dastott

Not so different. The cabin crew were wearing PPE but no other major changes. Everything was very smooth.

OP here. Just a follow up for future reference.

 I went into an AIS service center  (6th floor Terminal 21 on Sukhumvit). The staff spoke excellent English and set up roaming very promptly. They advised me to wait until just before my flight before canceling the monthly data package as it would take effect immediately.

So, the next day I called 1175 from the airport, waited a short time on hold, and then an operator cancelled my package. However, she said the cancellation would take effect from the end of my monthly package (2 days later in my case).  She confirmed that receiving SMS is free overseas but receiving calls overseas will incur a charge from my existing balance.  Both the operator and the AIS service center confirmed that my number will remain valid until the end of its validity period (next year in my case).

Thanks for all the advice, and I hope this helps someone else. Cheers!

On 7/20/2020 at 6:46 AM, LukKrueng said:

Basically the number should be valid until the "valid until" date, in your case June 2021. If there is no credit balance on the sim you will only be able to receive calls and sms's. AFAIK, every topup extends the validity by 30 days, regardless of the amount. Maximum validity 1 year. 

So I'd suggest contacting AIS to cancel the data package and keep the number as a normal voice sim, and just before you leave Thailand topup as much as needed to get the 1 year validity. You can later topup from overseas using a bank app if you need longer validity

Very helpful. That’s what I want to do. To use the bank apps overseas do I need to keep the Thai SIM inside the phone even if using home wifi?

Thanks again. About roaming, AIS says it’s free to ‘apply’ but of course costs extra money to use. I was not planning to use the number overseas but I could still receive calls and SMS from the bank if I apply (but not pay for) for roaming?

20 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

Make sure that Roaming is activated before you leave the country.

 

http://www.ais.co.th/roaming/en/faq.html

Sorry to ask but why is that necessary? Do it via the app?

Many thanks. So, I’m good to go until June without further action but will contact AIS before I leave, just to confirm. Believe it or not, this is my first SIM card and first smartphone anywhere so it’s still quite a learning curve. 

Stupid question but how do I cancel the package? Call them, visit an AIS shop or do via app? Thanks for all the advice.

4 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

You do not need to do anything. Your SIM will stay active until the date shown. 

The only issue is that it will soon eat 200 baht out of your credit. 

That’s what I was hoping. So, just top up with credit before the expiry date and I can use the same number when I return to Thailand.

3 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

If you're out of the country, then the 200/month data package is a waste of money. Monthly topping up does keep the number alive and I think the lowest AIS monthly top-up via ibanking is maybe 20 baht? That's on my AIS SIM which is a voice service with a data add-on. I am working all over the place but I've managed to keep the same number for about 16 years or so. Every so often, there's a technology change and I need to upgrade the SIM at an AIS shop but that's about it really.

 

The OP should maybe drop 500 baht in the SIM before he leaves, cancel the data package and top it up with the minimum monthly via online banking or through the AIS app. I have found the former easier than the latter.

Yes, this is my situation. I can top up using ibanking app but not using the AIS app. So, if the balance falls to O baht the number disappears even if the app says it has a longer validity period?

Many thanks for the info. Yes, I will call and report back. Just curious as to what the validity meant TBH, and saving $7 a month is better than spending $7 a month.

OK, so if I don’t top up for each month then I lose the number before June 2021? I am not sure when I can return...

The package is a pre-paid monthly unlimited data package using a Tourist SIM. There is no contract AFAIK.
 

Thanks. That’s what I have been doing in Thailand. Do you suggest paying B200 a month to keep the package even when I am not in Thailand?

I will be leaving Thailand soon and want to keep my mobile number for banking OTPs for when I return next year (hopefully). The AIS app says my number is valid until June 2021. I am using a monthly package that costs B200 a month. What happens to the number when the monthly package expires when I am overseas? Can I keep the number regardless until June 2021 without topping up from overseas? Thanks for any advice.

Thanks. We left some luggage at the Ruamchitt hotel a few months ago and are hoping to retrieve it soon. I know the hotel has been closed but is still showing availability on Agoda. Like many other places.

Does anyone know if the Ruamchitt Hotel (above Thermae, same building) is open?

Just tried to make my first transfer with Dee Money having signed up a few months ago. The BKK Bank mobile app is not letting me send the money. Is this happening to anyone else? Internet connection is fine.

What time do these marathons usually start? Would hate to be still running after 9am...

Need a new laptop myself. Sorry for the basic questions:

1) Is it easy to find Windows 10 laptops set up in English on Lazada?

2) Foreign card and hotel address is enough to buy from Lazada?

 Thanks 

Was at Krabi office last week. Around 20 people waiting at 8:30 when it opened. Got my extension done by 8:55. Seats outside in the shade for customers.

12 minutes ago, Greyhat said:

This is probably unrelated but if anyone else is getting this, would be good to know. It started happening recently although I think it may be because my phone is rooted.

Been getting the same error all morning, and couldn't top up from AIS app or website with the ATM card.

On 3/6/2020 at 11:35 AM, Eindhoven said:

 

In that case you don't need to go anywhere to renew the package. Just make sure that you have a credit balance of 200 baht on the renewal date and the package will auto-renew. 

Sorry to trouble you again. I have topped up another 200 baht as advised to extend the monthly unlimited  200 baht internet package. Do I need to choose the same package again from the list of packages in the AIS app, or will my current package just extend for another one with no action from me? Thank you.

In Krabi there are thermal imaging check points on arrival at the Lanta ferry. Mostly Farang tourists around here, as is normal for this area. Numbers solid.

Yes, exactly that.

OP here. Many thanks again. I signed up for 4 weeks unlimited data SIM with AIS in Bangkok. Working perfectly down here in the south. Can renew the 4 weeks unlimited data at an AIS center or Family Mart before the expiry date.

Many thanks for the advice. Very helpful. Will know what to look for at an official service center near Asoke.