Phuket SIM Card and eSIM: Airport Counters, Prices and Registration
Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM from AIS, True or dtac with your passport; True and dtac register each SIM to a valid passport. AIS counters sit in the Phuket Airport International Hall. Plans run from 1 day to 60 days, and a tourist SIM needs identity re-verification after 60 days.
On this page
Tourist SIM prices at a glance
Three operators sell tourist SIMs in Phuket: AIS, True and dtac. AIS plans below all carry unlimited data at max speed on 5G or 4G, except the 1-day plan.
| Plan | AIS price |
|---|---|
| 60 days | THB 1,599 |
| 30 days | THB 1,199 |
| 15 days | THB 699 |
| 8 days | THB 499 |
| 5 days | THB 399 |
| 1 day (1 GB at 10 Mbps) | THB 49 |
The 8-to-60-day AIS plans include free calls within the AIS network and a THB 100 bonus for calls to all networks in Thailand and international calls via 00300.
The True Thailand Tourist Infinite SIM costs THB 499 for 8 days, THB 699 for 15 days and THB 1,199 for 30 days, all VAT included. Each has unlimited 5G data at max speed, unlimited Wi-Fi and unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand.
A cheaper True option is the 10-day Thailand Tourist SIM at THB 349 VAT included, with unlimited 5G internet and Wi-Fi. True and dtac tourist SIMs share one set of terms.
dtac prices its Happy Tourist Infinite SIM like True: THB 499 for 8 days.
The difference is the bonus: dtac adds 30 free minutes to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Vietnam, while True adds THB 100 of international calling credit.
Local calls on True and dtac are free to all Thai networks up to 15 minutes per call. After the package runs out, data costs THB 2 per MB and local calls THB 5 a minute before VAT. Keep the SIM under the THB 5,000 maximum prepaid credit.
Buying at Phuket Airport
AIS tourist SIM points are on the 1st floor of the International Hall at Baggage Claim B1 and Baggage Claim 5.1-2. AIS tourist SIMs are also sold at all AIS Shops and all Telewiz Shops nationwide.
True and dtac tourist SIMs are sold at True and dtac service centres nationwide and 24/7 at airport locations, and at the True/dtac Online Store. True sells physical SIMs and eSIMs under separate tabs.
222 Moo 6, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Open the airport in Google Maps (opens in a new tab) if you are meeting a driver. The airport sits in Mai Khao, far north of Patong and Kata, so the SIM is worth sorting before you leave the hall.
Registering with your passport
True and dtac require registration with a valid passport under NBTC regulations, with a maximum of 3 SIMs per person per brand.
For AIS, send your passport number by SMS to 4444161 and follow the instructions in the reply. Prepare a Thai ID card or passport, the SIM card and the phone before registering.
If registration is incomplete, warnings arrive by SMS and MMS and as a voice message when you call out, and service may be interrupted.
True also lets you register a prepaid or postpaid SIM through the True app. Activation in the app ends with identity verification (eKYC).
Using an eSIM
A visitor to Thailand can buy a local eSIM on the AIS network online and use it immediately. A new eSIM can also be bought at any AIS shop, or bought and activated on the device through the AIS online store.
The eSIM service has no service fee. Download it to your phone by QR code or through the myAIS app.
The whole QR code must be scanned or the cellular plan is not added. Foreign customers can convert or transfer an eSIM on the self-service page using the passport number registered with AIS.
Staying longer than 60 days
A foreign tourist who wants to keep using an AIS tourist SIM beyond 60 days from activation must reconfirm identity.
There are two ways to do it:
- Text your passport number to 4444161 (free), then finish verification through the link in the reply.
- Visit an AIS shop for in-person help.
AIS also says any number registered under an individual’s name must be activated within 60 days from the registration date, otherwise identity verification is required again.
True and dtac tourist SIM validity must not exceed 60 days and cannot be extended by top-up after expiry. To continue, re-identify with a passport at a True dtac Shop or call 1242 (True) or 1678 (dtac).
For a longer stay, a regular AIS prepaid NET SIM costs THB 299 a month for 1 GB of 4G internet. The next tiers are THB 499 for 3 GB and THB 1,099 for 14 GB.
Top-up, balance and help
Top up True at a True Shop, 7-Eleven or other selected top-up points, telling the staff the amount and the phone number. Dial *123# to check balance and validity.
Top up AIS through the myAIS app, online top-up, an AIS shop or WeChat Pay. The AIS Call Center is 1175.
The True call centre is 1242 and the dtac call centre is 1678. A True data-only tourist SIM cannot make outgoing calls except to the call centre and the numbers 1242, 1678, 191, 1669 and 112.
