DTAC SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

DTAC is one of Thailand’s leading mobile network operators. With over 23 million subscribers, DTAC holds a strong position in Thailand’s competitive telecommunications market. However, the company faces challenges from larger rivals like AIS and the broader shift in the industry toward faster 4G and 5G networks. This article will explore DTAC’s history, services, current business performance, and strategy for growth in Thailand’s evolving telecom landscape.

I. What is DTAC?

DTAC, or Total Access Communication Public Company Limited, is one of Thailand’s leading mobile network operators. It was founded in 1989 and is a subsidiary of the Telenor Group, a telecommunications company based in Norway.

DTAC provides its customers a wide range of mobile communication services, including voice, data, and messaging services. The company operates on 4G networks and is currently working on rolling out its 5G network in Thailand.

DTAC is known for its innovative and customer-focused approach, offering a variety of products and services that cater to the needs of its diverse customer base. The company has also been recognized for its sustainability and corporate social responsibility commitment.

II. DTAC Mobile Operator Services

DTAC provides a wide range of mobile communication services to its customers. These services include:

• Voice services: DTAC offers various voice services, including local and international voice calls, conference calls, and voice messaging.
• Data services: DTAC provides high-speed mobile data services to its customers, including 3G, and 4G/LTE connectivity. The company also offers various data packages, including unlimited and add-on data plans.
• Messaging services: DTAC offers both SMS and MMS messaging services, allowing customers to send text messages, pictures, and videos to other DTAC customers or to customers on other networks.
• Roaming services: DTAC offers international roaming services, allowing customers to use their DTAC mobile services when traveling abroad. The company has partnerships with over 200 mobile network operators in over 100 countries worldwide.
• Business services: DTAC provides various mobile services to businesses, including mobile data and voice solutions, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication services, and mobile device management (MDM) solutions.

III. DTAC Coverage in Thailand

DTAC has comprehensive network coverage nationwide. The company operates on 4G/LTE networks and is currently working on rolling out its 5G network in Thailand.

DTAC’s network coverage covers over 90% of Thailand’s population, covering all 77 provinces. The company has invested heavily in expanding its network infrastructure to provide customers with high-quality, reliable mobile services.

DTAC’s network coverage is particularly strong in urban areas, including Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand. The company has also made significant efforts to expand its coverage in rural areas, where mobile services may be less accessible.

DTAC’s network coverage is complemented by its extensive network of retail stores and service centers across Thailand. The company has more than 7,000 retail stores and service centers, making it easy for customers to access its services and support anywhere in the country.

IV. Top DTAC eSIM for Tourists

Discover top most popular DTAC eSIMs for tourists:

*Prices updated in 2024

1. SIM Kongkrapan

Pay once and enjoy months of smooth communication with unlimited data and free calls, starting at only 113 baht/month. 

Kongkrapan SIM 15 Mbps (540 THB)

• Validity: 3 months
• Unlimited data 15 Mbps with no speed drop.
• Free call to all networks (60 min/month).

Kongkrapan SIM 15 Mbps (940 THB)

• Validity: 6 months
• Unlimited data 15 Mbps with no speed drop.
• Free call to all networks (60 min/month).

Kongkrapan SIM 15 Mbps (1600 THB)

• Validity: 12 months
• Unlimited data 15 Mbps with no speed drop.
• Free call to DTAC numbers 24 hours (15 mins/call)
• Free call to all networks (60 min/month).

Tips: Kongkrapan plans are the best option for those who are on business trips within 3-12 months. 

2. Dtac Gaming SIM

Don’t miss it if you’re a real gamer! Surf unlimited data while earning cashback and a game top-up code valued at 4,100 baht.

Gaming SIM 30-day (399 THB)

• Validity: 30 days
• Unlimited data at maximum speed 100 Mbps internet lane.
• 50% cashback bonus for every ‘Pay via dtac’, up to 299 THB/month (billing cut-off every 1st each month).
• Free 50 THB Gaming Nation voucher. 

Gaming SIM 12-month (2549 THB)

• Validity: 12 months
• Unlimited data at maximum speed 100 Mbps internet lane.
• 50% cashback bonus for every ‘Pay via dtac’, up to 299 THB/month (billing cut-off every 1st each month).
• Free 50 THB Gaming Nation voucher, up to 12 codes. 

Tips: If you’re a big gaming fan, it will be the best-valued option for you. 

