How to Get Internet in Thailand Without Roaming Fees

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Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination in Southeast Asia, and for good reason. With its stunning beaches, magnificent temples, rich culture, and delectable cuisine, it’s a top choice for travelers. If you’re planning your next adventure to this country and wondering how to have internet in Thailand, this guide offers several options to consider.

While disconnecting during vacation is always preferable, sometimes we need to have internet while traveling to help us search for information about places to visit, use Google Maps, and a thousand other reasons. However, using your regular mobile data plan in Thailand can be expensive. That’s why we always use the Holafly eSIM card, which is easy to install and offers unlimited data at an affordable price. Plus, we can provide you with some tips on how to get a discount on Holafly cards to help you save money.

If your mobile phone isn’t compatible with Holafly, you can use a SIM card from SimOptions. These SIM cards can be delivered to your home, allowing you to prepare your device for use before your trip. But there are many other options available, and the best way to get internet in Thailand for you might be different. In this article, I’ll explain all your options, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Roaming in Thailand

Roaming is a service that allows you to use your mobile phone in Thailand in the same way as you do in your home country, thanks to agreements between your mobile provider and Thai internet and telecommunications companies. While this service is convenient, it often comes with high costs. For me, it doesn’t make sense to pay so much money for the same service that I can get at a lower price, for example, using the Holafly eSIM.

Roaming in Thailand

Keep in mind that roaming is usually enabled by default on your phone. If you don’t want any surprises on your bill when you return from Thailand, remember to deactivate it before embarking on your adventure. If you can’t find the option in your device settings, you can always call your mobile provider’s customer service and ask for more information about roaming in Thailand.

How to have internet in Thailand

If having a reliable internet connection while traveling is a priority for you, there are several ways to access the internet in Thailand. While we always opt for the Holafly eSIM, there are other alternatives to consider. In the next section, I’ll provide a detailed explanation of each option, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Holafly eSIM Card, the best way to have internet in Thailand

Without a doubt, the Holafly eSIM is the best solution for accessing the internet in Thailand. This digital SIM card eliminates the need to remove your local SIM, which saves you from dealing with potential problems such as damaging or losing your original SIM card while traveling. If your device lacks a dual SIM card slot, this option is ideal.

Plus, it’s very easy to install. All you need to do is scan a QR code that gets sent to your email after purchase to activate your mobile internet in Thailand. You can order it even while you’re already traveling, but I always recommend doing so a few days before your departure, so you can resolve any issues that may arise.

1. Holafly eSIM Card, the best way to have internet in Thailand

Holafly offers a wide range of plans with varying durations, so you don’t have to commit to longer plans that you won’t use later. Another big plus is that every plan comes with unlimited data. So, if you have to work remotely or have heavy social media usage, you won’t have any restrictions.

One of the significant advantages of Holafly is their 24/7 customer support via phone and chat, which is available no matter where you are. This level of support ensures peace of mind, especially if you, like me, need mobile internet abroad to continue your business affairs.

It’s important to note that not all mobile phones are compatible with digital SIM cards, so be sure to check your device’s compatibility using this link. That said, most modern smartphones work perfectly with this technology.

We’ve traveled to over 10 countries using Holafly eSIM cards, and we always had acceptable coverage, even in remote areas where local cards failed. Plus, the speed is impressive, which is crucial for our work. If you’re looking to save some money, I recommend taking advantage of our discount code for Holafly.

2. SimOptions SIM Card, a great alternative for having internet in Thailand

If your device is not eSIM-compatible or you prefer physical SIM cards, the SimOptions card is an excellent choice to ensure you have access to the internet in Thailand. What’s especially convenient is that you can complete the entire installation process at home before starting your journey.

You can order the SimOptions card through their website, and it will be delivered to your home within 72 business hours. 

To install it on your device, simply remove your local SIM card and insert the new one or place it in your phone’s extra slot if you have a dual SIM card slot. You’ll be up and running with your data in just a few minutes. If you have any questions or need assistance, their support team is available 24/7, ensuring that you always have a professional to assist you.

However, there is one caveat: SimOptions offers a single data plan for Thailand, providing 10GB of data valid for 15 days. If this plan suits your needs, it’s certainly worth considering. Just remember that the Holafly eSIM offers unlimited data at a more affordable price.

3. Local SIM cards, the cheapest way to have internet in Thailand

Another common method to access Thailand’s internet is by purchasing a local SIM card. This is the cheapest alternative, and I recommend it if you’re on a tight budget. However, there are disadvantages and risks associated with this option that you should be aware of.

