Getting a Thai SIM and setting up your mobile data is one of the first things you'll do when you land in Phuket — and for most people, it's refreshingly straightforward. Thailand has excellent mobile infrastructure and genuinely competitive data plan pricing. Your phone bill in Phuket will almost certainly be less than half what you were paying back home.
Here's everything you need to know about mobile data plans, home internet, and staying connected as an expat in Phuket in 2026.
Quick Reference: Phone and Internet Costs in Phuket 2026
- SIM card (any carrier): 50–100 THB
- Basic prepaid data plan (10–15GB): 199–299 THB/month
- Mid-range plan (30–50GB): 299–499 THB/month
- Unlimited 4G/5G plan: 599–799 THB/month
- Home fibre (100–200Mbps): 590–799 THB/month
- Home fibre (1,000Mbps gigabit): 899–1,200 THB/month
- Best value for remote workers: AIS or True Move H unlimited plan
Thailand's Three Main Mobile Networks: AIS, DTAC / True Move H
Thailand has three main mobile networks operating in Phuket in 2026:
- AIS (Advanced Info Service): Thailand's largest network, with the most consistent coverage including rural and hillside areas. The go-to recommendation for expats who drive around the island a lot or work remotely.
- True Move H: Strong urban and suburban coverage in Phuket, particularly in Bang Tao, Laguna and Cherng Talay. DTAC merged with True in 2023, so both brands now operate on the same network infrastructure.
- DTAC / NTRUE: Now effectively the same network as True Move H following the 2023 merger, though still marketed separately for legacy customers.
For most expats in Phuket's main residential areas (Rawai, Bang Tao, Kamala, Chalong, Phuket Town), all three networks provide perfectly usable 4G and increasingly 5G. AIS edges ahead for reliability in more remote areas.
Mobile Data Plans in Phuket: What You'll Pay
| Plan Type | Data / Features | AIS (approx.) | True Move H (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget prepaid | 10GB / 30 days | 199 THB | 199 THB | Top-up at 7-Eleven |
| Standard | 30GB + 4G | 299 THB | 279 THB | Most popular for light users |
| Heavy data | 50GB + 4G | 399 THB | 379 THB | Good for streaming + work |
| Unlimited 4G | Unlimited (speed-managed) | 599 THB | 549 THB | After 30–50GB, speed may throttle |
| Unlimited 5G | Unlimited + 5G priority | 699–799 THB | 649–749 THB | Best for remote workers |
| Postpaid (contract) | Unlimited + benefits | 599–899 THB | 549–849 THB | Requires Thai address + passport |
Prices above are approximate monthly rates as of May 2026. Both AIS and True Move H regularly offer promotional deals — particularly for new customers and online sign-ups. It's worth checking their apps directly for current offers.
Getting a Thai SIM Card as a Foreigner
All Thai SIM cards require registration with a government ID. As a foreigner, you'll need your passport. The process is straightforward:
- Visit any AIS, True Move H or DTAC shop, or buy a prepaid SIM from 7-Eleven (prepaid top-up SIMs available without in-store registration at many 7-Elevens — activation done via app)
- Present your passport
- Choose your plan or start on prepaid
- Your SIM is active within minutes
For postpaid (monthly contract) plans, you'll also need a Thai address. If you don't have a permanent address yet, many carriers accept a hotel address initially or a letter from your landlord. It's flexible in practice.
Home Internet in Phuket: Fibre Broadband
Phuket has solid fibre broadband infrastructure in all major residential areas. The main home internet providers are AIS Fibre, True Online, and NT (formerly TOT — the state telecom). Almost all condos in Bang Tao, Rawai, Chalong, Kamala, and Phuket Town have fibre available.
Typical Fibre Packages (2026)
- 100Mbps download / 30Mbps upload: 590–699 THB/month
- 300Mbps / 100Mbps: 699–799 THB/month
- 1,000Mbps / 500Mbps (gigabit): 899–1,199 THB/month
- Installation fees are typically waived on 12-month contracts
- Most packages include a free router (though quality varies — an additional router investment often improves WiFi coverage in larger villas)
For remote workers and digital nomads: 300Mbps is entirely sufficient for video calls, streaming, and cloud work. Gigabit is overkill for most individuals but worth considering if multiple people are working from the same home.
Is your potential Phuket rental covered by fibre?
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Get in touch →Internet Quality for Remote Workers in Phuket
Phuket's internet quality has improved dramatically since 2020. For remote workers and digital nomads using Phuket coworking spaces, connectivity is no longer the concern it once was. Most residential condos and villas in the main expat areas have fibre installed, and 5G mobile data serves as a reliable backup.
The remaining weak spots: very remote hillside villas (particularly in the hills between Patong and Kamala, or far south of Rawai) may have less consistent speeds. Always test the internet at any property before signing a rental contract.
More Phuket Cost of Living Guides
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Open a Wise account free →Frequently Asked Questions: Phone and Internet in Phuket
How much does a SIM card and data plan cost in Phuket?
A SIM card costs 50–100 THB. Monthly data plans range from 199 THB (10GB prepaid) to 699–799 THB (unlimited 5G). A solid mid-range plan (30GB 4G) costs around 299 THB/month. All major carriers have good coverage in Phuket's main areas.
Which is the best mobile network in Phuket?
AIS has the most consistent island-wide coverage, including remote areas. True Move H is strong in Bang Tao and northern Phuket. For general expat use in main residential areas, all three are comparable. For remote workers or frequent travel around the island, AIS is recommended.
How much does home internet cost in Phuket?
Home fibre costs 590–799 THB/month for 100–300Mbps. Gigabit (1,000Mbps) is 899–1,200 THB/month. Most condos have fibre installed. Remote villas may need 4G backup solutions.
Do I need a Thai ID to get a SIM card in Phuket?
You need your passport. Prepaid SIMs are available at 7-Eleven and network shops. Post-paid contracts also require a Thai address. The process is simple and takes 10–15 minutes.
Is 5G available in Phuket?
Yes — 5G is available in Phuket Town, Patong, Bang Tao, and along major roads. AIS and True Move H have the most developed 5G networks. 4G LTE remains more consistent in less central areas.
Phone and internet costs in Phuket are genuinely one of the easier parts of the expat budget. For 600–1,500 THB/month total (mobile + home internet), you're well-connected. The Phuket cost calculator lets you factor this into your full monthly budget model alongside all your other living costs.