3. Tourist eSIM

eSIM for short day trips is the best SIM option for tourists. DTAC offers Happy Tourist eSIM with 2 plans:

Happy Tourist 299 eSIM 

• Price: 299 THB
• Validity: 8 days
• 15GB at max speed.
• 15 Baht free call credit.
• Unlimited calls among the DTAC network.
• Free 5 chat apps usage for 8 days

Happy Tourist 599 eSIM 

• Price: 599 THB
• Validity: 15 days
• 30GB at max speed.
• 15 Baht free call credit.
• Unlimited calls among the DTAC network.
• Free 5 chat apps usage for 15 days

Tips: Happy Tourist will be the most suitable plan for most travelers. If you are planning to visit Thailand in a few days, it’s highly recommended to choose Happy Tourist eSIM from DTAC. 

V. Top DTAC SIM Cards for Tourists

DTAC offers special SIM plans for tourists with the same benefits and different data and prices. You can check out detailed prices and description here: https://www.dtac.co.th/en/prepaid/products/tourist-sim.html

10-day Unlimited Internet 30GB at Max Speed (349 Baht):

• Unlimited internet 50GB at 4G/5G max speed
• Free 15-baht call credit
• Free 100 mins for calls in Thailand and Free 30 mins for calls to China, HongKong, Macau, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Vietnam
• Unlimited calls among dtac network
• Special international call rate via 00400
• Free 5 chat apps usage

15-day Unlimited Internet 30GB at Max Speed (599 Baht):

• Unlimited internet 50GB at 4G/5G max speed
• Free 15-baht call credit
• Unlimited calls among dtac network
• Special international call rate via 00400
• Free 5 chat apps usage for 15 days

8-day Unlimited Internet 15GB at Max Speed (299 Baht):

• Unlimited internet 15GB at 4G/5G max speed
• Free 15-baht call credit + 100-baht for calling to other networks in Thailand
• Unlimited calls among dtac network
• Special international call rate via 00400
• Free 5 chat apps usage

Pay-As-You-Go (49 Baht)

• Free 15-baht call credit
• Unlimited calls among dtac network
• Special international call rate via 00400
• Free 5 chat apps usage for 1 day

Besides, recently dtac also offers various TRUE unlimited data and long validity plans. You can refer to some plans below:

• dtac Happy Infinite SIM – 8-days Unlimited Internet & Call (449 baht)
• dtac Happy Infinite SIM – 15-days Unlimited Internet & Call (699 baht)
• dtac Happy Infinite SIM – 30-days Unlimited Internet & Call (1199 baht)

Both 3 SIM plans above include same benefits as below:

• Unlimited 5G at MAX SPEED
• Unlimited call to all Thai networks
• Unlimited dtac wifi
• Free 15-baht credit

*Prices updated in April 2024

VI. How Much Does DTAC SIM Cards Cost?

DTAC offers a variety of SIM cards with different pricing and plans to cater to different customer needs. Here is an overview of the cost of DTAC SIM cards:

• Prepaid SIM Cards: DTAC offers prepaid SIM cards with different pricing options, from as low as 49 baht (approximately $1.50) to as high as 599 baht (approximately $19). These SIM cards come with different data and voice plans, ranging from basic to unlimited.
• Postpaid SIM Cards: DTAC offers postpaid SIM cards with different pricing plans, from 299 baht (approximately $9.50) to 2,499 baht (approximately $80) monthly. Depending on the customer’s needs, these plans come with different data and voice allowances.
• Tourist SIM Cards: DTAC also offers tourist SIM cards for visitors to Thailand, with prices ranging from 299 baht (approximately $9.50) to 599 baht (approximately $19). These SIM cards come with different data, voice plans, and value-added services, such as airport pickup and delivery.
• Data-Only SIM Cards: DTAC also offers data-only SIM cards for customers requiring mobile data services. These SIM cards come with different data plans, ranging from 1 GB to 60 GB, with prices starting from 99 baht (approximately $3) to 999 baht (approximately $32).
• DTAC eSIM: eSIM has more varied prices because the eSIM data plans are often customized with various data and prices by the eSIM providers. The DTAC eSIM prices will be between 99 baht to 599 baht. For long-term usage, it can be up to 2500 baht and more.

Note: It’s important to note that prices and plans may vary depending on the current promotions and offers from DTAC. Customers can visit DTAC’s website or retail stores for the latest pricing and plan information.