Firstly, you must wait until you’re in Thailand to purchase a local SIM card. This means you’ll need to spend time during your trip to visit a store, compare offers, set up the SIM card, etc. For longer stays in Thailand, this approach might be acceptable, but for shorter trips, it may not be the most convenient choice. If you’re like me and enjoy planning your trips in detail, you probably won’t want to spend your valuable time searching for the most affordable way to access the internet in Thailand when you could be exploring temples and markets.

Secondly, you need to be cautious when deciding where to purchase a SIM card for Thailand. There are many unauthorized and unlicensed vendors that sell used cards or cards with less data than advertised. If you choose this option, be sure to request an SMS confirming the available data before leaving the store.

And finally, these cards are typically activated via call or SMS in Thai, so I recommend asking for assistance from the salesperson to ensure everything is set up correctly before you leave.

The major Thai mobile internet providers are AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove, which offer competitive prices and a wide range of data plans to choose from. Among all the options, TrueMove is the only one that offers plans with unlimited data in Thailand.

4. Portable Wi-Fi, another option to have internet in Thailand

If you want to have internet in Thailand, you can purchase a portable Wi-Fi device, ensuring a reliable connection no matter where you are. We’ve used this mini router and it has always worked perfectly for us.

When we travel and need to work, this method is the most reliable and secure. The connection is encrypted, which protects our sensitive information and allows us to connect with our laptops. Plus, you can select from various plans, including some with unlimited data, and connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. So, it’s the perfect choice if you’re traveling in a group. 

While it’s true that the prices for portable Wi-Fi may be higher compared to other options I mentioned earlier, we cannot deny the benefits, especially if you plan to visit multiple countries and require internet access for work.

5. Wi-Fi network, a budget-friendly way to have internet in Thailand 

If staying connected isn’t a top priority and you only need to check messages or emails, public Wi-Fi networks may suffice for accessing the internet in Thailand. As you’re likely aware, you can often find free Wi-Fi in Thailand, especially in restaurants, shops, and some areas of cities, as well as in your accommodation. It’s a good option if you want to avoid additional expenses. However, it’s not a good approach to rely on this type of connection if you have important commitments or need good coverage and quick speeds.

5. Wi-Fi network, a budget-friendly way to have internet in Thailand 

Keep in mind that public Wi-Fi in Thailand is susceptible to information theft, so I don’t recommend logging into your bank account or entering sensitive passwords while connected. Additionally, you’ll lose internet access as soon as you leave the location, and some places may limit the amount of time or data you can use per day or device, such as certain airports.

How much does roaming cost in Thailand

Although there may be special offers or packages available for some customers, the typical cost of activating roaming in Thailand is around $12 or more per megabyte. Yes, you read that correctly! This service is extremely expensive, and you won’t know the exact cost until you return from your trip and receive the bill.

While the advantage of roaming is that you can keep your regular phone number, and you’ll never run out of mobile data, personally, I don’t recommend it. There are lots of other cost-effective alternatives available for having mobile internet in Thailand. Getting one of the best international SIM cards would be cheaper and more convenient.

How to stop your phone from roaming in Thailand

Keep in mind that roaming is typically activated by default on your mobile device when you travel. So, if you don’t want surprises on your phone bill, always remember to check and disable roaming settings before your trip.

How to stop your phone from roaming in Thailand

To do this, you’ll need to access your Data Roaming settings and ensure they are turned off. If you can’t find this option or want to be 100% sure, you can call your mobile carrier’s customer service for assistance. The same applies if you wish to activate roaming—they can give you the necessary instructions, information on its benefits, and how it works.

What is the best way to have internet in Thailand?

After reviewing all the ways to access the internet in Thailand, it’s time to select the option that best aligns with your preferences and the purpose of your trip. In my case, the Holafly SIM card provides everything I need: easy installation, a secure and fast connection, immediate internet access once I arrive in Thailand, and unlimited data. This is why we have chosen this service on our recent trips to over 10 countries, including Thailand.

If you believe this option suits your needs for your trip, make sure to use our Holafly discount code.

If your device isn’t compatible, you can always opt for the SimOptions card, which allows you to set up your phone in advance and focus solely on enjoying your trip once you arrive at your destination.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking the cheapest way to access the internet in Thailand and don’t mind the inconveniences associated with this option, you can choose one of the local SIM cards for Thailand.

And that wraps up everything you need to know about accessing mobile internet in Thailand. I hope this guide helps you find the best way to have unlimited data in Thailand. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Enjoy your trip!