A Traveler Guide to Buying Phuket SIM cards & eSIM

For those who are looking to stay connected in Phuket, the Land of Smiles, this traveler guide to buying Phuket SIM cards and eSIM should be their bible before travel. 

Are you planning to connect to the internet during your trip to Phuket, Thailand? In this article, we will provide information about Phuket sim cards and esim. You will learn how to connect to the internet at an affordable price using a data sim card or esim in Phuket, Thailand. This way, you can avoid expensive data roaming charges and stay connected throughout your trip.

Now, we will go into details to see why we give these advice:

I. Overall about physical Phuket Thailand SIM cards for tourists

1. Types of physical Thailand SIM cards in Phuket

There are several types of physical Phuket SIM cards available for purchase, including:

• Prepaid local SIM card: This is used by residents of Thailand and offers affordable voice and data packages with local mobile carriers such as DTAC, TrueMove H, and AIS.
• Prepaid SIM cards for tourists: These are designed for visitors to Thailand and typically include unlimited data usage, free international calls, and other features targeted to the needs of travelers.
• Data-only SIM card: This is used in devices like mobile hotspots or tablets that do not require voice or messaging capabilities.

2. What do you need to prepare to buy a SIM card as a tourist?

What documents are needed for tourists? According to Thai law, you need to show proof of your ID when purchasing a Thai SIM card. Additionally, depending on where and from whom you purchase the SIM, you may need to present either your passport or a photo of your ID card.

3. Phuket SIM card price

The service prices of mobile network companies in Thailand are relatively similar to each other. Regardless of which company you choose, the prices for the same data plan and validity period will be almost the same. 

For example, AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove all offer a package of unlimited data for 8 days at around 10 USD (approximately 300 baht)

4. Which SIM card is the best in Phuket?

There are three major mobile network operators in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, where tourists can purchase SIM cards. These are DTAC, TrueMove H, and AIS. 

It is said that TrueMove and AIS have good coverage throughout Thailand, including both urban and rural areas, while DTAC has good coverage in most major cities such as Bangkok and Phuket. However, DTAC is slightly cheaper in comparison to the others.

II. Phuket travel data eSIM for tourists (virtual or digital SIM)

1. What is Phuket eSIM?

eSIM is a type of SIM card that is built into mobile devices digitally. For visitors to Phuket, eSIM can be a hassle-free alternative since it enables mobile service activation without needing to insert a physical SIM card. 

Several mobile network carriers in Thailand provide eSIM services to tourists, which permit them to make calls, send texts, and access the internet while on vacation. 

The majority of tourists to Phuket opt for an eSIM with a data plan, as it allows them to stay connected with loved ones while still cutting costs.

2. Types and features of Bangkok eSIM

Thailand’s eSIM has two types based on function: 

• Data eSIM for internet access only, and 
• Voice, Text and Data eSIM for both analog calls, SMS, and internet access. 

Here are some of the main features of Thailand’s Data eSIM:

• Most Data eSIMs in Thailand don’t have a Thai phone number, so you can’t make analog phone calls or texts with them, but you can use apps for that purpose. 
• Once you install the eSIM, it will automatically connect to the supported mobile network, providing instant internet access.
• An eSIM can be installed only once, so if you remove it, you won’t be able to set it up again on any other mobile device. However, some providers offer eSIMs that can be re-installed once the old one is removed, and their validity remains unchanged.
• You can add multiple eSIM profiles to your phone, depending on the phone’s memory storage. However, only one eSIM can be activated at a time, and it’s recommended to have a maximum of three eSIMs on a phone to optimize its performance.
• When you use up your data, you’ll need to buy a new data plan or top-up, depending on the eSIM provider.

