Your flight lands at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. Tired from the journey, you head straight to the first SIM card kiosk you see. “299 baht for 8 days, 15GB data,” the friendly staff explains. You hand over ₹800 (approximately) and your passport. Done. Two hours later, sitting in your hotel with WiFi, you discover the same SIM card costs 168 baht (₹450) at a 7-Eleven three minutes away. Or better yet, you could’ve bought 50GB for the same price using the provider’s app. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Thousands of Indian tourists overpay for SIM cards in Thailand simply because nobody explains the actual options before landing. This guide changes that. We’ll cover everything about SIM cards in Thailand—which providers actually work, where to buy without getting ripped off, what documents you need (yes, passport is mandatory now), and a secret option that skips the hassle entirely.
Written specifically for Indian tourists heading to Thailand in 2025, with prices in both baht and rupees, real coverage comparisons, and insider tips learned from managing hundreds of corporate group trips.
Thailand has three major mobile operators for SIM cards in Thailand. After the 2023 True-DTAC merger, the market technically has two giant companies, but products still sell under separate brands.
Market Position: Thailand’s largest and most awarded operator as of 2025
2025 Performance Data:
What this means for Indian tourists: AIS gives you the most reliable experience across Thailand—cities, beaches, islands, mountains. When your Indian relatives WhatsApp video call at 6 AM asking “have you eaten?” you won’t face connection drops.
Coverage strength:
Best for: Indian tourists visiting islands (Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Samui), anyone needing consistent speeds for Instagram/YouTube, families needing reliable video calls home.
Market Position: Part of Thailand’s largest telecom entity (True Corporation) after merging with DTAC. 52.92% market share combined.
2025 Performance:
What this means for Indian tourists: If you’re spending most of your time in Bangkok, Pattaya, or Chiang Mai and want blazing-fast speeds for uploading travel reels, TrueMove H delivers. But heading to islands? AIS is more reliable.
Coverage strength:
Best for: Bangkok-focused trips, business travellers who need speed, younger Indians posting frequent social media content, and anyone staying primarily in major cities.
Market Position: Now merged with TrueMove H but still operates separately. Products overlap significantly.
2025 Performance:
What this means for Indian tourists: DTAC offers the cheapest packages but compromises coverage outside major cities. Fine if you’re doing the Bangkok-Pattaya-Chiang Mai circuit. Not ideal for comprehensive Thailand exploration.
Coverage strength:
Best for: Extreme budget travellers, short city-only trips, and anyone comfortable with occasional connectivity gaps.
For 90% of Indian tourists: Buy AIS at the airport, then switch to app-based top-ups.
Here’s why this strategy works:
For Bangkok-only business trips: TrueMove H offers the fastest speeds for presentations, video conferences, and cloud uploads.
For extreme penny-pinchers willing to compromise: DTAC at 7-Eleven (but accept weaker island coverage).
Understanding SIM card pricing in Thailand helps avoid overpaying.
Airport Prices:
7-Eleven/Mall Prices:
The Math: Airport 8-day package: ₹800 for 15GB Blank SIM + app package: ₹580 for 50GB
Savings: ₹220 + way more data!
But here’s the catch: You need WiFi to download the app and set up. Airport’s instant activation means you’re connected immediately for Uber, hotel calls, and Google Maps.
Airport Prices:
7-Eleven Top-up Advantage: TrueMove H allows easy 7-Eleven cash top-ups (major plus over AIS). AIS top-ups are harder to find—need malls or Family Mart.
Airport Prices:
Cheapest option, but remember coverage trade-offs.
CRITICAL 2025 UPDATE: All foreign tourists must present a passport when buying SIM cards in Thailand, anywhere in the country—airports, 7-Elevens, malls, operator stores. This is Thai law for security purposes, enforced since 2015, but strictly implemented for tourists from 2025.
What happens at purchase:
Why this matters for Indians:
Indian concern: “Is my passport data safe?”
Thailand’s telecom regulations require this for all users, including locals. Your data goes into the national telecom database. The same system is used for Thai citizens with their ID cards. Millions processed annually without issues.
Locations:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best for: First-time Thailand visitors, families with elderly members, anyone arriving late at night/early morning, business travellers needing instant connectivity.
Indian-specific tip: AIS and TrueMove H counters often have staff who’ve dealt with thousands of Indian tourists. They understand common questions. DTAC is less experienced with Indian customers.
The reality: Thailand has over 10,000 7-Elevens. You’ll find one every few blocks in cities, every tourist area.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best for: Budget-conscious Indians comfortable with tech, anyone staying in Thailand 2+ weeks wanting the cheapest option, people with Thai language skills or translation apps.
