Thailand eSIMs
Regional eSIMs
Tourists can easily and quickly get a SIM card or eSIM at Phuket Airport (HKT) from booths of providers like AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H located throughout the airport or online.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Thailand is a gateway for travelers visiting Phuket island, and getting a (e)SIM card is a must for those who need to stay connected while in the country.
Fortunately, there are several options for obtaining a Thai tourist SIM card at Phuket Airport.
The process of obtaining a SIM card is straightforward and often takes a few minutes in Thailand, in general, and Phuket airport, in particular.
This article will guide you through all you need to know about getting a SIM card at Phuket Airport (HKT), including:
- Where to get SIM cards at Phuket Airport (HKT)?
- How can tourists register a SIM card at HKT airport?
- How much does a SIM card for Thailand cost at HKT airport?
- Where to exchange money (for buying SIM cards and other purposes)?
Let’s check out!
Table of Contents
Editor’s note:
- To use a tourist SIM card for Thailand, your phone needs to be unlocked in order to get the signals of Thailand mobile operators. Both international SIM cards and eSIMs are subject to this rule. In general, phones purchased in Asia, Europe, and Australia are unlocked, while those purchased in the USA are frequently locked.
- The easiest and most convenient way to purchase a prepaid physical SIM card for your trip to Phuket, Thailand is to buy one upon arrival at Phuket Airport (HKT).
- While the data volume and validity of packages offered by different mobile operators in Thailand are similar, it is advisable to opt for the one with the highest data speed.
- If you are searching for a good SIM card option in Phuket, it is suggested to consider the DTAC SIM card because of its reasonable price and fast speed.
- If Phuket is just one of the destinations on your trip, think about getting an international travel SIM card that enables you to use data in various countries.
- In Thailand, SIM cards will remain valid indefinitely and won’t expire. Even if you return after a year, they will still work. However, you must register the SIM card when purchasing it, which requires you to deposite a copy of your passport.
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Phuket International Airport (HKT) after Arrival?
Once you go down the electronic stairs, you will be in front of the baggage belts, and in a short time, your baggage will arrive. Then, you will walk straight following the exit sign.
Walk toward the main exit. The walk is short and takes no more than 10 minutes to get out.
Look around the airport, as you see, you will be in front of a SIM card stand where you can buy a SIM card for tourists based on your stay in Thailand. There are many options with different prices.
Travelers can buy a tourist SIM card and top-up credit at mobile network provider booths/kiosks in Phuket International Airport. DTAC, AIS, and TrueMove H are some of the providers having kiosks throughout the airport, including the arrival hall.
Below we guide you where to buy SIM cards at Phuket airport for tourists at each of the providers’ booths.
1. Where to buy a DTAC SIM card at Phuket International Airport?
Travelers can buy DTAC SIM cards at DTAC Kiosk or at mobile shops like iMobile, 4G Mobile at Phuket International Airport.
Location: the 1st floor at International Terminal
Opening hours: 24 hours, daily
Popular DTAC tourist SIM packages for travelers at Phuket airport:
299 Baht for 8 days, with 15GB max speed data:
- Free 15-baht call credit
- Unlimited calls among dtac network
- Special international call rate via 00400
- Free 5 chat apps usage for 8 days
599 Baht for 15 days, with 30GB max speed data:
- Free 15-baht call credit
- Unlimited calls among dtac network
- Special international call rate via 00400
- Free 5 chat apps usage for 8 days
Read more: dtac SIM cards for tourists
2. Where to buy an AIS SIM card at Phuket International airport?
AIS SIM card is also one of top choices for travelers. The AIS booth at Phuket International Airport is located at the arrival hall, near the exit gate.
Location: International Arrival Hall, 1st floor
Opening hours: 24 hours, daily
Popular tourist data plans of AIS at Phuket airport:
1250 Baht for 30 days, with 300GB high speed data:
- Free unlimited social apps for 15 days
- Unlimited calls among AIS network
- Free 15 Baht credit
- International calls starting at 1baht/min
- Free call to AIS call center 1175 press 2
599 Baht for 15 days, with 30GB high speed data:
- Free unlimited social apps for 15 days
- Unlimited calls among AIS network
- Free 15 Baht credit
- International calls starting at 1baht/min
- Free call to AIS call center 1175 press 2
299 Baht for 8 days, with 15GB high speed data:
- Free unlimited social apps for 15 days
- Unlimited calls among AIS network
- Free 15 Baht credit
- International calls starting at 1baht/min
- Free call to AIS call center 1175 press 2
Discover more about AIS SIM cards for tourists HERE!
3. Where to buy a TrueMove H SIM card at Phuket International Airport?
If you are looking for some Truemove H SIM cards & eSIM, here are some useful information to be known:
Location: True Shop at Terminal 2, International Arrivals Hall, Next to Exit 3
Opening hours: 07:00 – 22:00 daily
Popular tourist data plans of TrueMove H at Phuket airport:
399 Baht plan for 8 days, Unlimited data
- Unlimited 5G Internet
- 100 THB calling credit for international call
- Unlimited call to all network in Thailand
- Unlimited WiFi
699 Baht plan for 15 days, Unlimited data
- Unlimited 5G Internet
- 100 THB calling credit for international call
- Unlimited call to all network in Thailand
- Unlimited WiFi
999 Baht plan for 30 days, Unlimited data
- Unlimited 5G Internet
- 100 THB calling credit for international call
- Unlimited call to all network in Thailand
- Unlimited WiFi
II. How Much does a Thailand SIM Card Cost at Phuket International Airport?
Typically, the prices of SIM cards range from around 100 to 300 Thai Baht (equivalent to approximately 3 to 10 US dollars) and include some initial credit. The price of a Thailand SIM card at Phuket International Airport may differ based on the mobile network provider and the package you select. The expense may also depend on the data volume, calling duration, and validity period provided in the package.
