Guide

SIM Cards and Internet in Bangkok

Stay connected from the moment you land and set up fast reliable internet at home.

eSIMs Before You Fly

→ Get an eSIM before you board so you have data the moment you land. No hunting for a SIM counter while jet-lagged.
→ Airalo is the most popular eSIM provider for Thailand. A 10GB 30-day plan costs around $10 to $15 USD.
→ Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs for a higher price. Good if you are a heavy user and only staying a few weeks.
→ Check that your phone supports eSIM before purchasing. Most phones made after 2020 do.

Local SIM Cards

→ AIS has the best coverage nationwide and is the most reliable network for Bangkok and beyond.
→ True Move H is the second option. Good urban coverage, slightly cheaper.
→ Buy a SIM at the airport from the official carrier counters, not random kiosks. Prices are regulated and the same everywhere.
→ A tourist SIM with unlimited data for 30 days costs around 300 to 500 THB depending on the plan.

Tourist vs Monthly Plans

→ Tourist SIM plans (7 to 30 days) are pre-packaged with data and calls. No commitment, no Thai registration required.
→ Monthly plans are cheaper per day but require a passport registration at a carrier store.
→ If you are staying 3 or more months, a monthly plan will save you money. Visit an AIS or True Move store with your passport.
→ Data speeds on monthly plans are generally better than tourist plans, especially during peak hours.

Home Fiber Internet

→ Most furnished apartments in Bangkok include fiber internet. Confirm speeds before you sign a lease.
→ AIS Fiber and True Online are the main providers. Speeds of 100 to 1,000 Mbps are widely available in Bangkok.
→ If internet is not included in your lease, installation takes 3 to 7 business days. Plan accordingly.
→ Typical home fiber costs 500 to 1,200 THB per month depending on speed.

Coworking Internet

→ Most Bangkok coworking spaces have fast, reliable fiber. Speeds above 200 Mbps are standard.
→ Hubba and The Hive are popular among expats with reliable connections.
→ Avoid working from cafes for video calls. Connection speeds are unpredictable and many cafes limit session length.

VPNs in Thailand

→ Thailand blocks some content but is generally open compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors.
→ A VPN is useful for accessing home-region Netflix, banking, and some streaming services that geo-block Thailand.
→ NordVPN and ExpressVPN both work reliably in Thailand. Get one before you leave home.
→ Free VPNs are not worth using for security reasons. Pay for a reputable one.