Cellular Communication in Thailand
Hotels in Thailand have rather weak Wi-Fi internet, which is why it is advisable to think about purchasing a local SIM card. This is not only a way to save money, but also to use normal internet.
You can connect to local communication without any problems. Here are some points.
Where to buy a local SIM card
The easiest thing is for those who bought a tour - the guide gives them SIM cards. Free of charge. They are not registered with a passport, there is only one unpleasant limitation - they work for only a month. If you want to enjoy the delights of Thai communication longer, then you need to come with your passport to the office of the mobile operator. As in other countries, only everywhere you immediately need to give documents when buying a SIM card.
For independent travelers, SIM cards are sold in Tops or 7-eleven stores. These are entire retail chains, so it is not necessary to go to just one place. There are also mobile phone stores in shopping centers. Of course, a passport is required in such cases.
The most advantageous tariff is postpaid, but it is only available to those who legally work in Thailand with a work permit. If you have not received a non - B work visa and, accordingly, are not officially employed, you will have to choose between prepaid offers.
Which mobile operators work in Thailand
There are only three of them: TrueMove, Dtac and Ais.
However, in 2023, Dtac was acquired by Ais, so you will actually have to choose between two communication providers. Their coverage area is almost the same, and the tariffs also differ slightly from each other. You will feel the difference when you connect service packages or use the SIM card for a long time.
If you are coming for a period of up to one month, then it makes no difference which operator to choose. Take the one that is available in the salon nearby. The price starts from 49 baht without connected packages. If it is easier for you to take it immediately with a package - study the offers and choose the most suitable for your purposes.
How much does communication cost in Thailand
There is no roaming within the country, incoming calls are free. All information about tariffs is given on the envelope that you are given when buying a SIM card. As for the Internet, there are different options. For example, the most disadvantageous is the tariff with payment for each megabyte. Approximately like in the 2000s, only it is still preserved in some places. It is clear that you should not pay attention to it. As with us, it is better to buy an Internet traffic package or even unlimited.
There are several options to choose from here.
Max speed net. The number of gigabytes is limited, the validity period is too. It is some 5 GB for 7 days or a month. If you came to Thailand for two or three weeks, then it makes sense to connect a package tariff, since a tourist SIM card works only for 8 days.
When you use up your entire Internet package, it won't be disconnected. Your speed will just drop. This is a pretty convenient signal: it's time to top up your account, choose a new tariff, or activate the old one.
Net Unlimitet. This is already unlimited Internet, but it has a limited speed. And it can be quite low - only 1 Mbps. For us, this may seem little, but it is suitable for traveling, especially if you are in the country for a short time. Even a speed of 1 megabit is enough to communicate via video call in messengers.
It is useful to remember the codes of mobile operators
Ais
Check how much money is in your account — *121#
Find out your number (useful, it’s not always possible to remember) — *545#
True move
How much money is left on the account - *123#
What is my number - *833#
How to call Russia from Thailand
There are two ways to do this.
- The most expensive and unprofitable. Use it only if you really need it and there are no other options yet. A minute will cost 30 baht - about 77 rubles. Dial the number in international format. This is +7, then the subscriber number.
- Cheaper, because a minute will cost 4-7 baht.
For Ais operator - enter 0097, then the number of the person you are calling. Only this time without the international code, for example 9163333333
Truemove 0067 then subscriber number or 006007 then subscriber number (the connection will be slightly worse, but cheaper)
The cost of a call in this case will be from 4 to 7 baht/min.
The codes for replenishing the account are indicated on the envelopes with the SIM card, they can be changed for obvious reasons. Therefore, there is no point in providing them in a separate article. You can replenish your balance in mobile phone stores, which are located in Tops or 7-eleven supermarkets. There are two ways: tell the cashier your phone number (indicated on the envelope with the SIM card) or by cards. The phone number is also sent in SMS.
The international format for a Thai number is +66, and for local calls it starts with 0.