See Phuket emergency numbers for who to call in an emergency.
Photo credits
- The international terminal seen from across the airfield: Wikimedia Commons, International Terminal of HKT (MNXANL, CC BY-SA 4.0) (opens in a new tab) (CC BY-SA 4.0 (MNXANL))
Step by step
- Pick an operator at the airportAIS counters are in the International Hall at Baggage Claim B1 and 5.1-2. True and dtac sell 24/7 at airport locations.
- Show your passportThe SIM is registered to your passport under NBTC rules.
- Choose a plan by daysAIS plans run from 1 day to 60 days.
- Check the SIM worksTrue customers dial *123# to check balance and validity.
- Plan for the expiryRe-verify with your passport before day 60 if you want to keep the tourist SIM.
Not confirmed: True and dtac publish no counter position for Phuket Airport, just airport locations. Look for their booths in the arrivals hall before you queue.
Common questions
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Phuket?
True and dtac require registration with a valid passport, with a maximum of 3 SIMs per person per brand. AIS asks you to prepare a Thai ID card or passport.
Can I top up a tourist SIM after it expires?
On True and dtac, validity cannot be extended by top-up after expiry. You re-identify with your passport at a shop or the call centre.
Can I use a data-only SIM for calls?
A True data-only tourist SIM does not support outgoing calls, apart from the call centre and the emergency numbers 1242, 1678, 191, 1669 and 112.
Does an eSIM cost extra?
The AIS eSIM service has no service fee.
What do I do if my phone cannot take an eSIM?
Buy a physical tourist SIM at the airport or at an operator shop. True and dtac sell at service centres nationwide.
Where do I top up in Phuket?
True customers top up at a True Shop, 7-Eleven or other selected points by giving the staff the amount and the phone number. AIS top-up runs through the myAIS app, online top-up, an AIS shop and WeChat Pay.
Can I keep my number for a long stay?
By re-verifying your identity: AIS accepts an SMS to 4444161 or a visit to an AIS shop. After that a regular prepaid plan such as the AIS NET SIM runs by the month.
Read next
Places in this guide
General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
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Comments (10)
sweetpea2602
Esims/SIM cards Hi, just wondering what would be the best option for a travel SIM card as I’ve seen a few different opinions on the internet. We’ll be in Thailand for 18 days, travelling from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket. \- eSIMs? \- buy a sim card over there? How much data would we need for 20 days?
popononain
Best eSIM for Thailand? Recommendations? I'm planning a holiday in Thailand in a few weeks and am on the lookout for the best eSIM options. My main focus is on reliable internet, fast speeds, and affordability. I saw saw quite a few reviews and comparisons ([like this one](https://www.reddit.com/r/best_eSIM_providers/comments/1984tvl/best_esim_providers_comparison_table_for/)) and narrowed down to 2 options: * Saily – according to reviews it works good in Thailand (areas like Bankok, Phuket, Koh Samui and etc). Also, they seem to be pretty affordable and have decent discount (15% off with code “hellosaily) I tried to apply it and it seems to work. * Ubigi – also saw that it works good in Thailand, but has less reviews overall and I think this eSIM is only available as part of their "Asia" or "World" packages, not as a standalone. Regarding the discount, found one as well (10% off with code esimsr10). Would love to hear your insights tho.
nadji190
I spent about 20 days in Thailand and tried a few eSIM options. TooSIM worked best for me in terms of speed and connection. I could easily stay online even in remote areas. The plan I had was $26 for 10GB, and I didn’t notice any problems at all. I could call my family anytime without waiting forever for them to load.
Naser_1988
Which sim card company should I buy as a tourist? Asking so that I don't have to face any network issues.
Extension_Ad2353
I using an esim from airalo. Installed in 1 minute uses DTAC which is a great provider and has worked perfectly.
nabsickle
I'm using dtac e sim $15 unlimited for 15 days I think setup before I arrived it's brilliant
kwakwaktok
TRUE worked fine for me. Good coverage. Travelled Bangkok, Phi Phi Island, all over Phuket and haven't lost any signal. Unlimited data for two weeks for about 600 THB at the airport
BenTheAider
Wow super expansive! I pay 200bhat for one month with unlimited plan (5G). Which is about 7 dollars +-
BenTheAider
7-11, DONT buy in the airport / Airalo app , you got 7-11 everywhere in Thailand . Why people ask that question so much time??? Feel free to ask me more questions about Thailand 🇹🇭 just moved here and I love this country!
BenTheAider
Don’t use Airalo they are expensive in Thailand 🇹🇭, just ask for unlimited plan for one month in 7-11, if they don’t understand u just tell them for 200 b. Why u are not part of my subreddit? 😉