Pro Tip:
It is essential to compare prices and packages offered by various providers before purchasing to find the most suitable deal for your needs and budget.
III. What to Prepare When Buying a SIM Card at Phuket International Airport?
When purchasing a SIM card for Thailand at Phuket International Airport, there are a few things you should prepare to make the process smoother:
- Passport: You will need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card. This is required for registration purposes, and a copy of your passport may be taken.
- Cash: Most places that sell SIM cards at Phuket International Airport accept cash only, so it’s recommended to have Thai Baht on hand.
- Phone: Make sure you have your phone with you, as the staff may need to check that the SIM card is working properly in your device.
- Knowledge of your phone: You should know which type of SIM card your phone requires (standard, micro, or nano) to ensure you purchase the correct size.
- Understanding of different packages: It is helpful to have an idea of what kind of package you need, such as data volume, calling duration, and validity period. This will help you choose the best package for your needs and budget.
Better option:
To avoid the hassle of passport registration, you can opt for ordering an international SIM card online or obtaining an eSIM for Thailand. These SIM cards do not require any passport registration.
IV. Can I Buy Tourist eSIM for Thailand Online before Arrival at Phuket Airport (HKT)?
Yes. It is advised to buy an eSIM for tourists before arriving at HKT airport instead of buying at physical ones there.
Some pros and cons of using an eSIM during a Thailand trip include:
Pros:
- No need to register personal information
- Actively purchase and activate the eSIM in advance the departure date
- Stay connected immediately after landing at the airport
- Keep your original SIM card in your phone while using the eSIM
- Easily activate the eSIM on your mobile device without visiting a physical store
Cons:
- Requires a mobile device supported with eSIM
- If you lose or damage your phone or experience technical issues, you may not be able to use the eSIM, which could be problematic while traveling.
Where to buy eSIM for tourists to Thailand?
You had better buy eSIM for travelers to Thailand from reputable eSIM suppliers, namely Thailandesim.com, Gigago.com, etc. rather than buying directly from a local mobile network operator.
Why?
It is because eSIM providers offer more cost-saving, convenient, and diversifying options than local network operators.
- Diversifying options: Some eSIM providers such as Thailandesim.com offer data packages from both DTAC and AIS operators, giving customers various options to select.
- Cost-saving: Tourist eSIMs are also more cost-effective, and eSIM providers offer a wider range of plan options from different Thai mobile operators, giving you more flexibility and varying price.
- Convenience: Buying eSIM for tourists online does not require customers to go to a physical store and register personal info
So which eSIM plans to choose for a Thailand trip?
Here are some popular Thailand esim data plans for tourists:
IV. Currency Exchange to Buy SIM Card by Cash at HKT Airport
There are several options for exchanging currency at Phuket International Airport for travelers. Here are some of the options:
- Currency Exchange Counters: There are several currency exchange counters located throughout the airport, including SuperRich and Super Rich 1965. These counters offer a range of currencies and provide competitive exchange rates.
- ATMs: There are several ATMs located throughout the airport, which allow you to withdraw cash in Thai Baht. However, it’s important to note that some ATMs may charge additional fees for international transactions.
- Banks: There are several banks located in the airport, such as Siam Commercial Bank and Bangkok Bank, that offer currency exchange services.
Pro Tip:
The advice to you is that the rates outside are much higher than the airport rates, so exchange as little as you need.
V. Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at Phuket International Airport (HKT). You will have 2 hours of free Wi-Fi.
In addition to the initial 2-hour free Wi-Fi session, passengers can renew their Wi-Fi access by entering different registration details for each session. This enables travelers to stay connected while waiting for their flights without incurring additional charges.
While the free Wi-Fi service at Phuket International Airport is reliable and convenient, it may not be the fastest option available. For travelers who require faster internet speeds or longer access times, purchasing a mobile data package from a local mobile network provider or a travel eSIM may be better options.
► In case you land at other airports in Thailand, we also have guide on buying SIM card at Thailand airport.
VI. Extra Note When Buying SIM Cards for Tourists at Phuket Airport
Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when buying a SIM card for travelers at Phuket International Airport:
- Compare prices and packages: Different mobile network providers offer various packages that include different data volumes, calling duration, and validity periods. It’s important to compare prices and packages offered by different providers before making a purchase to find the best deal.
- Check your phone’s compatibility: Before purchasing a SIM card, make sure to check your phone’s compatibility with the mobile network provider’s network and the SIM card size required (standard, micro, or nano).
- Check the coverage: While most mobile network providers offer good coverage in Phuket, it’s recommended to check the coverage in the places you plan to visit to ensure you have a reliable network connection.
- Keep your passport handy: You will need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card for registration purposes, and a copy of your passport may be taken.
- Top-up credit: Make sure to top up your credit as needed to avoid running out of credit while traveling.
- Choose prepaid eSIM instead of prepaid physical SIM card: If your device supports is compatible with eSIM, choose a tourist eSIM and purchase it before departure to Phuket. This way, upon arrival at HKT airport, you will have instant internet connectivity without having to queue up.
By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can purchase a suitable SIM card that meets their communication needs and budget while in Phuket.