From incredible street food to its famous temples, Thailand is a popular international destination for Aussie travellers. If you're headed over to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket and want to stay connected then you'll want to check out one of these affordable mobile roaming plans.
For shorter trips or if you need your Australian number when in Thailand, roaming with an Australian provider is the better choice. For longer ones, we'd recommend getting a travel eSIM or a local SIM card instead. If you're not sure where to start, we've put together a quick round-up of all the best SIM cards, travel SIMs, and international roaming options available.
Before we start, here are the cheapest roaming plans from each postpaid telco featured in this guide:
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$58.00/mth
Min. cost $58
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Aussie Broadband
Saver 5G SIM Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
Link not supplied
|
Plus, here are the cheapest roaming plans with at least 28-day expiry from each prepaid telco featured:
|
#1
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#2
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Kogan Mobile
Small - 365 Day Flex Plan
$149.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
|
|
#4
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry
$199.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Buying a Thailand eSIM
If you have a phone with eSIM, travel eSIMs might be a better alternative to a traditional travel-friendly prepaid plan or SIM card.
For example, if you buy a travel eSIM for Thailand through Airalo, you can get yourself a 5GB plan with a 30-day expiry for $10.50. The SIM is data-only, however, which means you can't make phone calls. There are also several other options with a range of plan lengths and data inclusions.
Travel eSIMs are effectively prepaid as you pay upfront, and they don't renew automatically. If you go over your allowance, you won't be charged extra. Instead, your service will just stop working.
Airalo is one of our favourite eSIM providers that we've tested in our travels. Plans start at $6 for 1GB of data with a three-day expiry. While Airalo's cheapest plans are data-only, it also has options with talk and text.
Jetpac is another eSIM provider worth considering. If you run out of data on a Jetpac eSIM, you can still use WhatsApp, Uber, Grab, and Google Maps. Some Jetpac travel eSIMs have a unique perk where you can score free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. This is done by registering your flight in the Jetpac app and can be nice to have in emergencies. However, it's important to note that this provider's travel eSIMs don't come with any text or calls.
Last but not least, there's Saily. If you're after an eSIM travel plan that also lets you make phone calls, it might be a good option. This provider offers the ability to add a phone number for an extra USD$1 per month, which is relatively competitive when you compare it against the premium that comes attached to Airalo's eSIM plans that include calls and texts.Here's a look at travel eSIMs for Thailand from some of our favourite providers with at least 5GB and a seven-day expiry:
| Provider | Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $10.50 for 5GB with a seven-day expiry | View on Airalo |
| Jetpac | USD$6 for 5GB with a seven-day expiry | View on Jetpac |
| Saily | USD$7.99 for 5GB with a 30-day expiry | View on Saily |
For a longer trip, here's a look at plans with at least 10GB and a 14-day expiry minimum:
| Provider | Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $15.50 for 10GB with a 15-day expiry | View on Airalo |
| Jetpac | USD$25 for 10GB with a 30-day expiry | View on Jetpac |
| Saily | USD$18.99 for 10GB with a 30-day expiry | View on Saily |
It pays to be aware that most Thailand travel eSIM options are data-only. This means you won't be able to make calls or send text messages using any of the above travel eSIMs.
If you don't need the ability to make calls or send text messages (and you have a compatible device), the travel eSIM plans tend to be better value than what's offered by local providers.
Get a Thailand SIM card
Travelling for more than a week? It might be worth it to get a local Thailand SIM card. Even Vodafone's $5 per day roaming starts to add up when you're overseas for more than seven days.
Your Australian mobile phone will almost certainly be compatible with the networks used in Thailand, but you'll need to check it's unlocked before you put in a new SIM. In general, most smartphones these days aren't locked so you can readily switch to any SIM-only plan. If you opt for a local SIM, you'll also need to make sure your plan doesn't auto-renew and that the service is contract-free.
The easiest way to pick up a Thailand SIM card is at one of the following airports when you arrive:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok International Airport – BKK)
- Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
- Phuket International Airport (HKT)
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
- Krabi International Airport (KBV)
Remember you may need ID in order to make your purchase. The big three mobile operators in Thailand are AIS, True-Move, and DTAC.
AIS
AIS is a solid choice for travellers looking to sign up for a local SIM card in Thailand. Plans start at ฿49 for 1GB of data on a 30-day expiry, with unlimited calls to local numbers on the AIS network. While none of this provider's plans include much in the way of texts, they do come with data-free usage for popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and WeChat as well as social media like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
Here are AIS' Thailand plans:
| Price | Data | Talk | Texts | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ฿49 | 1GB | Unlimited to Thailand (AIS) + ฿100 international calls | N/A | 1 days |
| ฿399 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand (AIS) + ฿100 international calls | N/A | 5 days |
| ฿499 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand (AIS) + ฿100 international calls | N/A | 8 days |
| ฿699 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand (AIS) + ฿100 international calls | N/A | 15 days |
| ฿1199 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand (AIS) + ฿100 international calls | N/A | 30 days |
| ฿1599 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand (AIS) + ฿100 international calls | N/A | 60 days |
AIS SIM-only plans are contract-free, and should be easy to find when you land. Alternatively, you can buy an AIS eSIM through its website and download it straight to your phone. Just be wary that not every plan in the table above is available on an eSIM.
