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SIM Cards in Thailand & Asia

If you’re heading to Thailand — or bouncing around Southeast Asia — staying connected is essential. Whether it’s for remote work, booking a Grab, or just posting those island sunsets on Instagram, you’ll want solid data without the hassle.

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Here’s a quick guide to getting a SIM card in Thailand (and Asia in general), especially if you’re a digital nomad.

🛬 When You Arrive in Thailand

Option 1: Buy a local SIM at the airport

  • Where: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) have booths right after immigration.

  • Providers: AIS, TrueMove H, and dtac.

  • Plans: Most tourist SIMs offer unlimited data for 8–30 days starting from 299–599 THB.

  • Pros: Instant setup, staff help you install.

  • Cons: A bit more expensive than city shops.

Option 2: Get a SIM in town

  • Visit a 7-Eleven, AIS/True/dtac shop, or a mall kiosk.

    • Not sure if 7-Eleven is still possible.

  • Need your passport for registration (mandatory by law).

  • Often cheaper and more flexible than airport options.

🌐 eSIMs: The Nomad’s Favorite

If your phone supports eSIM, this might be your best bet — especially if you’re hopping between countries.

🔥 Top Pick: Airalo

  • Buy online before you land.

  • Regional packages like “Asialink” cover 13+ countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more.

  • Prices (as of April 2025):

  • 1 GB (7 days): $5

  • 5 GB (30 days): $13

  • 10 GB (30 days): $20

  • Super convenient: just install the eSIM profile and go.

Other eSIM providers:

  • Holafly (unlimited data plans, pricier)

  • Ubigi (good for short stays)

✅ Pro tip: Always double-check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before purchasing.

📶 Coverage & Speed in Thailand

  • AIS tends to have the best rural coverage.

  • TrueMove H and dtac are fast in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

  • All major providers support 4G, with 5G in most urban areas.

🧳 Traveling Around Asia?

Go regional with your eSIM:

ProviderPlan NameCountries IncludedNotes
AiraloAsialink18 countriesBest all-rounder
HolaflyAsia Unlimited16 countriesUnlimited, but high cost

If you’re based in Thailand and doing quick visa runs or weekend trips to Malaysia, Vietnam, or Singapore, these regional eSIMs save a lot of hassle.

💡 TL;DR: Best SIM Tips for Nomads

  • ✈️ Short stay? Grab a tourist SIM at the airport or get an eSIM before landing.

  • 🧳 Traveling Asia? Use Airalo’s Asialink or Nomad’s APAC plan.

  • 📱 Staying in Thailand? Local SIMs from AIS or TrueMove offer better long-term value.

  • ✅ Always check phone eSIM support before buying.

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