When you arrive on vacation, you immediately want to share your impressions with loved ones or find the right route in your navigation app. If you plan to rent a scooter, visit the island of Ko Lan, order a taxi via Grab, or simply find a good restaurant — you will definitely need a stable internet connection. Let's figure out how to set up your mobile service so you can stay connected without overpaying.
Why you need a local SIM card
Roaming from Russian operators works right now, but it costs astronomical amounts of money. Local internet in Thailand solves all your problems at once: you get unlimited access to maps, messengers, and social networks. With a local number, it is much easier to call a taxi, book tables at popular spots, navigate markets, and find attractions.
Carriers: AIS, TrueMove, DTAC
There are three main mobile giants in the country. All of them provide excellent coverage. The difference is only noticeable in remote provinces or on islands.
- AIS: The largest carrier with the most reliable network. Excellent signal even outside the city.
- TrueMove: Very popular among locals and expats. Often delivers maximum speeds in major cities.
- DTAC: TrueMove's main competitor. They have great package deals for tourists, and you can find discounts on tours in their carrier app.
Where to buy: Airport, 7-Eleven, Carrier stores
Tourist SIMs are sold literally on every corner. Here are the best ways to get one:
- At the airport. Sales kiosks are located right at baggage claim or before the exit to the street. This is the fastest way to get internet immediately upon arrival, but the prices here are heavily inflated.
- At 7-Eleven stores. The simplest option. SIM cards are sitting right at the checkout counter. You buy one, pop it into your phone, and complete a short registration using your passport.
- At official carrier stores. You can find them in large shopping malls like Central Festival. The staff here will set everything up for you, check your balance, and help you choose the optimal plan for your needs.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM
Virtual SIM cards are gaining huge popularity among travelers. An eSIM in Thailand allows you to install a carrier profile while still at home via a special app or website, and get online right after your plane lands.
Major carriers like AIS and TrueMove provide free eSIMs to tourists who purchase a data package on their official websites. A physical SIM is more reliable for those who frequently change phones, but buying physical plastic is gradually becoming a thing of the past.
Plans and packages for 2026
Mobile service prices here remain incredibly cheap. Plans range from a couple of days to a full month.
| Package | Data volume | Validity | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 8 GB | 8 days | ฿ 100–150 |
| Unlimited | Unlimited (speed drops after limit) | 15 days | ฿ 250–350 |
| Extended | 100 GB + unlimited social media | 30 days | ฿ 500–650 |
It is cheapest to buy monthly packages, even if you are only visiting for two weeks.
- Extending a plan for a month via the app: ฿ 200–500.
- Extra gigabyte if you run out of data: ฿ 30.
Wi-Fi and alternatives
Free Wi-Fi is ubiquitous in hotels, coffee shops, and cafes. The network quality allows you to comfortably make video calls home or watch movies. Wi-Fi is often even more stable than the mobile network, especially in the evening when the network is heavily loaded. Be sure to connect to the establishment's Wi-Fi when you plan to have a hearty dinner and try some Thai food — this way you save your precious megabytes. As an alternative for tablets and laptops, you can easily rent a mobile router at rental kiosks right at the airport.
Setting up high-quality internet in Thailand is very easy. Choose trusted carriers, buy a SIM card at the nearest convenience store, activate a monthly package, and enjoy your vacation. With a good connection, any trip becomes more comfortable and safer.
Ordering a SIM card via Lazada and Shopee
A third, less obvious way is to order a SIM card in advance online via the Lazada or Shopee marketplaces. This is convenient if you want a yearly package right away and don't want to waste time at the airport.
- What to search for: "tourist sim 365 days" from AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC.
- What's included: Unlimited calls, a data package (usually 4–8 GB/day for a year, switching to low speed after depletion), and sometimes a bonus roaming balance.
- Price: 500–900 baht for a yearly package. It's more cost-effective than buying and extending monthly.
- Delivery: To an address in Thailand (like your hotel, usually taking 1–3 days). You can specify your check-in date.
- Activation: Insert the SIM, follow the instructions in the SMS, and verify your passport at 7-Eleven or via video verification.
