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SIM card for Phuket: The best way to get Internet abroad? | May 2024

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Last update: May 6, 2024
Roams UK
Author: Roams UK
In a nutshell

Getting a SIM card in Phuket is a good option to have Internet access during your trip. But you should know that it is not the only one available to you. You can also connect to a wifi network, either public or private, or activate the roaming service of your phone company. But we think the best idea to get unlimited data is to buy an eSIM that you can activate from your cell phone to save time.

Book your Phuket eSIM with Holafly

Best SIM card for Phuket

You may be looking for the best SIM card in Phuket to solve your Internet access problems. You would not be wrong, as they still offer data and calls for short periods of time. In fact, you won't have to commit to any carrier.

Another advantage of buying a SIM card in Phuket is its accessibility. After all, you will find it in any supermarket or speciality store in the Thai city. You can also buy it online, but you will have to wait to receive it.

You are thinking about purchasing your SIM card at Phuket airport, for sure. We ask you not to do so. It's very fast and convenient, it's true, but we assure you that you will pay for the data plan way more than it's really worth.

These are the plans of the main operators with which you can contract your SIM card in Phuket:

Internet con SIM prepago en Phuket
Company Data Price Days
AIS
  • From 2GB
  • From £10
  • 30 days
DTAC
  • 5GB
  • £8
  • 30 days
True Move
  • From 3GB
  • From £8
  • 30 days

Other options to get Internet in Phuket

It is clear that buying a SIM card in Phuket will provide you with mobile data during your trip at a reasonable price. But we recommend that you weigh all your options before buying anything. Most of all, because you have so many at your fingertips.

You have the possibility to buy an eSIM card, activate your provider's roaming or connect to a wifi network. It's a lot of things, we know, but don't worry. Our intention is to detail all the alternatives with their pros and cons to make your decision easier.

How much does it cost Internet in Phuket?
Service Price/Days Data
eSIM Phuket Holafly
  • From £19/5 days
  • Unlimited
Thailand SIM card TrueMove
  • From £8/month
  • 3GB
Wifi in Phuket:
  • Portable
  • Public

  • From £4/day
  • Free

  • 2GB/day
  • Unlimited
Roaming in Phuket:
  • EE
  • O2
  • Three

  • From £44/30 days
  • From £6/day
  • From £3/day

  • 8GB
  • 1MB
  • 1MB

eSIM in Phuket: The best way to get unlimited data

We have already told you that, beyond buying a SIM card, we think that the best idea to get Internet access is to get an eSIM for Phuket. You can buy this virtual card online, receive it in your mail and activate it from your phone whenever you need it.

What is an eSIM card?

Before we go any further, we must tell you that not all phones support an eSIM. We recommend that you check the compatibility of your phone before buying anything. Here are the main manufacturers with models that do accept this type of card:

  • Apple.
  • Huawei.
  • Samsung.
  • Xiaomi.
  • Oppo.

You can buy your eSIM card for Phuket from many companies: Airalo, Yesim, Truphone... But none of them offers plans as complete as those of Holafly. Among other reasons, because their packages are unlimited data.

eSim Thailand
Mobile
Prepaid: 5 days expiry
Data Unlimited

Coverage
AT&T
Connection speed 4G
Pay as you go£195 days expiry
taxes included

If you still have doubts, check for yourself the plans and prices offered by Holafly:

eSIM Holafly Phuket: all data plans
Plan 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

Sign up now for your Holafly eSIM with a 5% discount including the coupon ROAMS

And since you might want to check out other market options, here are a handful of carriers that also offer travel eSIMs:

  • Airalo.
  • Truphone.
  • SimOptions.
  • Ubigi.
  • Yesim.

Free wifi hubspots in Phuket

Another way to connect to the Internet for as long as you need is through public wifi networks. You will find plenty of hotspots in Phuket's hotels and establishments, so this is not a bad option at all.

But beware, these networks are not cyber-safe at all. That is why we ask you not to make banking transactions or online purchases. Think that anyone with a little skill could access your data and bank accounts.

