Internet in Bangkok: what is the best option for mobile data? | May 2024

Internet in Bangkok: all the options

Nowadays, we are so dependent on the internet that this is one of the most important issues when we go abroad. If you're preparing your trip and don't want to run out of mobile internet in Bangkok, you've come to the right place. Here, we explain all the options to enjoy the cheapest personal internet in Bangkok.

In this guide we show you where to buy a SIM card in Bangkok, how to have free wifi internet or rent a portable hotspot to communicate with your loved ones, make free calls, use Google Maps to avoid getting lost in the Chao Phraya, order an Uber to take you to Wat Pho or find the best restaurant in Khao San Road and make a reservation online.

Before we explain one by one all the ways to have mobile internet in Bangkok, we leave you with a comparison table where you can quickly and easily see which are the best internet providers in Bangkok.

eSIM: the best way to get internet in Bangkok

For some time now, eSIMs have been gaining ground over SIM cards ⁽¹⁾ and are becoming the most suitable alternative for tourists travelling as backpackers to Bangkok who want to have internet from the moment they arrive at the airport.

For those who do not want to give up their Internet connection, these virtual SIM cards, which work thanks to a microchip installed in the mobile phone, not only allow you to use different data and call plans, but also help you save from minute one without losing your current phone number.

This means that with an eSIM you can have multiple phone numbers or a data plan on the same mobile phone to avoid high roaming charges when you are in Bangkok. Travel eSIMs are very popular and to activate them you only need to read the code provided by the company when you buy your digital data SIM card with your mobile phone camera.

With Holafly's eSIM you can set up your plan quickly, keep your WhatsApp number and receive 24/7 technical support in English whenever you need it. Whether you are travelling to Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai or Krabi province, with Holafly Bangkok internet you can connect to the best network in Thailand for very little money.

In summary, these are the main benefits and drawbacks of buying a virtual SIM card for Bangkok with Holafly:

Advantages:

• You have high-speed connection in Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Chiang Mail and all over Thailand.
• You activate it instantly with a QR code.
• Furthermore, you will have your WhatsApp number on your mobile.
• It's easy to set up, no registration or subscriptions.
• It connects you to the best network in Thailand.
• No need to worry about roaming or searching for public wifi networks.
• You have English support whenever you need it.

Disadvantages:

• No phone number or SMS included, but you can use WhatsApp.
• You cannot share data with another person.

As we have told you, the advantages of purchasing an eSIM for Bangkok are even greater. From Roams, we encourage you to choose this option to have unlimited data on your trip to the Asian country.

Finally, we show here all the rates of Holafly's eSIM for Bangkok:

eSIM Holafly Bangkok
Days	Price	Data
5 days	£19	Unlimited
10 days	£29	Unlimited
15 days	£44	Unlimited
20 days	£49	Unlimited
30 days	£59	Unlimited
60 days	£77	Unlimited
90 days	£87	Unlimited

Of course, if this alternative does not suit you, there are other companies with which you can sign up for a data card in Bangkok. These include Airalo, Nomad eSIM, Truphone and Flexiroam.

Bangkok SIM card: where to buy them

Another way to get mobile internet in Bangkok is to buy a data SIM card in Thailand from a local company that will give you points to buy them at airports, official shops and authorised points in the city.

The most popular mobile operators, and therefore the ones offering the most efficient coverage, are AIS Mobile, TrueMove H, DTAC (Telenor) and Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited. With them, you can buy a SIM card at Bangkok airport, and you will find personal attention with basic English.

These are the best SIM cards in Bangkok, which you can buy when you land at one of the airports:

• AIS Mobile (tourist SIM): this operator offers 8, 15 and 30-day plans. It includes access to the 5G network, unlimited local calls, free social networks for 8 or 15 days, AIS WiFi and international calls for a fee. Note: at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you will only get the SIM card for 8 days.
• TrueMove H (tourist SIM): they offer packages from 1 day for 49 BHT (approximately £2), up to 30 days for 599 BHT. Includes: social networks (with limitations), credits for calls, wifi and social networks. The 16 and 30 day plans come with 4G and 5G speed internet access. If you exceed the purchased usage, you will be charged for every call made, wifi minute used or SMS sent.

Connecting to wifi in Bangkok: free or portable

Using wifi is another way to get internet in Bangkok. There are free public wifi networks in the Asian country, or you can use a portable wifi device to always have a mobile data connection. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options for your trip to Thailand.

Portable wifi in Bangkok: internet at a high cost

Have you heard of portable wifi? Pocket wifi devices are devices that are usually rented by phone companies so that you can connect to the internet from abroad. Here are two examples to show you how much internet costs in Bangkok with such a router.

1. Wifi Travelers: with this pocket wifi you will be connected on your trip. You can buy it from Spain or pick it up from an authorised point in Bangkok. Although you will have unlimited data to use and connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, the battery life of this mini router is 13 hours and prices start from £7/day. If you travel for 8 days, you will pay £56 for mobile data.
2. Wifivox: This company offers 4G internet and can be contracted before the trip. You can choose plans from £3/day for 1GB per day to £5/day for 5GB per day. In other words, if you travel for 15 days, you will pay £75 to be well-connected.

