Complete Guide for Travelers · Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in Thailand. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $8 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$8
Providers
3
Network
Currency
THB
Airport arrivals at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang. Counters from all 3 carriers are right past customs.
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in Thailand. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AIS Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $8USD 15 GB / 8 days | 3plans | AirportConvenience StoreCarrier Store |
DTAC (now merged with True) | Major | Good | Good | $8USD 15 GB / 8 days | 2plans | AirportConvenience StoreCarrier Store |
TrueMove H | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $8USD 15 GB / 8 days | 2plans | AirportConvenience StoreCarrier Store |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$8
15 GB / 8 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM 15GB | 15 GB | 299 THB | $8 | 8 days | 100 min local |
| Tourist SIM 30GB | 30 GB | 599 THB | $17 | 15 days | Unlimited local |
| Tourist SIM Unlimited | Unlimited | 899 THB | $25 | 30 days | Unlimited local |
From
$8
15 GB / 8 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Tourist 15GB | 15 GB | 299 THB | $8 | 8 days | 100 min local |
| Happy Tourist 30GB | 30 GB | 599 THB | $17 | 15 days | Unlimited local |
From
$8
15 GB / 8 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM 15GB | 15 GB | 299 THB | $8 | 8 days | 100 min local |
| Tourist SIM 50GB | 50 GB | 699 THB | $20 | 15 days | Unlimited local |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
AIS
Tourist SIM 15GB
299 THB THB
DTAC (now merged with True)
Happy Tourist 15GB
299 THB THB
TrueMove H
Tourist SIM 15GB
299 THB THB
AIS
Tourist SIM 30GB
599 THB THB
DTAC (now merged with True)
Happy Tourist 30GB
599 THB THB
TrueMove H
Tourist SIM 50GB
699 THB THB
AIS
Tourist SIM Unlimited
899 THB THB
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in Thailand
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$8
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Thailand, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in Thailand.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Available at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and similar stores. Look near the checkout counter.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
Bring your passport when buying a SIM card in Thailand. It is required for registration at all official points of sale. Airport counters handle the process quickly.
Thailand uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for Thailand
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Thailand requires SIM card registration. Here is exactly what you need and step-by-step instructions for each provider.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in Thailand
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportRequired
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
Local addressRequired
Hotel address for SIM registration form
major carrier
Step 1
Passport scan at point of sale
major carrier
Step 1
Passport scan at point of sale
major carrier
Step 1
Passport scan at point of sale
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for Thailand.