Rent a pocket wifi in Phuket

And if not, you can always resort to a wifi pocket or MiFi with you. It is a portable device that you can rent with a specific data plan to get Internet connection in Phuket. Of course, you will have to return the equipment in perfect condition, keep this in mind.

  • Wifivox: Connect up to five devices to your network. You can sign up for plans ranging from 1GB of mobile data.
  • My Webspot: It also supports the connection of up to five different devices. It has slightly larger data packets.
  • Travelers Wifi: If you want to enjoy a high-speed 4G connection, this is your best option.
  • Rent n' Connect: Its plans are very varied, ranging from 1GB to 4GB of data per day.

Activate roaming in Phuket

You may have even thought about activating your phone provider's roaming to get Internet access from your phone. Well, it's a convenient option, that's for sure, but know that it will cost you an arm and a leg if you don’t travel inside Europe.

Here you have the roaming plans of the main companies operating in the UK:

  • EE roaming in Phuket: You can pay per month or according to the number of days you are going to be in Phuket.
  • Roaming with O2 in Phuket: With this company, you can even pay for 24-hour plans.
  • Three roaming for Phuket: Its main advantage is that it allows you to send messages and make calls to UK numbers, but you will have to pay for Internet access.
  • Vodafone roaming for Phuket: Although you can pay as you go each day, their plans will be quite expensive if you travel outside Europe.

Why you should have Internet in Phuket?

From sending a message to your family and friends to let them know you have arrived safely, to sharing your trip through social networks and even discovering the best routes to take. Having Internet in Phuket will make your trip much more pleasant.

If you intend to tour several countries on the continent, you can also choose a tariff with which you don't have to worry about it. For example, Holafly has regional plans, such as the Asia eSIM. With it, you will have 6GB of Internet throughout the continent, using the best networks in the area (AT&T, China Unicom and Beeline).

eSim Asia
Mobile
Prepaid: 15 days expiry
Data 6 GB

Coverage
AT&T
Connection speed 4G
Pay as you go£3415 days expiry
taxes included

Also, if you have mobile data in Phuket you will be able to know the best of the local gastronomy with applications such as TripAdvisor. Or, if on the other hand, you like to take your backpack and go on an adventure, you can plan your hikes with Google Maps.

What is clear is that you need an Internet connection in Phuket to make the most of your trip. And honestly, we think the best way to get unlimited data is with Holafly's eSIM.

Sign up now for your Holafly eSIM with a 5% discount including the coupon ROAMS


Tips before traveling to Phuket

Before moving to this iconic city of Thailand, you should take into account certain aspects to make the most of your trip:

  • Travel: Book your flights in advance and be clear about how you are going to move from one point to another.
  • Hotels: Don’t be in a hurry to choose a hotel. Although you will probably only be there to sleep, if you don't choose the right place, it could spoil your holiday.
  • Insurance: Whether you are going backpacking or not, it is advisable to take out travel insurance for Thailand. This way, in case of any mishap, all your expenses will be covered.
  • Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and footwear. This way, you will avoid injuries or blisters after a day of sightseeing.

FAQs about SIM card in Phuket

Where to buy a SIM card in Phuket?

You can buy your SIM card in Phuket in any supermarket or specialized store. You can also do it at the airport, but we do not recommend it because you will pay more than you should.

What is the best way to get unlimited Internet in Phuket?

There are many options to get mobile data in Phuket, but not so many to get unlimited data. In addition to free wifi hotspots, you can purchase an eSIM card that has an unlimited data plan.

Which Thai SIM card is the best?

The best SIM card in Thailand for tourists is from TrueMove, as it offers a good variety of plans and has one of the best coverages in the country.

Our methodology
Roams offers a free information and comparison service, which tries to help anyone find the product that best suits their needs. To ensure that the data presented is correct, extensive market research and product analysis is carried out. Our database of mobile phone and internet rates is updated every day. The content is frequently reviewed by a team of writers with previous experience and/or specific training in telephony.

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Nadia Pérez
Edited and revised por Nadia Pérez