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.

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

Thank you 😞

Hi i also have had my account closed

My question is they want me to come in with passport SCB bank, no problem

But ph number i opened account with is long gone and i just use my aussie number will this be accepted , ive been told i need a thai number , but dont need the extra expense for this reason only ? Thk u 🙏

Hi, not visa related but I will give it a go. So need to get a new UK sim but am in Thailand atm. Current sim will apparently not work after 3 months (told by EE day before i flew here). What I thought was to ask friends in UK to send Lyca mobile sim here but just googled and must activate in UK first. Any idea's what I can do. I only need sim for accessing some bank accounts. Thanks.

In a way, this is a visa related problem. Have had a tourist Sim for quite a while, and want to get a permanent number. Do I need to go and get a certificate of residence, (as I did for my Car and Bike licence). As proof that I am a permanent resident.

One Step Closer To Our Thai Dream. Non O Visa has been accepted..Time for the next step!!!! Bank account and sim to our name. Suggestions?

I have Verizon as my cell phone and I'm on a plan where basically I get unlimited 5G, unlimited international calling, unlimited texting and i'm not about to give it up. But, I want a post-paid Thai number for my eSim #2 - any suggestions on companies and/or plans?

I’m looking for a recommendation for the best Thai sim options for someone moving to Thailand long term. Which is best, AIS, True Move H, or DTAC? My phone is already unlocked

Hi everyone! I’m planning my move from the U.S. to Thailand later this year and would love some advice from those who’ve already made the leap. What are some important things to consider or take care of before the move and shortly after arriving?

Specifically wondering about:

• Should I bring electrical adapters or buy them there?

• Is it better to change my phone to an international plan or get a Thai SIM card?

• Should I get health insurance before leaving the U.S. or wait until I’m in Thailand?

• Any essentials I should pack that are hard to find there?

• Any unexpected surprises or tips you wish you’d known ahead of time?

Thanks so much in advance for sharing your wisdom!”**

I will arrive in BKK on November 22nd. Normally I buy a 30 day SIM card from AIS at the airport. This; Because I never stayed longer than 30 days in a row. I then reactivated the card when I return after a month or a few weeks in another country. This time I come with a 6 month visa. So I can (and will) stay 4 months. (interupted halfway by 5 days Kuala lumpur.

Who gives me the best advice for a SIM card with a lot of data for about 4 months or longer?