Indian reality check: Malayalam-speaking North Indian trying to explain SIM registration to Thai 7-Eleven staff at 11 PM = recipe for frustration. Save this for when you’re settled, have hotel WiFi, and can use Google Translate.
Locations:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best for: Indians comfortable navigating Bangkok/other cities, anyone wanting the best balance of price and service, people buying after settling into a hotel.
The smart Indian strategy:
Day 1: Buy the cheapest airport package (299 baht/₹800) for instant connectivity. Day 2-3: Visit the mall operator store, get a better plan or blank SIM + app setup. Result: Connected from landing + long-term savings
The game-changer for privacy-conscious Indians.
What is eSIM? Digital SIM activated via QR code. No physical card needed. Supported by most iPhones (XS onwards), Google Pixels, and Samsung flagships from 2020+.
Major advantage: Buy eSIM online from international providers (Airalo, SimOptions, Holafly)—NO passport registration required! Instant activation when you land.
How it works:
Pricing:
Advantages for Indians:
Disadvantages:
Best for: Privacy-conscious Indians, business travellers needing both Indian and Thai connectivity simultaneously, tech-savvy solo travellers, and anyone wanting a zero-hassle setup.
Recommended eSIM providers:
Indian credit card tip: Most eSIM providers accept Indian credit/debit cards, including RuPay. Payment in USD/EUR, the card company converts.
The problem: 7-Eleven in Thailand stopped accepting over-the-counter AIS top-ups in 2024. You need:
MyAIS App Method:
Indian credit card warning: Some UK banks (Monzo) block MyAIS transactions. Most Indian cards (SBI, HDFC, ICICI) work fine.
Major advantage: Can top-up at any 7-Eleven in Thailand!
Method:
Or use the app: The TrueMove H app allows credit card payments (easier than AIS).
Why this matters: Indians often carry cash in Thailand. 7-Eleven cash top-ups = convenient, no card issues.
Similar to TrueMove H—7-Eleven accepted. The DTAC app is also functional for card payments.
Bangkok Guest Friendly Hotels – No Joiner Fee
Technically yes (hotspot sharing), but:
Cost-effective approach:
All three work fine for WhatsApp/FaceTime calls. Quality depends on:
Recommendation: AIS or TrueMove H for the most reliable video calls. DTAC is okay for city-only trips.
Officially no. Operators require an original passport. Reality: Some 7-Elevens accept clear photocopies. Not guaranteed—prepare for rejection.
Safe approach: Carry a passport for SIM purchase, then safely store it in the hotel. Use a photocopy for daily activities.
No. eSIM uses the same network as a physical SIM. Same speeds, same coverage. The only difference is the activation method.
With eSIM: Yes (dual SIM functionality)
With physical SIM: It depends on the phone
Indian SIM consideration: International roaming from India (Jio/Airtel/Vi) costs ₹500-800/day. Keeping active is only worth it for receiving OTPs, urgent calls. Use a Thai SIM for data.
Troubleshooting steps:
Indian phone compatibility: All unlocked phones work with SIM cards in Thailand. “Unlocked” means not tied to a specific carrier (Jio/Airtel locked phones won’t work abroad).
Scenario: Land in Bangkok, no SIM, need transport to the hotel.
Options:
Savings from airport SIM purchase: ₹1,200-1,600 on first ride alone! Airport SIM pays for itself immediately.
Many Indian tourists:
Having SIM cards in Thailand = save 15-25% on activities through online booking + rating verification.
Real scenario: An Indian tourist’s wallet was stolen in Phuket. No SIM, no internet. Must:
With an active Thai SIM, a Crisis is manageable within 30 minutes. Without: Hours of stress, potential financial loss.
| Feature | AIS | TrueMove H | DTAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage (Islands) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Coverage (Cities) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Speed (5G) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fastest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast |
| Price | ₹800-2,670 | ₹800-3,200 | ₹530-2,670 (Cheapest) |
| Top-up Ease | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate (needs app/Family Mart) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy (7-Eleven accepted) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy |
| English Support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Best For | All-round Thailand trips, islands | Bangkok/city-focused trips | Budget-conscious city travellers |
Buy: AIS at the airport (299 baht/8-day package)
Why: Most reliable coverage everywhere, English support, instant connectivity
Upgrade: After 2-3 days, if needing more data, visit the mall for a better plan
Buy: 2x AIS SIMs (parents share one hotspot, kids share another)
Package: 30-day, 50GB plans
Why: Adequate data for everyone, reliable video calls at home, good island coverage
Buy: TrueMove H at the airport
Why: Fastest 5G speeds for work needs, easy 7-Eleven top-ups if needed
Buy: DTAC blank SIM at 7-Eleven (59 baht) + app-based packages
Why: Cheapest option, adequate for city-focused routes
Compromise: Accept weaker coverage on islands
Buy: Airalo eSIM before leaving India
Why: No airport hassle, no passport registration, keep Indian SIM active, instant activation
Buy: AIS mandatory (best island coverage by far)
Package: 15-day, 30GB minimum
Why: Other operators have frequent dead zones on islands
❌ Buying a Tourist SIM without checking app prices first → Airport packages are 3x expensive. At least know you’re overpaying consciously.
