SIM Card Stores at the Bangkok Airport: Where and How to Buy SIM Cards in Thailand?

Traveling across a new country is much easier when you’re connected to a stable Internet. The opportunity to use maps, send messages, and download content are significant reasons to buy a SIM card already – additionally, think about your safety and access to emergency services. 

The Bangkok airport serves as a huge network of stores, cafés, cellular stores, and tourist stands. Thus, buying a SIM card right here is the best choice. Discover the locations, carriers, and Bangkok airport eSIM​/SIM cards. 

Where to Get a SIM Card in Bangkok Airport​?

Use cellular stores and convenience stores in Suvarnabhumi Airport to find tourist SIM cards:

• AIS Sim Shops: Center Zone (Gate D) Floor 2; East Zone (Gate E, F, G) Floor 2; Main Terminal Floor 4.
• True SIM Shop: Center Zone (Gate D) Floor 2, S151;
• 7-Eleven: Main Terminal Floor 3; Main Terminal Floor 4; Main Terminal Floor B1;
• True Move (cell data store): Passenger Terminal Complex, Floor 2.

Additionally, explore tourist stands. Local workers may suggest current locations with SIM and eSIM options. Almost all convenience stores in the airport offer starter packs of AIS, True, and DTAC. The airport map also shows stores, dining options, and other tourist locations in real time.

How Do You Buy and Install SIM and eSIM at Bangkok Airport?

As a tourist, don’t be shy to ask for help. Cellular store managers will guide you through the process and the provider choice. All you need is an identity document – all tourists are asked for them before purchasing a data plan. 

After choosing and purchasing a data plan, complete a several-minute installation. You probably know how standard SIM cards work: you put them in the device, receive SMS from your provider, and use easy instructions to activate the plan. 

Thighs are a little different with embedded SIM cards. This connection format is extremely convenient, as you don’t even need to visit a store. Virtual SIMs can be found, purchased, and activated digitally – just connect to the airport’s Wi-Fi beforehand. Installation, however, is a little more complicated:

1. Once you buy an eSIM plan, you’ll receive an email with installation details. Most probably, you’ll be offered a QR code installation. 
2. Open your device’s settings and find the “Cellular” or “Cell Data” sections. 
3. Choose “Add a new plan” and scan the offered QR code with your camera. 
4. After automatic installation (it takes around 5 minutes), you need to choose the new data plan as a default option for calls and mobile Internet. 

Most eSIM providers also offer applications for automatic plan activation. Finally, you can always ask the cell store assistant for help.

The Best Providers and Tariffs for Thailand Tourists

The country uses both physical SIM cards and embedded SIMs – a digital analog of standard SIMs. Let’s explore tariffs, adapted for tourists and other foreigners. 

Yesim

Yesim is probably the best eSIM Bangkok, as you can choose from different connection types:

1. Prepaid Internet: 500 MB for 50 cents, 3 GB for $12, 5 GB for $16, 10 GB for $24, or 20 GB for $34. 
2. Unlimited Internet: 1 day for $7, 7 days for $18, 15 days for $20, or 30 days for $30.

The 500 MB plan is practically your trial to examine the connection speed and quality. 

You can also buy a virtual phone number with prepaid data to make calls in the country. Finally, the regional and global data plans allow you to use the mobile Internet and cell data in several countries at once, not only in Thailand. If you’re going to visit several destinations, it’s hard to find a better option. 

DTAC Happy Tourist Infinite SIM

DTAC is one of the largest physical SIM carriers in the country. The tourist plans come in two formats: unlimited or prepaid Internet for 8, 10, 15, or 30 days. This is a great option for short-term visitors, as you don’t have to overpay for 30 days of connection. The “Pay as You Go” format is also available. 

The price varies from $13 (8 days of unlimited connection) to $35 (30 days). 

Holafly

This eSIM provider focuses on unlimited Internet. You manually choose the number of days in the plan and pay in advance – unfortunately, the “Pay as You Go” format is not available. 

The daily price lowers once you choose more days. For instance, a single day of unlimited mobile Internet is $6.9, but a 30-day plan comes at $74.90 – only $2.5 per day. 

Unfortunately, the company doesn’t offer phone calls and virtual phone numbers. 

AIS Tourist SIM Cards

This SIM provider offers 3 options for tourists:

• 8 days at $13;
• 15 days at $20;
• 30 days at $35.

All of them come with unlimited 5G/4G Internet and phone calls. AIS is also known for its top-up functions – if you need more data, buy a pack online.

Why More and More Toursits Choose Tourist eSIM Bangkok?

While plastic SIM cards seem a familiar and obvious option, experienced tourists prioritize embedded SIM – a new technology, delivered in 2017:

1.  Buy eSIM plans online. As eSIMs are digital, you can install data eSIM Bangkok without navigating the airport and searching for cellular stores. Connect to Wi-Fi, get yourself a cup of coffee, and install the mobile data plan without hurrying.
2. Enjoy flexible duration and data volume. The SIM card price in Bangkok airport​ is always higher, as you pay for the 30 days of connection – this is a standard tariff format. Digital SIM carriers offer you 1-day, a week, two weeks, or any other duration plan. Thus, the price is lower.
3. “Pay as You Go”. The eSIM provider Yesim and some other companies offer you a unique deal. You use the Internet and pay for it afterward. Don’t overpay for unused data, as you would do with standard SIM cards. The price is individual and depends on how much Internet you’ve consumed. 
4. Buy trials. Carriers offer small trial plans (500 MB, 1 GB for free, etc.) for you to test connection quality.
5. Connect to several providers. eSIM carriers can connect to several cell data providers in the country. Imagine you buy one SIM to use the Internet by AIS, DTAC, and True.
6. Connect to multiplied devices. eSIMs can be activated on laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and even some cars. Digital nomads actively use laptop eSIM to work in any part of the world. 

Not all devices, however, are compatible with embedded SIMs – check the compatibility here. If your device is on the list, choose embedded SIMs without a doubt. 

More Practices to Stay Connected in Thailand

Remember that cell data is crucial for travelers – especially first-time tourists and solo travelers. Follow these tips to ensure you’re controlling your data plan and connection safety:

1. Avoid free Wi-Fi spots in unknown places. While connection at Bangkok airport is safe, you should avoid free Wi-Fi in cafés, transport, and streets. Cybercriminals often use free spots to steal users’ data. 
2. Buy SIM cards in reputable stores. Use the airport’s plan to determine locations of convenience and cellular stores. 
3. Control your balance. Use applications by your provider to see how much data is left. Once you run out of data, you’d need to use Wi-Fi for top-ups. Instead, buy more gigabytes once you risk losing connection. 
4. Keep your device updated. Install new OS version immediately after releases to ensure maximum safety. Patches ensure your phone has the best protection measures. Plus, some eSIM providers may not work with outdated OS versions. 

eSIM carriers offer an additional layer of protection. Use 2FA to access your data plan settings delete information, or add new tariffs. It ensures no one else can hack and use your phone’s data. 

Conclusion

As the mobile connection is a matter of safety and convenience during trips, ensure you’re connected to Thailand’s cell data right after arrival. You may find multiple stores and kiosks in the airport. Purchase a SIM card or use Wi-Fi to order a virtual SIM with numerous data plans for Thailand. Remember to compare tariffs and find the best option for trip duration, data volume, and Internet speed.