How to buy a prepaid SIM card in Thailand

Planning a trip to Thailand involves more than just booking flights and choosing your beach resort. One of the most important parts of your preparation is ensuring you have reliable, affordable mobile data. But, if you’re travelling from the UK, navigating international roaming fees and local Thai options can be confusing.

In this guide, we break down your options and explain why an eSIM for Thailand is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected.

eSIM T&Cs apply.

Why reliable mobile data is essential for your Thailand trip

Beyond the obvious need to share your holiday snaps, connectivity is vital for several reasons:

• Navigation: using apps like Google Maps or other digital maps to navigate complex streets or find hidden temples
• Communication: talking to locals using translation apps
• Ride-sharing: booking local transport like Grab or Bolt
• Safety: having access to emergency numbers and resources the moment you need them

Without a Thai SIM card, you rely entirely on hotel or café Wi-Fi, which can be patchy, slow, and, in some cases, unsecure.

Can I use my UK SIM card in Thailand?

The answer is yes, but it's almost always the most expensive option. Since Brexit, many UK mobile networks (like Vodafone, EE, and Three) have re-introduced or increased daily charges and out-of-bundle rates for roaming outside Europe.

The high cost of roaming with a UK SIM card

Thailand is one of the most expensive roaming zones for most UK providers. While specific rates vary, you could face charges relating to:

• Daily passes: paying a daily fee (often between £6–8) to unlock your home plan's data allowance. These can quickly add up on a 2-week trip.
• Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates: if you don't buy a pass, the charges are often expensive. Data can cost upwards of £1 per MB (megabyte), meaning a few minutes of video streaming or a simple map download could cost a lot.
• Hidden use: even background apps updating or receiving a simple text message can trigger minimum daily charges or start accumulating fees you won't see until your bill arrives.

If you're travelling on a budget or plan to stay in the country for more than a few days, using your UK mobile plan isn't a good idea. It's usually best to switch off data roaming as soon as you land in Thailand to avoid bill shock.

Local Thailand SIM cards: your traditional options

Thailand has 3 main traditional mobile network operators: AIS, TrueMove H, and DTAC (DTAC and TrueMove H have since merged, but still offer separate plans).

These operators offer dedicated Thailand prepaid SIM card plans, which provide a fixed amount of high-speed data and occasionally some local calling credit for a set number of days.

Leading Thai mobile operators and plans

The main players are known for good coverage, especially in central Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Here's a brief look at what they typically offer:

• AIS traveller SIM

AIS is known for having the widest nationwide coverage, making it a reliable choice for travellers heading to more remote islands or less populated areas. Their tourist plans usually come in 8, 15, and 30-day packages with large data allowances (e.g. 30GB or 50GB at max 5G/4G speed), plus some free social media usage.

• TrueMove H tourist SIM

TrueMove H is known for providing very competitive unlimited data plans, often focused on high speeds in urban centres. They frequently market plans with 'Unlimited 5G Internet at Max Speed' for various durations (e.g. 8, 15, or 30 days). This is excellent for heavy data customers or digital nomads.

• DTAC Happy tourist SIM

DTAC, now part of True Corporation, also offers competitive short-term tourist SIMs. Their plans often focus on balancing data allowance and validity, sometimes including bonuses like unlimited calls within their own network.

Where can I buy a Thai SIM card?

Here's where you can buy a physical prepaid SIM card once you get to Thailand:

1. Airports: the most convenient spot is usually immediately after baggage claim at major airports like Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) in Bangkok. Options available in the airport can sometimes be slightly more expensive than in the city.
2. Convenience stores: you can usually buy a Thai SIM card at 7-Eleven or Family Mart stores. However, the staff might not always speak English, and you may still need to activate it or top up with a separate data package.
3. Official stores: visiting an official AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove H shop in a shopping mall ensures you get the best advice and full activation support, but this takes time out of your holiday.

If you do choose the traditional route, be prepared for some bureaucracy and a slight delay.

Important: Thai law requires all SIM cards to be registered to a valid ID. When buying a physical SIM, you need to show your passport to the vendor, who will then make a copy and register the SIM in your name. This necessary step adds an extra layer of administration during your trip.