❌ Choosing DTAC for island-heavy trips → You’ll regret it when Instagram won’t upload from Phi Phi Island viewpoint.
❌ Not enabling roaming in phone settings → SIM won’t work. Check Settings > Mobile Data > Roaming = ON.
❌ Forgetting passport for SIM purchase → No passport = no SIM. Zero exceptions in 2025.
❌ Buying an 8-day package for a 12-day trip → Top-ups are more expensive. Get 15 days from the start.
❌ Sharing SIM hotspot without adequate data → 15GB won’t cover a family of 4. Get 30-50GB or multiple SIMs.
❌ Leaving Indian SIM with international roaming ON accidentally → Comes home to ₹50,000 bill. Turn roaming OFF for the Indian SIM.
Bangkok & Surroundings:
Southern Islands (Where AIS Wins):
North:
Indian tourist reality: Most visit Bangkok + Southern islands. AIS dominates both. That’s why 70% of Indian tourists should choose AIS.
Best performance areas:
Moderate/Weak:
Indian use case: Bangkok business trips, city-focused itineraries. Not ideal for comprehensive island exploration.
Adequate coverage:
Weak coverage:
Indian reality check: DTAC fine for “Bangkok-Pattaya-Chiang Mai golden triangle” circuit. Anything beyond = risk of connectivity issues.
Guest Friendly Hotels – No Joiner Fee
How it works:
Reality: No such thing as free airport SIMs. Official kiosks inside the airport are legitimate. Anyone offering SIMs outside the airport building = scam.
Indian victims: Common because we’re conditioned to look for deals. “Free SIM, only ₹270 activation” sounds great until you realise it’s worthless.
How it works:
Reality: Adds 30-60 minutes to the journey. Overpriced SIM. The taxi meter was running the entire time. Total cost ₹3,000-4,000 vs ₹800 airport SIM.
Red flag: Any unsolicited “I know a cheaper place” offer from taxi/tuk-tuk drivers.
How it works:
Reality: True unlimited doesn’t exist at tourist prices. High-speed data has limits. After the limit, speeds reduced drastically.
What to ask: “After XGB, what speed?” If they say “unlimited still fast” = they’re lying. Honest answer: “After 30GB, reduced to 512kbps/1Mbps.”
How it works:
How to spot:
Safe bet: Buy at airport official kiosks, or operator stores inside major malls (Siam Paragon, Central Festival, etc.).
AIS provides the best overall experience for most Indian tourists—reliable coverage across cities and islands, good English support, and consistent speeds. For Bangkok-only trips, TrueMove H offers fastest 5G. DTAC is cheapest but has weaker island coverage.
Yes, absolutely mandatory as of 2025. All foreign tourists must present original passport when purchasing SIM cards in Thailand anywhere—airports, 7-Elevens, malls, operator stores. Staff will photocopy passport and register SIM under your name. Maximum 5 SIMs allowed per operator.
7-Eleven or Family Mart convenience stores offer cheapest prices—blank SIM cards cost 49-59 baht (₹130-160) plus data packages. However, airport purchases provide instant connectivity and setup assistance despite 20-40% higher prices. Mall operator stores balance affordability with service quality.
Yes, if your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS onwards, recent Samsung/Google phones). Major advantage: no passport registration required when buying from international eSIM providers like Airalo, SimOptions, or Holafly. Slightly more expensive but offers instant activation and ability to keep Indian SIM active simultaneously.
Light users (WhatsApp, Maps): 3-5GB. Medium users (social media posting, music streaming): 10-15GB. Heavy users (video calls to India, Instagram reels, YouTube): 25-30GB. If sharing hotspot with family, multiply data needs by number of users. Recommend 30-50GB packages for families.
TrueMove H and DTAC: Yes, easy cash top-ups at any 7-Eleven. AIS: No, 7-Eleven stopped accepting AIS top-ups in 2024. For AIS, use Family Mart stores, Big C shopping centres, mall AIS stores, or MyAIS app with credit card.
Eccentric Blogger, Traveler and Consultant.
