Getting a Thai SIM is one of the first practical tasks when you arrive in Phuket, and it's genuinely simple. But the choice between networks matters more than people expect — especially if you live in a hillside villa in Rawai or Kamala, where coverage can vary significantly between AIS and True.
Here's what six years of living here (and three network changes) has taught me.
Key Facts — Mobile in Phuket 2026
- Three main networks: AIS (most coverage), True Move H (NT merger), DTAC (now NT)
- Tourist SIM at airport: ฿299–฿599, 8–30 days unlimited data
- Monthly long-term plan: ฿299–฿699/month unlimited (with speed cap after high-speed data)
- AIS is the strongest for Rawai, Chalong, hillside areas and rural roads
- True/NT stronger in some Bang Tao/Laguna and Phuket Town central areas
- 5G available in Phuket Town and Central Festival on AIS and True
- eSIM (iPhone 14+ or Google Pixel compatible) available from AIS and True
- All SIMs require passport — no Thai ID/visa required for prepaid
The Three Networks — Quick Assessment
Thailand's largest network. Strongest coverage in Phuket, especially in hillside areas, rural roads (Route 4028 to Rawai, the back roads to Kamala), and coastal areas. The most popular choice among long-term Phuket residents.
Merged with DTAC into NT Group but still operates as True Move H brand. Strong in Bang Tao/Laguna complex, Phuket Town centre, and beach resort areas. Good 4G speeds in urban Phuket. Slightly weaker in rural/hillside locations.
DTAC merged into National Telecom (NT) in 2023. Budget-friendly monthly plans, decent coverage in main areas, but falls behind AIS and True Move H in remote/hillside areas of Phuket. Good secondary SIM option.
Plan Comparison — 2026 Pricing
| Plan Type | AIS | True Move H | NT (DTAC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM (7 days) | ฿299 — 30GB 5G/4G + unlimited throttled | ฿299 — 30GB + unlimited | ฿249 — 15GB + unlimited |
| Tourist SIM (30 days) | ฿599 — 50GB + unlimited | ฿549 — 50GB + unlimited | ฿449 — 30GB + unlimited |
| Monthly rolling (budget) | ฿299/mo — 30GB + unlimited throttled | ฿299/mo — 30GB + unlimited | ฿249/mo — 20GB + unlimited |
| Monthly rolling (standard) | ฿599/mo — 100GB 5G + unlimited | ฿549/mo — 80GB + unlimited | ฿449/mo — 60GB + unlimited |
| Monthly rolling (premium) | ฿699/mo — Unlimited 5G (no cap) | ฿649/mo — Unlimited 5G | ฿549/mo — Unlimited |
| International calls add-on | ฿100–฿299/mo | ฿100–฿299/mo | ฿100–฿249/mo |
| eSIM available | Yes (AIS app) | Yes (True app) | Limited |
Coverage by Phuket Area
| Area | AIS | True Move H | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Town | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5G available from both in town centre |
| Patong | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent everywhere |
| Bang Tao/Laguna | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | True slightly better inside Laguna complex |
| Rawai/Nai Harn | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | AIS notably better on beachfront + hillside |
| Chalong | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Both strong; AIS better on Chao Fa West |
| Kata/Karon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Both good at beach level |
| Kamala/Surin | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | AIS better in hillside villas above Kamala |
| Cherng Talay/Thalang | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Both good on main roads; rural roads AIS better |
Getting a SIM on Arrival
At Phuket Airport (HKT): All three operators have counters in the arrivals hall before you exit customs. Prices are slightly higher than in-town shops but the convenience is worth it on arrival day. For a tourist plan, ฿299–฿599 gets you set up immediately. Bring your passport.
At Central Festival Phuket: AIS, True, and NT all have full service shops on the ground floor. Staff can help with plan upgrades, eSIM setup, and bill payment. English-speaking staff at AIS is generally good; True varies by staff member.
At any 7-Eleven: Basic AIS and True top-up vouchers available at every 7-Eleven. Good for topping up an existing SIM — not for new SIM purchases.
Managing Your SIM Long-Term
- AIS My App: Full English interface, plan management, auto-renewal, usage tracking. Download before you arrive.
- True App (My True): English available, similar functionality to AIS My App.
- Bank debit auto-renewal: Link your SIM plan to a KBank or Bangkok Bank account for automatic monthly renewal. Most reliable method.
- SIM deactivation risk: If you travel internationally for more than 30 days without renewal, your SIM may deactivate. Set a reminder or use auto-renewal to avoid this.
- Number porting: You can keep your Thai number if you switch networks (MNP — Mobile Number Portability). Process takes 1–3 business days at an operator shop.
WhatsApp & LINE — The Essential Apps
In Phuket, LINE is the dominant messaging app for Thai contacts, local businesses, and landlords. WhatsApp is widely used among expats and international contacts. Set up both on arrival — most housing agents, vendors, and services operate primarily via LINE.
For voice calls, WhatsApp and LINE calls work excellently on Thai data plans. International calling from a Thai number works but is expensive on standard rates — use the international add-on plan (฿100–฿299/month) if you call home regularly.
New to Phuket? Start with the Basics Right
SIM, bank account, visa — our complete first 30 days guide covers everything in the right order.
First 30 Days Guide