The modern alternative: why a Thai eSIM is the smarter choice

While buying a local prepaid SIM card is better than relying on expensive UK roaming, it still involves hassle and takes time. This is where embedded SIMs (eSIMs) offer a solution, and we're leading the charge for travellers.

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile embedded in your phone's hardware. Instead of swapping out tiny pieces of plastic, you simply install a data plan digitally using a QR code or an activation code.

The advantage of Revolut eSIMs

We offer a range of regional and global eSIM plans, including a dedicated Thai eSIM option that can be purchased and activated in-app.

By choosing a digital solution, you can land in Thailand with your connectivity already sorted. You can search for directions, book a taxi, and contact your accommodation the moment you step off the plane.

Staying connected across the region

If your holiday involves more than just Thailand, perhaps a hop to Vietnam, Malaysia, or Singapore, our regional plans, such as the Asia Pacific eSIM, offer coverage across multiple countries, ensuring you remain connected throughout your entire multi-stop itinerary without needing a new SIM at every border.

To find out more about which plans suit your trip, just check in-app. We offer plans for Thailand and 100+ other countries globally.

More ways we make travelling to Thailand easier

Managing your spending in Thai Baht (THB) is just as important as staying connected. We have various offerings designed to simplify your travel finances, making your trip stress-free.

Spending seamlessly with your Revolut card

Exchanging currency by ordering cash from a high street bank or a bureau de change can often mean poor exchange rates. But, with a multi-currency account at Revolut, you can manage your spending in THB at competitive rates.

Our multi-currency account allows you to hold, exchange, and spend in dozens of currencies, including THB. When you use your Revolut card in Thailand, we automatically convert your money using competitive rates, allowing you to spend like a local without worrying about excessive fees. You can easily keep track of your transactions in real-time in-app, helping you stick to your holiday budget.

If you’re ready to start saving on your trip, explore our travel money card's features.

18+, fees and T&Cs apply.

Protecting your trip with Revolut travel insurance

For many travellers, especially those heading to adventure spots or remote islands, having comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Depending on your Revolut plan, you may have travel insurance benefits included, ranging from medical emergencies to trip cancellations and flight delays. Knowing you have reliable coverage means you can enjoy Thailand's stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and adventurous excursions with greater peace of mind. Check your specific plan details in-app to see what's included.

Insurance policy T&Cs (incl. exclusions) apply.

Final travel tips for Thailand

Once you’ve got your SIM sorted, here are a few extra tips to ensure a smooth, worry-free trip:

1. Cash and cards: although card payments are widely accepted in cities, cash (in Thai Baht) is essential for markets, street food vendors, and smaller guesthouses. You can withdraw cash from ATMs using your Revolut card.
2. The power of apps: download apps like Grab (for ride-sharing) and Google Translate before you go.
3. Local etiquette: try to use polite Thai greetings like sawasdee krap (for men) or sawasdee ka (for women). When visiting temples, dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
4. Don't over-plan: Thailand is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Build in downtime to spontaneously explore markets or linger over a stunning view, and use your reliable connectivity to change plans on the go.

No withdrawal fees charged by Revolut within your plan's rolling monthly limit. Fair-usage fees and third-party ATM fees may apply.

How to get your Revolut eSIM

Here's how you can set up your Thailand eSIM in just a few taps:

1. Open or download Revolut. Signup only takes a few minutes.
2. Go to RevPoints from your home screen. Next, tap eSIM.
3. Choose your plan. Select the Thailand eSIM or a regional plan that best fits your trip length and data needs. You can also explore our range of Global eSIMs.
4. Buy and activate. Complete the purchase and follow the simple on-screen instructions to download the eSIM profile to your device.
5. Land and connect. Make sure your data roaming is turned on for the new eSIM line (and off for your home SIM line) in your settings and get connected the moment you touch down in Thailand.

Planning a trip to another country and looking for the best SIM card options? Check out our different guides to:

• Australia SIM card
• Saudi-Arabia SIM card
• Morocco SIM card
• Turkey SIM card
• Dubai SIM card
• Egypt SIM card
• Spain SIM card
• South-Africa SIM card
• Japan SIM card
• United States SIM card

The information provided is accurate as of 15 October 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.