Thailand
Thailand SIM card for Indian tourists — local SIM vs. roaming
Indian arrivals in Thailand crossed 1 million in 2025 — yet most "best Thailand SIM" guides don't convert prices to rupees or weigh them against what your own Jio/Airtel/Vi roaming pack would cost. Here's both, side by side.
Local Thai tourist SIMs — AIS vs. True / dtac
| Provider | Plan | Price | Data | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIS Tourist | 8-day tourist SIM | ฿399 ≈ ₹910 | 25GB (then reduced speed) | 8 days | Check AIS app |
| AIS Tourist | 15-day tourist SIM | ฿599 ≈ ₹1,370 | 35GB (then reduced speed) | 15 days | Check AIS app |
| AIS Tourist | 30-day tourist SIM | ฿1,699 ≈ ₹3,880 | Check AIS app for current allowance | 30 days | Check AIS app |
| True / dtac Tourist | 8-day tourist SIM | ฿449 ≈ ₹1,025 | Unlimited (fair-use speed cap) | 8 days | Check True/dtac app |
| True / dtac Tourist | 15-day tourist SIM | ฿699 ≈ ₹1,595 | Unlimited (fair-use speed cap) | 15 days | Check True/dtac app |
| True / dtac Tourist | 30-day tourist SIM | ฿1,199 ≈ ₹2,740 | Unlimited (fair-use speed cap) | 30 days | Check True/dtac app |
Prices last checked October 2026, from each provider's own published rates. Operators change plans often — confirm the exact price on the provider's site or app before you buy. Pardes SIM never processes payments; you always buy directly from the provider.
Indian operator roaming packs (valid in Thailand)
These are Airtel's general international roaming packs, valid across Thailand and other Asian destinations — not Thailand-exclusive pricing. We're still confirming Jio's and Vi's exact Thailand roaming rates; check their apps for current pricing in the meantime.
| Provider | Plan | Price | Data | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel IR | Short-trip roaming pack | ₹698 | 1GB | 1 day | 100 min incoming+outgoing (India+local), 10 SMS |
| Airtel IR | Short-trip roaming pack | ₹998 | 4GB | 5 days | 150 min incoming+outgoing, 20 SMS |
| Airtel IR | Short-trip roaming pack | ₹1,298 | 6GB | 10 days | 200 min incoming+outgoing, 20 SMS |
| Airtel IR | Long-trip roaming pack | ₹2,998 | 10GB | 30 days | 300 min incoming+outgoing, 20 SMS |
Prices last checked October 2026, from each provider's own published rates. Operators change plans often — confirm the exact price on the provider's site or app before you buy. Pardes SIM never processes payments; you always buy directly from the provider.
The real trade-off
A local SIM is cheaper per GB and gives better on-ground network speeds, but you lose your Indian number for the trip unless you carry a second SIM or a dual-SIM phone. Most frequent travelers keep the Indian SIM idle (no roaming pack) purely to receive OTPs, and buy a local Thai SIM for everything else.
Thailand SIM — common questions
Should I buy a Thailand tourist SIM or use my Indian operator's roaming pack?
For most trips, a local AIS, True or dtac tourist SIM is far cheaper per GB than an Indian roaming pack — e.g. True/dtac's unlimited 8-day SIM runs about ₹1,025, while Airtel's comparable 10-day/6GB roaming pack costs ₹1,298 for a capped 6GB. The trade-off is you get a Thai number, not your Indian number, so anyone needing to reach you on your usual number — or an OTP sent to it — won't get through unless you also keep your Indian SIM active.
Do I need a local Thai number, or is a data-only eSIM enough?
A data-only eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, etc.) covers internet but not a real Thai phone number for calls or local SMS. If you only need maps, messaging apps and social media, data-only is fine. If you need to receive Indian OTPs, keep your Indian SIM in a second slot or dual-SIM phone rather than switching it off.
Where can I buy an AIS, True or dtac tourist SIM?
All three sell tourist SIMs at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airport counters on arrival, and at convenience stores (7-Eleven) and official stores across Thailand. Passport is required for registration under Thai telecom rules.
How much data do I actually need per day in Thailand?
For maps, messaging and moderate social media use, 1-1.5GB/day is usually enough. If you plan to stream video or use data-heavy navigation constantly, go for one of the unlimited (fair-use capped) True/dtac tiers instead of a fixed-GB AIS plan.