DTAC
If AIS doesn't have what you're after, DTAC is a solid second choice. Plans start at ฿349 for unlimited data and a 10-day expiry. While these local SIM cards don't come with data-free access to social media, they do include international calls to selected countries.
Here are DTAC's Thailand plans:
| Price | Data | Talk | Texts | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ฿349 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 10 days |
| ฿499 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand, Free 30 mins to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Vietnam | N/A | 8 days |
| ฿699 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand, Free 30 mins to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Vietnam | N/A | 15 days |
| ฿1199 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand, Free 30 mins to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Vietnam | N/A | 30 days |
As with AIS, DTAC's SIM-only plans are contract-free and relatively easy to track down at the airport. If you want to lock in your local SIM card ahead of time, you can always buy a DTAC eSIM through its website and download it straight to your phone.
True-Move
Back in 2023, DTAC and True-Move merged. The latter still has its own offers "Tourist" SIMS at a variety of price points, all of which have unlimited data and some of which come with an allowance of international call credit. Plans start at ฿349 for unlimited data and a 10-day expiry.
Here are True Move's Thailand plans:
| Price | Data | Talk | Texts | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ฿349 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 10 days |
| ฿499 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand, ฿100 International Call credit | N/A | 8 days |
| ฿699 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand, ฿100 International Call credit | N/A | 15 days |
| ฿1199 | Unlimited | Unlimited to Thailand, ฿100 International Call credit | N/A | 30 days |
As with its sibling brand, True Move's Tourism SIM plans are contract-free, and should be easy to find when you touch down in Thailand. If your phone has eSIM support, you can buy a True-Move eSIM through its website and download it straight to your phone ahead of time instead.
Roaming in Thailand with telco
For shorter trips, roaming with your telco can be a good option. It is also the only way to keep using your Australian number while abroad, which can be important if you're overseas for business rather than pleasure.
Below we've taken a look at the price per day and price per gigabyte for providers you can roam in Thailand with at a decent rate. We haven't looked at providers that are too expensive or only have pay-as-you-go options. Click on any provider's name to get more information about their roaming offer.
| Provider | Price per day | Price per gigabyte | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| felix mobile | $0.05 | $5 | Over 40 |
| Vodafone | $5 | N/A | Over 100 |
| Optus | $5 | $1 | Over 150 |
| Telstra | $5 | $2.50 | Over 80 |
| Belong | $2 | $10 | Over 45 |
| Aussie Broadband | $5 | $1 | Over 150 |
| Tangerine | Between $3.93 and $5 | Between $5.50 and $10 | Over 60 |
| More | Between $3.93 and $5 | Between $5.50 and $10 | Over 60 |
| Kogan | Between $6.43 and $10 | Between $9 and $12.50 | 30 |
| amaysim | Between $0.06 and $0.19 | Between $7.78 and $12.50 | Over 120 |
| Boost Mobile | Between $2.85 and $6.67 | Between $5.71 and $10 | Over 40 |
Roaming in Thailand with felix
- Price per day: $0.05
- Price per gigabyte: $5
felix mobile is a smaller provider with a great option for travellers: a $20 international roaming pack. This gets you 4GB of international data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes of talk with a one-year expiry. If you take advantage of public WiFi as much as you can while travelling, 4GB could even last your entire trip.
Here are felix's mobile plans:
|
#1
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#2
|
felix mobile
felix 50GB Mobile Plan
$35.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
felix mobile
felix Unlimited Mobile Plan
$40.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#4
|
felix mobile
felix Unlimited+ Mobile Plan
$50.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
felix is powered by the Vodafone network in Australia. felix's roaming isn't as broadly available as options from The Big Three: it works in around 40 destinations, which include Thailand.
Roaming in Thailand with Vodafone
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: N/A
Vodafone postpaid plans are an easy choice for heading overseas thanks to $5 roaming. For $5 per day, you can use your local inclusions overseas in over 100 countries — including Thailand. This means you don't have to worry about a separate overseas data allowance — your usage will work the same way it does in Australia.
The $5 per day charge will only be added to your bill on days when you make a call, send a text, or use any amount of data overseas. Just note, you can only use $5 roaming for a maximum of 90 days of the calendar year.