III. Where to buy Thailand SIM for Phuket as a tourist?

Finding a SIM card for Thailand is easy in Phuket. There are 4 options available:

1. Buying upon arrival at Phuket International Airport
2. Buying at large shopping malls
3. Buying at convenience stores
4. Buying online

Similarly, getting a SIM card for Thailand in Phuket is also convenient. You can purchase one almost anywhere in the city. Here are 04 popular ways to find a Thailand SIM card in Phuket:

1. Buy at Phuket International Airport

When you arrive at Phuket International Airport (HKT), exit the baggage claim area to find the sim card stand where you can purchase sim packages. You can choose the plan that best suits your travel duration and needs from the many options available. Remember to keep your passport and visa (if required for travel) on hand for SIM card registration.

If you need to exchange money to buy sim cards, there are several exchange shops at the airport. However, it’s recommended to exchange only the necessary amount because the exchange rate outside the airport is much higher. 

Along the way, you will also come across many tour offices where you can rent cars, book tours, internal flight tickets, and hotels. These shops are located side by side, making it easy for you to compare prices.

Pros:

• Easy and convenient since you have your passport ready on hand.
• Service-oriented staff can speak English and guide you through the installation process.
• You have access to the internet right after landing.

Cons:

• It’s more expensive than other places.
• The data plans are not varied.

► You can see a step-by-step guide for tourists to buy (e)SIM card at Phuket airport (HKT)

2. Buy at convenience stores

You can purchase Thailand tourist sim cards at most well-known convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Tesco Lotus, Big C, and Telco counters. The most popular convenience store chain in Thailand is 7-Eleven. To purchase a SIM card in Thailand as a tourist, you will need your passport, Thai currency, and an unlocked phone.

Once you’re inside the store, you can choose the data plan that suits your needs. For example, you can select the 5G sim card from TrueMove provider, which costs 49 Baht. However, if you wish to make calls, you will need to top up some money.

 Pros:

• Cheaper price
• Various data plans

Cons:

• Staff may not communicate with you
• Staff have no time to guide you because the line can be quite long

3. Buy at large shopping malls 

You can buy Thailand sim cards at large shopping malls, such as Central Festival Phuket. Walk around, you will see the official stores of three big mobile operators (TrueMove H, AIS, DTAC). Carefully compare the offers and make your final choice.

Pros: 

• Staff can speak English as well so they can guide you through the installation
• Good service

Cons: 

• Don’t have internet right after landing

4. Buy Thailand SIM for Phuket online

After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is to wait in a long line to get a sim card and potentially have difficulty communicating which plan is most suitable for you. You may end up purchasing something that does not meet your needs. That’s why you should consider buying online, as it gives you time to evaluate and compare the details between plans and purchase the right one with ease.

With this method, you can buy the sim card online and pick it up at the counter at Phuket International Airport. It’s that simple!

IV. Must-know tips for tourists to staying online in Phuket

1. Free Wi-Fi in Phuket

Phuket has a well-developed and relatively fast internet infrastructure. In general, internet connectivity in Phuket is good, and most hotels, cafes, restaurants and public parks, transportation hubs like airports and train stations offer free Wi-Fi to tourists. 

Internet cafes can be found all over Phuket which provide Internet access for tourists and locals. Rates are reasonable, from 30 to 150 Baht per hour, depending on type of establishment or speed of connection. Some charge by the minute and have a minimum charge (often from 10 to 15 minutes) while others may charge by hour.

The quality and availability of internet access for Phuket hotels can differ depending on their location and price range. Certain hotels may offer internet access within the rooms or Wi-Fi coverage throughout their premises.

Cafes and restaurants in Phuket often furnish free Wi-Fi access to customers, facilitating tourists in staying connected while relishing local delicacies. Nonetheless, the internet quality may fluctuate depending on the venue, and some may impose constraints such as limits on time or data usage.