As you can see, the prices for this service tend to be a bit high. If we make a list of advantages and disadvantages, we can conclude that it is not the best alternative to have mobile data in Bangkok.

Pros and cons of portable wifi
Pros	Conts
It is portable, you can take it with you wherever you go.	It is one of the most expensive options.
It offers a faster and more reliable connection than free wifi.	Battery life is between 6 and 13 hours.
It is secure, you can transmit confidential information without any problem.	You will have to carry the router with you at all times and risk losing it.
It allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously	In addition to the data plan, you have to pay for the rental, insurance and shipping of the device.

Free Wifi in Bangkok: cheap but insecure

However, if you don't have enough money to buy an eSIM in Thailand or to buy a SIM card at Bangkok airport, you can always go to the free wifi hotspots. This will cost you £0. And while we know it's an attractive tariff, the connection will have some drawbacks.

Although there are mobile apps that will help you find free wifi networks in Bangkok, availability is limited, especially in rural or remote areas such as beaches or rice paddies. In addition, speeds will be variable, and you won't enjoy a fast network, as with an internet plan in Thailand.

Roaming in Bangkok: How much does data cost?

Another way to have internet while travelling in Southeast Asia is to activate roaming to continue enjoying your mobile data in Bangkok. However, be aware that this alternative is not the most economically beneficial, as roaming costs in Thailand with most carriers operating in the UK are quite high.

All mobile providers, including Vodafone, O2, EE and Three, charge their customers for using their data while roaming outside Europe.

This also applies to mobile virtual network operators, such as Lebara, Plusnet, Tesco and ASDA, because roaming outside the EU can be expensive for operators, so they have to charge customers.

For this reason, we advise you to buy a Holafly eSIM so that you don't have to overpay, and you are clear about how much money you will spend on internet for your trip, with no surprises at the end of the month.

Advantages of having internet in Bangkok

Having internet access in Bangkok allows you to enjoy a more comfortable and hassle-free travel experience, because it not only gives you the advantage of being connected, informed and entertained during your stay in the Thai capital, but it will also help you avoid mishaps such as getting lost while you are on the move or having fluent communication without knowing the local language.

• Navigation: having the advantage of being able to see real-time maps of where you are and create routes to see how to get to your hotel, restaurant or activity as quickly as possible is worth the cost of having internet there.
• Weather in Bangkok: In much of Southeast Asia you can have a scorching sun and five minutes later you can have a downpour, so having the internet gives you the ability to see the weather, so you can plan better and be prepared for all kinds of weather.
• Communication and translation: As well as keeping in touch with friends and family back home via messaging apps, having mobile data in Bangkok will help you communicate with locals who don't understand a second language.
• Booking: If you have mobile data in Thailand's capital, you can make reservations for hotels, transport and tourist attractions online, saving you time and effort.
• Tourist information: You can also access tourist information online, such as attraction reviews, travel tips, the time in Bangkok and restaurant recommendations, so you can enjoy every second of your trip without a hitch.

How is the internet speed in Bangkok?

Internet speed in Bangkok is generally good and stable. According to data obtained from Speedtest Global Index ⁽²⁾ , the average mobile internet speed in Bangkok is around 40Mbps for downloads and 15Mbps for uploads. This is more than sufficient for most online activities, such as web browsing, email and video calls.

Internet coverage in the Thai capital is generally good in the city, although there may be areas with weaker or no signal, which are usually in natural areas or far from the city centre.

AIS Mobile, TrueMove H, DTAC (Telenor) and Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited offer the best service. Between them, they cover most of the territory, making Bangkok a city where connecting to the internet is not difficult.

If you need to know what the internet speed is like in other countries while traveling as a digital nomad, here are a few you can check out:

FAQs

How to use the internet in Bangkok?

The best way to use the internet in Bangkok is to have an eSIM Holafly. If you are travelling to the Thai capital, Holafly is the company with the best value for money and allows you to surf without worrying about the data limit during your stay.

What is the internet speed in Bangkok?

According to Speedtest Global Index, the average mobile internet speed in Bangkok is 40Mbps for downloads and 15Mbps for uploads.

What number do mobiles start with in Bangkok?

The mobile number in Bangkok starts with the prefix +66, which is the international code for Thailand.

Is 5G internet available in Bangkok?

In Bangkok, 5G is currently available in some areas and being implementedin others. However, the availability and speed of 5G varies depending on the area and the operator. Many of the major mobile operators offer 5G in Bangkok, including AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC. To enjoy 5G in Bangkok, you need to have a compatible phone and a plan that includes 5G data.

What are the internet restrictions in Bangkok?

In Bangkok, there are no serious restrictions on internet access. However, the Thai government maintains some online censorship, especially on political topics and topics related to the Thai monarchy. There are also restrictions on the distribution of sexually explicit and violent content online.