These Vodafone postpaid plans all include $5 roaming:
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium SIM Only Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$78 Large SIM Only Plan
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55
|
Roaming in Thailand with Optus
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: $1
If you're on an Optus Choice Plus, Plus Family or Plus Promo plan, you'll use Optus Daily Roaming. This is a $5 per day charge that gives you 5GB of data, plus unlimited standard talk and text. But if you blow through your 5GB within 24 hours, you're charged another $5 for another 5GB, and the 24-hour timer restarts. Optus Daily Roaming starts as soon as you use your phone in a selected destination.
These Optus postpaid plans all support $5 Roaming.
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90
|
You can only use $5 Roaming across 150+ destinations, which Optus calls "Zone 1" countries. This covers Thailand, most of Asia, most of Europe, the US, New Zealand, and China. "Zone 2" is predominantly made up of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America. You won't be able to use Optus $5 Roaming in these countries.
Find out more in our dedicated guide about roaming with Optus.
Roaming in Thailand with Belong
- Price per day: $2
- Price per gigabyte: $10
Telstra's budget brand Belong is reasonably new to roaming, and has just a single travel pack.
Telstra's budget brand Belong has just a single travel pack. The pack activates as soon as you connect to an eligible network, and customers pay just $30 for 3GB of data, unlimited standard SMS, and 150 minutes of standard calls for use over a 15-day expiry period in over 45 destinations, including Thailand.
All Belong customers also get free access to its basic roaming service, which allows them to receive SMS for free while overseas. Belong customers can also use WiFi calling when travelling, when on a suitable network.
Below are Belong's mobile plans suitable for pairing with its international roaming add-on:
|
#1
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Belong
40GB Mobile Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Belong
100GB Mobile Plan
$49.00/mth
Min. cost $49
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Belong
160GB Mobile Plan
$59.00/mth
Min. cost $59
Link not supplied
|
Roaming in Thailand with Aussie Broadband
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: $1
Aussie Broadband isn't really known for its roaming options, but this provider's take on the formula is quietly one of the better value options for those looking at short-term stays in selected countries.
For those looking to stay connected in Zone 1 destinations like Thailand, roaming costs just $5 per day and comes with 5GB of data per day. If you exceed that allowance, you'll be charged another $5 and be given another 5GB of data to use. Unused data does not roll over, but this add-onalso includes unlimited national and international calls and unlimited SMS to Australian and non-Australian numbers.
Here are the Aussie Broadband plans that work with the provider's roaming add-on:
|
#1
|
Aussie Broadband
Saver 5G SIM Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Aussie Broadband
Value 5G SIM Plan
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Essential 5G SIM Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
Premium 5G SIM Plan
$60.00/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
Aussie Broadband's roaming add-on works in over 150 countries. For everywhere else, you'll have to rely on Pay As You Go (PAYG) roaming rates instead.
Roaming in Thailand with Boost Mobile
- Price per day: Between $2.85 and $6.67
- Price per gigabyte: Between $5.71 and $10
Boost Mobile is another Telstra-powered telco offering customers International Roaming Packs. Boost Mobile customers can choose from three roaming options:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Three-day expiry | $20 | 15 mins, 15 texts, 2GB |
| Seven-day expiry | $30 | 30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB |
| 14-day expiry | $40 | 60 mins, 60 texts, 7GB |
Boost's roaming works in 42 countries, including Thailand. Here are Boost's 28-day prepaid recharges compatible with its roaming pack:
These are Boost Mobile plans you can add roaming to:
|
#1
|
Boost Mobile
$28 Prepaid
$28.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#2
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Boost Mobile
$49 Prepaid
$49.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
$59 Prepaid
$59.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Boost Mobile
$74 Prepaid
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Roaming in Thailand with Tangerine
- Price per day: Between $3.93 and $5
- Price per gigabyte: Between $5.50 and $10
While best known for internet, Tangerine's mobile plans have solid roaming options. Tangerine has some big-value international roaming options via its travel packs. These are one-off purchases that get you a set amount of standard calls, SMS and mobile data. They work up until 11:59PM (AEST) on the last day and cover over 60 destinations, including Thailand. Here's how they compare:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Seven-day expiry | $35 | 30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB |
| 14-day expiry | $55 | 60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB |
These are Tangerine's plans you can add roaming to:
|
#1
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
50GB 5G Mobile SIM
$36.00/mth
Min. cost $18
|
|
#3
|
Tangerine Telecom
75GB 5G Mobile SIM
$42.00/mth
Min. cost $21
|
|
#4
|
Tangerine Telecom
100GB 5G Mobile SIM
$48.00/mth
Min. cost $24
|
|
#5
|
Tangerine Telecom
160GB 5G Mobile SIM
$60.00/mth
Min. cost $30
|
Tangerine is powered by the Telstra Wholesale network in Australia.