VII. Calls and SMS Rate of DTAC in Thailand

DTAC’s calls and SMS rates are often based on your SIM plans. The rates often are among the following:

Calls	SMS	MMS	Data	Wifi
1 Baht/Min	2 Baht/SMS	5 Baht/MMS	1.5 Baht/MB	1 Baht/Min

VIII. DTAC Roaming Rates

You can check the detailed roaming charges at: https://www.dtac.co.th/en/ir

The service provider would like to adjust service fee rates when roaming in the following destinations:

• Faroe Islands: call receiving rate from 29 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute
• Indonesia: call receiving rate from 36 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute
• Japan: call receiving rate from 25 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute
• Laos: call to Thailand rate from 31 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute and call receiving rate from 26 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute
• Malaysia: call receiving rate from 28 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute
• Myanmar: call to Thailand rate from 30 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute and call receiving rate from 30 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute
• Norway: call receiving rate from 27 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute
• Philippines: call receiving rate from 37 Baht/Minute to 38 Baht/Minute

IX. How to Top up Your DTAC SIM

There are several ways to top up your DTAC SIM card in Thailand. Here are some of the most common methods:

• DTAC top-up cards: DTAC top-up cards are available at most retail stores and service centers in Thailand. Customers can scratch off the silver panel on the card to reveal a unique code, which they can enter into their phone to add credit to their DTAC account. To top up your DTAC SIM card, dial *101*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456789, you would dial *101*123456789#.
• Online top-up: Customers can also top up their DTAC SIM card online through the company’s website or mobile app. This option requires a credit or debit card and allows customers to top up their accounts from anywhere.
• Mobile banking: Customers can also use mobile banking services offered by their bank to top up their DTAC account. This option requires a registered bank account and may incur additional fees.
• ATMs: Some ATMs in Thailand allow customers to top up their DTAC accounts. Customers can select the DTAC top-up option and enter their phone number to add credit to their account.
• Convenience stores: Many convenience stores in Thailand, such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart, offer top-up services for DTAC SIM cards. Customers can provide their phone number and the amount they wish to top up to the store clerk, who will then add credit to their account.

It’s important to note that some top-up methods may require additional fees or have minimum and maximum top-up amounts. Customers should check with their service provider or the top-up vendor for more information on fees and restrictions.

The following (online) Dtac top-ups are available:

Top-Up	Channels
20 THB	Online & POS
30 THB	Online & POS
50 THB	Online, POS & Voucher
100 THB	Online, POS & Voucher
150 THB	POS
200 THB	Online, POS & Voucher
250 THB	POS
300 THB	Online, POS & Voucher
350 THB	POS
400 THB	Online & POS
450 THB	POS
500 THB	Online, POS & Voucher
550 THB	POS
600 THB	POS
650 THB	POS
700 THB	POS
750 THB	POS
800 THB	Online, POS & Voucher
850 THB	POS
900 THB	POS
950 THB	Online, POS & Voucher
1000 THB	Online
1100 THB	POS
1200 THB	POS
1300 THB	POS
1400 THB	POS
1500 THB	POS

X. How to Check DTAC Balance – All DTAC USSD Codes that You Need to Know

Here are the instructions on how to check DTAC balance usage and other USSD codes when using DTAC services:

XI. Where to Buy DTAC SIM Card and eSIM?

As a traveler to Thailand, you will have many ways to purchase a DTAC eSIM or SIM card to stay connected during the trip. 

1. Where to Buy DTAC SIM Card?

DTAC SIM cards can be purchased at various locations in Thailand, including:

• DTAC retail stores: DTAC has over 7,000 retail stores and service centers across Thailand, where customers can purchase DTAC SIM cards and other mobile services.
• Airports: DTAC SIM cards are available for purchase at most airports in Thailand, including
  • Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
  • Chiang Rai – Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
  • Don Mueang – Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
  • Phuket – Phuket International Airport (HKT)
  • Samui – Samui Airport (USM)
• Convenience stores: DTAC SIM cards can be found at most convenience stores in Thailand, such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Tesco Lotus Express.
• Online: Customers can purchase DTAC SIM cards through the company’s website or third-party e-commerce platforms, such as Lazada and Shopee.

2. Where to Buy DTAC eSIM?

DTAC eSIMs can be purchased through several channels, including:

• DTAC website: You can purchase a DTAC eSIM through the DTAC website by following the instructions on their eSIM page.
• DTAC stores: DTAC eSIMs are available at DTAC stores. You can find the nearest store by visiting the DTAC website or using their mobile app.
• Online marketplaces: Some online marketplaces in Thailand sell DTAC eSIMs, such as Lazada or Shopee.
• Airport counters: If you are arriving in Thailand by air, you can purchase a DTAC eSIM at the DTAC counter at the airport.
• eSIM providers: Many eSIM providers offer Thailand DTAC eSIM with many customized options and reasonable prices. You can refer to ThailandeSIM, one of the best Thailand eSIM providers, which offers various eSIM plans under DTAC network coverage.

