Bangkok
SIM providers, plans, and activation tips.
You'll find that buying a SIM at 7-Eleven is a fast and simple way to get started, with tourist plans from AIS and True Move available for 299-399 THB. Most newcomers don't realize that these tourist SIMs expire in 30 days, so you'll need to upgrade to a non-tourist plan at an operator store like MBK Center once you have a local address. Watch out for hotspot usage, as it can quickly drain your daily quota. For longer stays, consider AIS for its reliable 5G coverage, or True Move's unlimited plan for 399 THB/month. To get started, head to any 7-Eleven today and purchase a tourist SIM for 299-399 THB, a convenient first step in getting connected in Bangkok.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Any 7-Eleven · Experience date Apr 1, 2026
Every 7-Eleven sells AIS and True Move tourist SIMs. They're in a rack near the counter, cost 299–399 THB, and are already activated. Staff just scan the barcode, you show your passport, done in 3 minutes. The plans are identical to airport and operator stores. Good for immediate setup if you can't get to an airport store counter.
MBK Center or any operator store · Experience date Apr 5, 2026
Airport tourist SIMs are capped at 30 days. Once you have an address and are staying longer, go to any AIS or True Move shop with your passport and get a local subscriber SIM. The monthly plans are more flexible, often cheaper per GB, and can be renewed indefinitely. The switch takes 15 minutes in-store. Some operators require a Non-Immigrant visa for local subscriber registration — a tourist visa gives you tourist SIM only.
City-wide · Experience date Apr 7, 2026
I tested AIS, True Move, and DTAC-True for 2 months in Bangkok. AIS has the fastest and most consistent 4G/5G coverage across BTS routes, malls, and Sukhumvit area. True Move is cheaper and fine for most use. DTAC merged with True in 2023 and the combined network is improving but still inconsistent. For remote workers or heavy users, AIS Unlimited plans at 599–799 THB/month are solid.
Ari · Experience date Apr 2, 2026
Beyond the BTS corridor and central Bangkok, coverage quality matters more. AIS has best coverage in Bang Na, Lad Krabang (near Suvarnabhumi airport area), Minburi, and Bang Sue. TrueMove H is strong in western suburbs near MRT Purple Line. If you work in an industrial estate or outer district: AIS is the safe choice. DTAC coverage in outer Bangkok can be unreliable — multiple expat complaints about lost signal in Bang Khen and Lat Phrao areas.