One of the questions that always gets asked is when visiting Thailand is what to do about Internet and Phone coverage?

Thailand has exceptionally good phone coverage and whichever network you use you’ll be well supported.

Prices above as at 27th Jan 2026

How to get Connected

Sim Card

A sim card which is a small card that you insert into your phone. Usually the size of a fingernail. Phones usually only accept one at a time although some phones will accept two. By removing the Sim Card and inserting into another phone the new phone inherits the number of the sim card.

e-Sim

This isn’t a physical product but a software version of the Sim Card. Nearly all modern phones support e-Sim’s these days although older phones may not. You can have multiple e-sims in your phone although you maybe limited to how many can be in operation at any one time. They aren’t as easy to swap between phones but are usually much more flexible.

Where to buy a Sim or e-Sim

There are three ways in which to get connected and they all have various advantages and disadvantages.

At the Airport

This is by far the easiest way. The sales booths are as you leave the Airport and you can’t miss them.

• Very Quick and Easy as the sales booths are as you leave the Airport
• Staff speak English
• They test your phone for you before you leave
• You have internet before you even leave the airport.
• Slightly more expensive than other options
• You have your passport on you as you leave the Airport so no chance of forgetting.

Conclusion: The best option available unless you are on a very tight budget.

At a Mobile Shop

• You need to find a mobile shop
• You won’t have any internet until you get the sim
• Travel time wasted while you find a shop and travel to it
• Level of English speaking staff isn’t as good
• Chance of forgetting your passport

Conclusion: Cheaper that the Airport but not by much. More Hassle. Waste of time when you should be enjoying yourself.

At 7-11

• Cheapest Option
• Staff rarely speak English
• Personal experience shows you may need to top-up first before using it..
• You might forget your passport

Conclusion: If you like wasting your time for a few baht this is the option for you. Guaranteed most hassle

The Airport option in our opinion is by far the best. Instant and without hassle. It’s worth a few extra baht for the saving in time and hassle.

Of course if you are living here you can get the usual pay monthly account as you would back home.