Buying a SIM card in Thailand is one of the easiest ways to stay connected while traveling. With cheap data plans, fast 4G/5G coverage, and wide availability, tourist SIM cards are affordable and easy to set up on arrival.
This guide covers the prices of Thailand SIM cards in 2025, what to expect from each provider, and how to choose the best plan for your stay.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Thailand
Tourist SIM cards are available at the airport, convenience stores, or official mobile shops. Here are your options:
Airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports have SIM counters in the arrivals hall. Prices are slightly higher but setup is instant.
7-Eleven / Family Mart: Great for top-ups and regular SIMs. Staff may not speak English, so it’s best for extensions or pay-as-you-go.
Mobile Shops: AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove stores in malls or city centers offer better deals and help with activation.
Tourist SIM Card Providers in Thailand
The three major mobile operators are:
AIS: Strong nationwide 4G/5G coverage and most popular with tourists.
DTAC: Great value for money and wide availability.
TrueMove H: Competitive pricing and lots of package options.
Thailand SIM Card Prices in 2025 (Tourist Plans)
Here’s a comparison of current tourist SIM card packages in 2025:
Provider
Data
Validity
Price (THB)
AIS
15 GB + Unlimited Chat
8 Days
299 THB
DTAC
Unlimited 10 Mbps
15 Days
599 THB
TrueMove
30 GB + Free Calls
10 Days
399 THB
Exchange rates vary, but these range from roughly $8 to $18 USD.
What You Need to Buy a SIM Card
You must show your passport to purchase and register a SIM card in Thailand. This applies to both tourist and regular SIMs.
The registration process is quick and usually handled by the staff. Your SIM will be activated within minutes.
Top-Up Options for Longer Stays
If your plan runs out or you extend your trip, you can easily top up at:
7-Eleven or Family Mart (cash)
ATM top-up menus
Provider’s official app or website
Some apps offer plan extensions, roaming packages, or extra data bundles.
eSIM Availability in Thailand
AIS and DTAC now offer eSIMs for compatible devices. This is a good option if you want to keep your physical SIM card from home active (e.g. for WhatsApp or banking). eSIMs are available both online and in-store.
Tips for Choosing the Right SIM Card
Check how long you’ll stay — some plans are cheaper per day for longer durations
Avoid airport-only deals unless you need immediate internet
If you’re visiting rural areas, AIS tends to have the best signal
Staying Connected Beyond Mobile Data
While SIM cards in Thailand provide excellent mobile internet, it’s worth understanding how tourists typically use them during their trips. Most prepaid SIMs offer data-first plans, meaning that calling and texting are optional or come with limits, while internet access is unlimited or capped at high levels. For most travelers, using apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Grab, and Google Translate is more than enough to stay connected. If you’re planning to work remotely or rely heavily on video calls, consider plans offering 10 Mbps unlimited speed, such as DTAC’s 599 THB option, which supports streaming, Zoom, and uploads without issue. Also, public Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, and cafés, but SIM cards offer greater privacy and security for tasks like banking, messaging, or travel bookings. Additionally, if you’re traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia, some providers like AIS offer regional roaming plans or multi-country tourist SIM cards. These can save money and hassle compared to buying a new SIM in each country. Ultimately, pairing a tourist SIM with your unlocked smartphone gives you full control, avoids surprise fees, and ensures reliable internet access across Thailand’s islands, cities, and rural regions—all for less than the cost of a single international roaming day.
Conclusion
SIM card prices in Thailand remain very affordable in 2025, especially compared to international roaming. Whether you choose AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove, you’ll get fast data, English-language support, and an easy setup process. For most tourists, 300–600 THB will cover all mobile needs during your trip.
