Bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya. Takes about 2 hrs with aircon. I paid about 300 baht. All areas are safe in Pattaya. Book somewhere for a couple of nights and then move if it is not for you. Taxi is quicker but costs about 1600 baht but make sure you fix the price before sitting off.
International incoming texts are free on UK sims so I keep a cheap one going. I pay £2.50 ($3.28) a month via PayPal, and I have a 2 sim phone. You can do the same on some later 1 sim phones by using an e-sim.