XII. DTAC Mobile Operator Pros and Cons

DTAC has its own pros and cons. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using DTAC:

1. Pros

• Network coverage: DTAC has a wide network coverage across Thailand, including rural and remote areas, providing reliable customer connectivity in even the most challenging locations.
• Innovative services: DTAC strongly focuses on innovation, regularly launching new services and features to meet customers’ evolving needs. The company was the first to launch 3G services in Thailand and plans to launch 5G services soon.
• Value-added services: DTAC offers various value-added services, such as digital content, entertainment, and lifestyle products. These include access to music streaming services, video streaming services, and gaming apps, providing customers additional benefits and perks.
• Corporate social responsibility: DTAC is committed to giving back to the community through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company has launched several programs to support education, healthcare, and the environment of Thai society.

2. Cons

• Pricing: DTAC’s mobile services can be relatively expensive compared to other mobile network operators in Thailand, especially for customers who require a lot of data or voice usage.
• Limited international coverage: While DTAC offers international roaming services, its coverage in some countries may be limited or unavailable, which can be inconvenient for customers who frequently travel abroad.
• Customer service: Some customers have reported issues with DTAC’s customer service, including long wait times and difficulty getting issues resolved.
• Data speeds: While DTAC’s network coverage is comprehensive, some customers have reported slow data speeds, particularly during peak usage.

DTAC is a strong mobile network operator in Thailand, with comprehensive network coverage and innovative services. However, customers should consider the pricing and customer service concerns before choosing DTAC as their mobile operator.

XIII. DTAC vs Other Thailand Mobile Operators

According to OpenSignal statistics from May 2022, the only area in which DTAC wins entirely in this study is Core Consistent Quality, where it received an 86.5% score while placing last for Excellent Consistent Quality. 

This indicates that in 86.5% of customers’ testing, DTAC passed the minimum suggested performance standards for lower-performance applications, including SD video, phone calls, and web surfing. DTAC had a commanding advantage of 5.1 points over AIS in third place and 2.1 points over the runner-up TrueMove H.

XIV. DTAC SIM Card Alternatives for Tourists

In addition to DTAC SIM cards, other SIM card alternatives are available for tourists visiting Thailand. Here are some popular options:

• AIS SIM Card: AIS (Advanced Info Service) is another popular mobile operator in Thailand, offering tourists a range of SIM card options. Their SIM cards can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, and online, and they offer a variety of data plans to suit different needs and budgets.
• TrueMove H SIM Card: TrueMove H is a mobile operator in Thailand that offers SIM cards for tourists, with options for prepaid and postpaid plans. Their SIM cards can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, and online, and they offer a range of data plans to suit different needs.
• 7-Eleven SIM Card: Convenience store chain 7-Eleven offers its own SIM card for tourists visiting Thailand. The SIM card can be purchased at any 7-Eleven store and offers various data plans, with the option to top up credit in-store or online.

While DTAC SIM cards are a popular option for tourists visiting Thailand, other alternatives exist, including eSIMs. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card embedded within a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Here are some reasons why eSIMs can be a great alternative for tourists in Thailand:

• Convenience: With an eSIM, there is no need to physically insert a SIM card into your phone or worry about losing it. Instead, the eSIM is embedded within the device and can be activated remotely, making it easy and convenient.
• Flexibility: Unlike traditional SIM cards tied to a specific carrier or plan, eSIMs allow you to switch carriers or plans more easily. This can be particularly useful for tourists wanting to switch to a different carrier or plan depending on their location or needs.
• Coverage: With an eSIM, you can access multiple networks and carriers, improving your coverage and connectivity in areas with weaker signals.
• Environmentally friendly: Using an eSIM can also be more environmentally friendly, as it eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, which can contribute to e-waste.

Check out eSIM compatible device list. 

15. Final Words

In conclusion, the emergence of eSIM technology has significantly impacted the telecommunications industry, particularly in mobile network services. DTAC, one of Thailand’s leading mobile network providers, has embraced eSIM technology and is offering its customers the convenience of having a digital SIM card rather than a physical one.

While traditional SIM cards have been around for decades and have served us well, the advent of eSIM technology presents numerous advantages, including greater flexibility, convenience, and security. As technology continues to evolve, eSIM technology will likely become more prevalent, and more mobile network providers will follow DTAC’s lead in offering this option to their customers.

16. FAQs