn’t see a long term unlimted data plan after my 30 days so I opted for “Net Marathon Max! 2,750 Baht (VAT included), 100GB/month Internet at 15Mbps speed. valid 12months”. Never came close to using 100gb/month and speed was plenty fast for me. 2750B for the year!

VPN:

Comes in handy. Connect to stream stuff in your home country.

QR code/scan to pay:

You need a Thai bank account for this. Which DTVers can’t get. Or…Use the TrueMoney app. Sign up then apply for the “Advanced Account”. Once approved it gives you 30 personal scans/mo free. After 30 it’s a nominal fee per scan. I’ve never gone over 30. You can easily add money to the account at 7-11 (and other not as easy places). 7-11 limits you to adding 3000B at a time but yesterday I added another 1000 right after. So not really a limit I suppose. Paying at bigger established merchants do not count to towards the 30.

You can also tie the app to Grab which makes life easier. Auto-pays for rides, food, etc. Does not count towards the 30 scans. Just make sure you have a big enough balance.

I also recommend getting their virtual credit card within the app. It’s a Thai issued credit card which comes in handy. No fee (I think) and deducts from your normal balance. Might only be an advanced account feature.

Streaming services:

As long as you have a Thai number, everything is cheaper subscribing in Thailand. (Except for Google AI Pro, what’s that all about?). Netflix was easy to tie to a credit card. Through my AIS eSIM I got a Prime Video and HBO package. That is being deducted from my AIS balance (which I top off with a credit card through the app). YouTube premium had to be charged to a Thai credit card. I used my TrueMoney virtual card. 🙂 That’s as far as I’ve gone so far.

The virtual card also came in handy when I had to pay for extra baggage on Thai Air. Over the phone they wouldn’t take a US Visa or MC. I did have to run to 7-11 and top up the balance first.

Getting around:

Bolt is usually cheaper than Grab. Grab is auto deducted from my TrueMoney. Bolt is cash but I usually scan to pay. Everyone has a QR code. Ive taken a bunch of rides from each platform. Sometimes the driver will cancel but I’ve never had any scam issues you read about.

Bangkok specific getting around:

BTS I got a “Rabbit” pass at the ticket booth and added money to it. Just tap at entry and exit. Don’t need to worry about individual tickets. Need a passport to sign up though.

MRT you can tap your credit card (even US ones) at entry and exit if it has the touchless chip.

Bus I use Google Maps to get the route. Pay attention to the bus numbers as they approach and flag down the right one. Board and the ticket taker will come to you. Show/tell them the stop and pay them. Coins and 20s here. Don’t use 50s or 100s. Hit the buzzer when your stop is approaching.

I think that’s about it for now.

please advise how to obtain telephone card for using my internet and whatsapp,

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TYIA

Just had a message saying my UK 3G phone will soon be 'switched off '. I need a UK number for banking, and don't want to fly back just to buy a new one. Anyone had a similar problem before? Wondering if I can buy one here and swap sim! Thanks

Recommendations for an esim for UK banking, best compatible phone and advice as not very tech savvy,

Thank you 😞

I’m looking for advice on maintaining communication with family and business back home. I have Verizon plan that I need to keep because my daughter and grandkids have phones on it. Definitely not using their international travel plan. Do you switch to a local plan in Thailand and can you keep your existing number? Can I make calls using WiFi with my iPhone if I have WiFi calls selected in settings without additional charges? It can’t be that simple can it? Any help appreciated.

Has anyone used NOMAD e SIM cards there in Thailand it appears to be compatible with my phone, and if so do you recommend them??

How do you guys take SIM in Thailand? Is it straightforward, what documents they ask? Since I am planning to stay long-term (DTV) or at least visit time to time so visitor's SIM is not an option and I want to get a full local SIM. Where to get the SIM, at the airport or from city center for better rates? For the network, AIS is the best I guess?