There are a few Wi-Fi hotspots in Phuket island, which allow you to stay connected if you have a supported mobile device. These are:

a. Patong Area

► Hotels, resorts, guesthouses

Name	Location
Absolute Ceylon Pub	Jungceylon, Rat-U-Thit Road
Absolute Seapearl Beach Resort	Thaweewong Road
Amanta House Boutique Hotel	Beach Road
Aqua Guesthouse	Paradise Complex, Rat-U-Thit Rd.
Baan Yin Dee	Muean Ngen Road
Bel Aire Resort Phuket	Sainamyen Road
Burasari Resort	Soi Ruam Jai
Connect Guesthouse	Paradise Complex, Rat-U-Thit Road
Faulty Towers Inn	Soi Sunset
Holiday Inn Phuket	Thaweewong Road
K-Hotel	Rat-U-Thit Road
Leelawadee Boutique Hotel	Siriraj Road
Little Buddha Guesthouse	Nanai Road
Patong Paragon Hotel	Prabaramee Road
Royal Palm Resortel	Thaweewong Road
Royal Phawadee Village	Sawatdirak Road
Safari Beach Hotel	Thaweewong Road
Summer Breeze Hotel	Soi San Sabai
The Bird Cage- Patong Guesthouse	Rat-U-Thit Road
The Royal Paradise Hotel	Rat-U-Thit Road
Valhalla V Plaza	Soi Sunset
Villa del Mar	Beach Road
The Yorkshire Hotel	Soi Sansabai

► Restaurants and cafes

Name	Location
@beach food loft	Ocean Plaza, Beach Road
Bit’in Restaurant	Jungceylon
Coyote	Beach Road
Irish Times	Jungceylon, Rat-U-Thit Road
Jean Pierre Restaurant & Bar	Rat-U-Thit Road
Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppe	Aroonsom-Plaza, Rat-U-Thit Road
La Boucherie Restaurant	Sawatdirak Road
Molly Malone’s	Beach Road
MoMo Café	Courtyard by Marriott, Patong
Mai Thai Bar	Soi Eric
Nok & Chicken Sports Bar	Grand Condotel, Rat-U-Thit Road
Rio Music Bar and Grill	Soi Bangla
Scruffy Murphy’s	Soi Bangla
Subway	Beach Road
Thai Basecamp	Soi Paradise Inn
The Coffee Club	Jungceylon

b. Phuket city

► Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses

Name	Location
Bay Hotel	Sakdidej Road, Cape Panwa
Cape Panwa Hotel	Sakdidej Road, Cape Panwa
Deang Plaza Hotel	Montri Road
Metopole Phuket	Montri Road, Amphur Muang

► Restaurants and Cafes

Name	Location
B2S	Central Festival, Vichitsongkram Road
Chill Out	Ong Sim Phai Road
Coffee Max	Ranong Road
Eatzz	Dibuk Road
Juice Internet Cafe & Juice Bar	Phuket Road
Michael’s Bar	Takua Pa Road
Rockin Angels Jammin’ Cafe	Phang Nga Road
Siam Indigo	Yaowarat Road
Tea House	Yaowarat Road

c. Southern Phuket

► Hotels, Resorts and Guesthouses

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa	Ket Kwan Road, Kata
Angus @ O’Tool’s	Patak Road, Soi Islandia, Karon
Arfur @ O’Tool’s	Ket Kwan Road, Kata
Baan Kiki	Chaofa West Road, Chalong
Bougainvillea Hotel	Patak Road, Kata-Karon
Patak Road, Karon	Soi 10, Patak Road, Karon
Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa	Viset Road, Rawai
La Gondola Restaurant Guest House	Thaina Road, Kata Center
Kata Beach Spa Resort	95 Pakbang Road, Kata
Mom Tri’s Boathouse	Koktanode Road, Kata
Mom Tri’s Kitchen	Kata Noi Road, Kata
Mom Tri’s Oasis	Koktanode Road, Kata
Mom Tri’s Villa Royale	Kata Noi Road, Kata Noi
Nikita’s	Rawai Beach Road, Rawai
Pacific Club And Spa	Patak Road, Karon
Phuket Sport & Tennis Club	Soi Suksan 2, Viset Road, Rawai
Soi Suksan 2, Viset Road, Rawai	Kata Road, Kata
The Little Mermaid	Patak Road, Karon

