Getting a Thai SIM card is one of the first things you'll do in Phuket — and it's one of the easiest parts of your relocation. Thailand's mobile networks are excellent quality and very affordable by Western standards. Here's which provider to choose and the plans that make sense for long-term expats.
A Thai mobile number isn't just about phone calls. It's your gateway to Thai banking apps (K Plus, Bangkok Bank), LINE (the essential communication tool in Thailand), Grab, Bolt, food delivery, and dozens of services that require a local number to register. Get this sorted on Day 1.
The Three Main Providers
AIS has the strongest coverage across all of Phuket, including southern areas (Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong), mountain roads, and more remote spots. 5G is available in Bang Tao, Patong, and central Phuket. The AIS Fibre home broadband is also the most popular among expats. AIS customer service has English-speaking support. Their app (myAIS) is easy to use for top-ups and plan management.
True Move H (True's mobile brand) is strong in northern Phuket and the main commercial areas. They merged with DTAC in 2023, which has improved overall network quality. True Café locations across Phuket for easy account management. True also runs TrueVisions cable TV — some expats bundle both for a discount.
Following the True-DTAC merger, DTAC SIMs now operate on the combined True network. Coverage has improved significantly. DTAC SIMs are widely available and the pricing is competitive. A good choice if AIS SIMs are temporarily unavailable, but AIS remains our first recommendation for island-wide reliability.
Recommended Plans for Expats
| Plan Type | Provider | Price/Month | Data | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (30 days) | AIS/True/DTAC | 299–599 THB | 10–30GB | First month on arrival BUY AT AIRPORT |
| Monthly Unlimited* | AIS | 399–599 THB | Unlimited (15–30GB full speed) | Long-term expat daily use MOST POPULAR |
| Monthly Heavy Data | AIS / True | 599–799 THB | Unlimited (100GB+ full speed) | Work-from-home, video calls, streaming |
| Basic Monthly | Any | 199–299 THB | 5–10GB | Light users with home WiFi |
| Annual Prepaid | AIS | ~280 THB/month equiv. | Varies | Cost savings for settled expats |
*"Unlimited" in Thailand means full-speed data up to a threshold (15–100GB depending on plan), then reduced to 1–5Mbps. In practice, this is perfectly functional for most users even at reduced speed.
Many long-term Phuket expats run dual SIMs — AIS for primary use (best coverage) and a second True or DTAC SIM for backup. Modern smartphones support dual physical SIMs or a physical + eSIM combination. Total monthly cost: 600–900 THB for dual coverage. Especially useful if you work from home and can't afford connectivity gaps.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Phuket
✈️ Phuket Airport (HKT)
AIS, True, and DTAC counters in the arrivals hall. Open for all flights. Best for tourist SIMs on arrival. Prices slightly above street rates but very convenient. Get one here on Day 1.
🏪 Central Festival Mall
Full AIS, True, and DTAC shops on the main retail floor. English-speaking staff, full range of plans. Good for upgrading to a monthly expat plan. Central Phuket, near the junction.
🛒 Makro & Big C
SIM kiosks and small AIS/True/DTAC service points at major supermarkets. Quick top-ups and basic plan changes. Not for complex registrations but handy for existing customers.
📱 AIS / True Shops Island-wide
Standalone brand shops in Rawai, Bang Tao, Patong, Phuket Town, Chalong. English support varies. Bring your passport and current SIM. Best for plan changes, account issues, and SIM replacements.
Registering Your SIM Card
Thai law requires all SIM cards to be registered to a real identity. At the point of purchase, you'll need to provide your passport and have a photo taken. Tourist SIMs are registered to your tourist passport. Long-term expat SIMs are registered to your passport with visa documentation.
If you change phones or lose your SIM, your number can be transferred to a new SIM at any operator branch with your passport. Keep track of which passport your SIM is registered to — it matters for renewals.
eSIM Options for Phuket
eSIM is increasingly popular, especially for new arrivals who want connectivity before landing or on the way through Bangkok. AIS eSIM can be set up online and activated on arrival. You'll need an unlocked eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XR and later, most modern Android flagships).
International eSIM providers like Airalo offer Thailand data-only eSIMs but they don't include a Thai phone number — you'll still need a physical Thai SIM for the number (required for banking, LINE, and local services).
Getting Your First Week Right
SIM card is step one. Next: get your finances set up with Wise for fee-free transfers, and make sure your health insurance is in place before you explore the island.
See the Full Setup Guide →Why You Absolutely Need LINE
Once you have your Thai SIM, download LINE immediately. LINE is the dominant messaging app in Thailand — not WhatsApp. Your landlord communicates on LINE. Your Thai friends use LINE. Thai businesses use LINE Official Accounts. Your villa management communicates on LINE. The Phuket expat Facebook groups increasingly link to LINE groups.
WhatsApp works fine for international communication with people back home. But for daily life in Phuket — plumbers, doctors, car rental, service providers — LINE is the standard. Register with your Thai number and set up LINE Pay for convenient small payments.
Read our full Phuket internet and connectivity guide for home broadband options, VPN recommendations, and WiFi coverage across the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices and plan details are accurate as of March 2026 but may change. Always verify current plans at official provider stores or websites before purchasing.