Roaming in Thailand with More
Tangerine's sibling brand, More, has identical roaming options that go with its postpaid mobile plans. Once again, both will work in Thailand:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Seven-day expiry | $35 | 30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB |
| 14-day expiry | $55 | 60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB |
More is powered by the Telstra Wholesale network in Australia. These are More's plans you can roam with:
|
#1
|
More
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$33.00/mth
Min. cost $33
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
More
50GB 5G Mobile SIM
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
More
75GB 5G Mobile SIM
$46.00/mth
Min. cost $46
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
More
100GB 5G Mobile SIM
$52.00/mth
Min. cost $52
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
More
160GB 5G Mobile SIM
$65.00/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
Roaming in Thailand with amaysim
- Price per day: Between $0.06 and $0.19
- Price per gigabyte: Between $7.78 and $12.50
amaysim, an Optus MVNO, has four international roaming add-on packs, each lasting 365 days. amaysim roaming works in over 120 countries, including Thailand.
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Small Talk | $20 | 100 mins, 100 texts, no data |
| The Works | $25 | 50 mins, 30 texts, 2GB |
| Just Gigs | $50 | No mins, no texts, 6GB |
| The Epic | $70 | 100 mins, 60 texts, 9GB |
Each is different, some with data-only or others with no data at all. But you can stack multiple together to achieve the inclusions you want.
You'll also need to be on a currently active amaysim mobile plan to purchase these travel packs. Choose from a selection of amaysim plans below:
|
#1
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 15GB Plan
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 42GB Plan
$35.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 80GB Plan
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 95GB Plan
$45.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 120GB Plan
$50.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Roaming in Thailand with Telstra
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: $2.5
Telstra customers have different options depending on what plan they're on, which boil down to a Day Pass or PAYG roaming.
Customers with a postpaid Upfront plan have access to Telstra's International Roaming Day Pass. Use your phone for calls, text or mobile data in one of the selected countries and the pass automatically triggers and the charge is added to your bill. The Day Pass lasts for 24 hours, after which you won't be charged until you use your phone again for talk, text or (in Zone 1 or 2 countries) mobile data. Rinse and repeat.
Thailand is in Telstra's Zone 2 group, which covers over 80 destinations. You'll pay $10 per 24-hour period for 2GB of data and unlimited standard calls and text.
If you go over your data allowance within a 24-hour period, you pay $10 extra and Telstra adds 2GB of data to a sort of overage 'bank' on your behalf. This additional data has a 31-day expiry and you dip into it whenever you go over another 24-hour allowance. But it's strictly to cover your overage use — you'll still pay for the Day Pass again when the time comes.
You'll be notified when you've used 50%, 85% and 100% of your Day Pass' inclusions.
Here's a look at Telstra's Upfront mobile plans:
|
#1
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$99.00/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
|
Telstra prepaid customers can buy an international roaming pack for their trip. Your options are as follows:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Three-day expiry | $10 | 15 mins, 15 texts, 400MB |
| Seven-day expiry | $15 | 25 mins, 25 texts, 2GB |
| 14-day expiry | $25 | 50 mins, 50 texts, 4GB |
Roaming in Thailand with Kogan Mobile
- Price per day: Between $6.43 and $10
- Price per gigabyte: Between $9 and $12.50
Kogan Mobile offers three international roaming packs for use in about 30 countries, including Thailand:
| Expiry | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| One-day expiry | $10 | Up to 50 mins, 50 texts, 1GB |
| Three-day expiry | $25 | Up to 100 mins, 100 texts, 2GB |
| Seven-day expiry | $45 | Up to 150 mins, 150 texts, 5GB |
Call minutes and SMS (text only) include standard calls to and from the selected countries and standard numbers in Australia.
You can purchase the international roaming pack via the Kogan Mobile app, use your online account or call customer support, or test "ROAM" to 12612 from your mobile. Given the pricing, we'd advise getting a local SIM at your destination instead for most trips.
|
#1
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#2
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium Monthly Plan
$29.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Kogan Mobile
Large Monthly Plan
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
SIM cards for travelling in Thailand FAQs
Can you buy a Thailand SIM card in Australia?
Yes, if you want to purchase your Thailand SIM card ahead of time, you can order it from online stores that deliver to Australia. However, if you are looking to set yourself up before you board, a travel eSIM might be a better option, as you can set it up without having to deal with a physical SIM card.
Can I use my Australian phone in Thailand?
Yes, so long as your device is unlocked, you will be able to use your Australian phone in Thailand.
Is it cheaper to get a SIM card in Thailand?
It all comes down to how long you plan to visit Thailand. It's a better idea to get a cheap Thailand SIM if you're sticking around for more than a few days. Even with Vodafone's $5 roaming, you'd end up spending $70 for a 14-day trip. By comparison, eSIMs for Thailand (such as Airalo) are particularly cheap for how much data you can get.
Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
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