► Restaurants and Cafes

Name	Location
Amazon Cafe	Chaofa West Road, Chalong
Anchor Bar and Restaurant	Thai Na Road, Kata
Ao Chalong Yacht Club	Soi Phon Chalong, Chalong
Australia Bar & Grill	Kata Night Plaza
Chalong Pier Beer Garden	Chalong Pier Road, Chalong
Dos Fringos	Chalong Pier Road, Chalong
DaVinci V Lounge	Soi Sai Yuen, Nai Harn
Happy Days	Chaofa West Road, Chalong
Jimmy’s Lighthouse	Chalong Pier, Chalong
Kan Eang@pier	Chalong Pier, Chalong
Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppe	Fisherman Way Park
Locanda Restaurant	Patak Road, Kata-Karon
The Coffee and Sandwich Shop	Soi Casa Del Sol, Kata Road, Kata

d. Northern Phuket

► Hotels, resorts and guesthouses

Name	Location
Kamala Bay Garden Resort	Kamala Beach Road, Kamala
Laguna Phuket	Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay
The Residence Kalim Bay	Phrabaramee 5 Road, Kalim

► Restaurants and Cafes in Northern Phuket

Name	Location
Deli De Luca	Boat Lagoon Marina
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach	Mai Khao, Talang
Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppe	Laguna Cherngtalay
Lady Pie	Boat Lagoon Marina
Lambert Brothers	Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay
Les Anges	Royal Phuket Marina
Liquid Lounge Bar	Liquid Lounge Bar
MoMo Café	Courtyard by Marriott, Kamala
MoMo Café	Courtyard by Marriott, Surin
Red Cafe	Beach Road, Kamala
Red Cafe	Soi Policestation, Kamala
Skippers	Royal Phuket Marina
The Club	Kamala Beach Road, Kamala
The Coffee Club	Turtle Village, Mai Khao
Watermark Bar Restaurant	Boat Lagoon Marina

2. Restrictions on Internet use in Phuket, Thailand

The Thailand government restricts some parts of the Internet. The law applies mainly towards websites that do not follow the rules as well as regulations in Phuket or other destinations in Thailand. The websites typically blocked often contain any of the following criteria: 

• Lèse Majesté (which protects the Monarchy from defamation)
• The Sale Of Sex Toys
• Pornography
• Gambling-Related Content

However, this can be extended to social media accounts and services. Accessing such content will result in severe penalties.

3. Mobile data in Phuket

Mobile phone coverage is good in Phuket, Phi Phi island and neighboring islands in Thailand. As mentioned earlier, AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H are some of the prominent mobile operators in Phuket that propose mobile plans with diverse data allowances and speeds. Each operator has competitive mobile plans to suit the necessities of different users.

You can find detailed information about each of the mobile operators in Thailand here: DTAC, AIS, TrueMove H.

There are other providers, such as LINE Mobile and AIS Super Wifi, which are less well-known. When selecting a provider, it’s crucial to take into account your requirements for data, voice, and SMS services, as well as the validity period and cost of the SIM card. Each provider has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is advisable to conduct some research and compare plans before making a purchase.

4. Online services for tourists

Phuket has a wide range of online services available for travelers, including ride-hailing apps like Grab, food delivery apps, and online booking platforms for tours and attractions.

Grab, a ride-hailing application, is widely utilized in Phuket and can be downloaded for free in multiple languages. This makes it accessible to tourists who do not speak Thai. 

In addition to Grab, food delivery applications such as Foodpanda, GrabFood, and Line Man are popular in Thailand’s capital, providing visitors with convenient access to various local and international cuisines without having to leave their lodging. 

Online platforms for booking tours and attractions, such as Klook and GetYourGuide, are also favored in Phuket, enabling travelers to book and pay for a wide array of activities, ranging from city tours to temple visits and cooking classes.

These platforms offer a range of options for different budgets and interests, and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

V. FAQs about Phuket SIM cards and eSIM