Receive PIN in USA while roaming with Thai number?

[Dezmo]

I am in the USA (T-Mobile phone service) and have a Thai number (eSim), and I just keep a simple plan on the Thai number to maintain it until I get back to Thailand.  It is connected to my Bangkok Bank account (app).

However I need to move some money from my Thai bank to my USA bank, and it requires a PIN sent to my Thai number (assume SMS).  (Also need to make other local transfers.)

 

I am trying to get AIS to fix their Android app as some features are NOT working (i.e., Packages) and many complain in the Play store about it.    I wanted to get a short term roaming package so I can then turn on my eSim and get the PIN.

 

But has anyone done this.... used their Thai number (roaming in the USA) and able to get a PIN?

It should work  - in theory 🙂

 

 

[scubascuba3]

Usually you just get a one day roaming package, use data for Internet and away you go, usually there is a code you can use to kick that off, search maybe you'll find it

[Celsius]

 

I use prepaid AIS and have zero balance. I still get a text messages in Canada every time I need to log in where authentication is required.

[Upnotover]

5 hours ago, Dezmo said:

I wanted to get a short term roaming package so I can then turn on my eSim and get the PIN.

You shouldn't need any package to receive SMS's free of charge on your Thai number.  Just turn it on but make sure data is NOT enabled.  And if any call comes, don't answer it!

[mogandave]

I’ve had AIS postpaid service for about 25 years, and I travel to the US regularly, though not in the last few years.

 

AIS has nice region specific travel roaming packages that you can buy through their app. 

 

I usually buy the 30 day package with minimum data and minutes. but I think the have one and five day packages as well. 

 

Do not use it for GPS as the GPS really burn through the data.

[Dezmo]

On 6/9/2025 at 7:40 PM, Upnotover said:

You shouldn't need any package to receive SMS's free of charge on your Thai number.  Just turn it on but make sure data is NOT enabled.  And if any call comes, don't answer it!

My phone is a USA based number and my Thai number is an eSim. T-Mobile locks my eSim and I have to request to unlock it for 30 days.  So while in the USA my eSim does not work and will NOT get an SMS unless I turn on roaming.

 

But some of AIS Android app features are NOT working (i.e., Packages) and many complain in the Play Store about it.   Apparently they had a recent update and it does not seem to be working with Android 15. I have emailed them about it.

 

If they fix it I can ask T-mobile to temp unlock my eSim, turn it on, buy short term roaming and be able to getthe PIN.   I assume, anyway 🙂

 

[richard_smith237]

Ensure you have 'Wifi-Calling' enabled...    (and data roaming off etc)..  you should be able to receive SMS (over Wifi).

 

Thats the way it works for me with True...   ( I get the OTP's - even in areas with zero cell network ).

[Magictoad]

On 6/10/2025 at 12:54 AM, Dezmo said:

I am in the USA (T-Mobile phone service) and have a Thai number (eSim), and I just keep a simple plan on the Thai number to maintain it until I get back to Thailand.  It is connected to my Bangkok Bank account (app).

However I need to move some money from my Thai bank to my USA bank, and it requires a PIN sent to my Thai number (assume SMS).  (Also need to make other local transfers.)

 

I am trying to get AIS to fix their Android app as some features are NOT working (i.e., Packages) and many complain in the Play store about it.    I wanted to get a short term roaming package so I can then turn on my eSim and get the PIN.

 

But has anyone done this.... used their Thai number (roaming in the USA) and able to get a PIN?

It should work  - in theory 🙂

 

 

Have you asked your bank for their advice?

[Upnotover]

10 hours ago, Dezmo said:

My phone is a USA based number and my Thai number is an eSim. T-Mobile locks my eSim and I have to request to unlock it for 30 days.  So while in the USA my eSim does not work and will NOT get an SMS unless I turn on roaming.

 

But some of AIS Android app features are NOT working (i.e., Packages) and many complain in the Play Store about it.   Apparently they had a recent update and it does not seem to be working with Android 15. I have emailed them about it.

 

If they fix it I can ask T-mobile to temp unlock my eSim, turn it on, buy short term roaming and be able to getthe PIN.   I assume, anyway 🙂

 

The point I was making is that phone (not data) roaming costs nothing to receive SMS messages.  You can enable that without having to buy a package of any sort.  If you answer incoming calls you'll be charged, so don't.