Internet On The Smartphone While Visiting: Which Sim Cards/Plans?

[mike111]

I expect to visit Thailand in a couple of months for a about two weeks, and would appreciate advice on which sim cards/plans to use so I would have an internet connection on my smartphone.

I am mainly interested in checking emails, and do not want to rely on a spotty hotel wifi connection.

TIA,

Mike

[thaicbr]

where in Thailand are you visiting? the coverage is patchy so it would help to know

[lomatopo]

What is the make/model of your smartphone? We need this information in order to recommend the best 3G provider. I assume it is unlocked and can accept a SIM?

There is almost universal coverage for 2G (GSM data: GPRS/EDGE), and some providers have great coverage for 3G: TrueMove H, AIS/One-2-Call and lastly, DTAC/Happy.

Provided your phone supports 850 Mhz 3G I might recommend DTAC/Happy, they have a 1 GB data plan which is unlimited, drops to 384 Kbps over 1 GB, for 399 baht/30 days. You can get a 49 baht SIM card, and pay 1 baht per min, or per SMS.

http://www.happy.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=37〈=en

http://www.happy.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=333&Itemid=368〈=en

[thaicbr]

Dtac is ok in Bkk. but it pains me to say True 3h is better outside Bkk . but hopefully Dtac will catch up.

[lomatopo]

Dtac is ok in Bkk. but it pains me to say True 3h is better outside Bkk . but hopefully Dtac will catch up.

Well I did rank them third out of three, which I believe is fair and accurate with regards to 3G anyway? I mainly highlighted DTAC owing to their unlimited plan, which makes it easy, and their strong 2G national coverage, seamless roaming and their customer interfaces. The OP didn't seem to have a huge data requirement.

DTACs 3G coverage has greatly expanded over the last 8 weeks, FWIW.

[mike111]

Thanks for the replies.

My mobile is a sony ericsson x10 mini pro:

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100

http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_xperia_x10_mini_pro-3147.php

I'm not planning on a massive data usage. mainly email checking and light surfing.

I expect to be in BKK and Pattaya.

[lomatopo]

It looks like there are two different and distinct versions of that phone.

One version supports 900/2100, while the other supports 850/1900/2100. We need to try and figure out which version you have.

Can you share any details re: where you bought this, or where you use it? Can you perhaps look at the box, or under the battery to get a part or model number? This is important.

If the 900 Mhz version then AIS/One-2-Call would be the best solution.

If the 850 Mhz version then TrueMove H or DTAC/Happy might be the best solution.

[thaicbr]

Thanks for the replies.

My mobile is a sony ericsson x10 mini pro:

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100

http://www.gsmarena....ni_pro-3147.php

I'm not planning on a massive data usage. mainly email checking and light surfing.

I expect to be in BKK and Pattaya.

As far as i'm aware sony ericsson have 2 versions of this phone

HSDPA 900 / 2100 which is X10 mini pro which is i think stk17i

(not sure OF THE EXACT NUMBER but if it says (i) then its 900-2100)

if it says stk17a its 850-2100

[JBL]

Just tacking on to the same topic question

- iPhone, I won't make many calls but emails & other www social media

- more than 30days

- mainly away from major cities

JBL

[lomatopo]

Just tacking on to the same topic question

- iPhone, I won't make many calls but emails & other www social media

- more than 30days

- mainly away from major cities

JBL

iPhone model? 3/3GS/4/4S; unlocked and able to accept a SIM (microSIM or regular SIM)?

[JBL]

iPhone 4, unlocked, micro sim

Have tested with alternative carriers micro sim

Cheers

JBL

[lomatopo]

iPhone 4, unlocked, micro sim

Have tested with alternative carriers micro sim

Cheers

JBL

TrueMove H or AIS/One-2-Call may be your best options.

http://www.truemove-h.com/prepay/sim/prepay-sim-iphone.aspx

http://www.truemove-h.com/prepay/prepay-topping.aspx

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/internet-package/#2

[mike111]

The phone's package reads:

U20i

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS/HSPA bands 1/8

I expect to be visiting for up to two weeks. is there a package which is cheaper than 400THB one (which is for full a month)?.

Thanks.

[lomatopo]

The phone's package reads:

U20i

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS/HSPA bands 1/8

I expect to be visiting for up to two weeks. is there a package which is cheaper than 400THB one (which is for full a month)?.

Thanks.

It looks like that model supports 3G on 900 and 2100 Mhz, so you'll need to use TOT or one of their resellers, or AIS/One-2-Call, if you require 3G.

AIS/One-2-Call may be the easiest, best option? But not sure if they have 3G coverage in Pattaya?

http://www.ais.co.th/12call/en/sim-card.html

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/internet-package/#2

http://www.tot3g.net/GUI/Home.aspx

http://www.i-bkk.com/ilocation/viewer/

Some service providers offer daily packages but the break-even is ~ 7 days; DTAC/Happy has a weekly package but fro 2 weeks it is equivalent to a monthly package.

How much data do you think you will require? Any voice or text requirements?

[mike111]

My expected usage is some voice and text (SMS) usage, plus internet for checking emails & some surfing.

I can't really say how much I'll use voice, but I don't think it'll be a massive usage.

Is there a specific sim card I need to get, or any 1-2-call sim sold at the convenience stores will do?

[lomatopo]

My expected usage is some voice and text (SMS) usage, plus internet for checking emails & some surfing.

I can't really say how much I'll use voice, but I don't think it'll be a massive usage.

Is there a specific sim card I need to get, or any 1-2-call sim sold at the convenience stores will do?

Any SIM will do, activate it, add value (scratch card from 7-11), then subscribe to a data package (see codes in link).

[mike111]

Thanks.

The AIS time-based packages list a "30 day package" and a "monthly package". what's the difference?

also, when it reads, say 5 hours, does this mean 5 hour of 3G connection per month?.

[lomatopo]

Thanks.

The AIS time-based packages list a "30 day package" and a "monthly package". what's the difference?

also, when it reads, say 5 hours, does this mean 5 hour of 3G connection per month?.

I would consider 30 day and monthly to be interchangeable and mean the same thing, perhaps as result of translation?

You should opt for a "volume-based" plan; unless you are diligent about turning data on/off you will quickly burn through your time allotment. But yes, with a time-based plan you get that number of hours for data connectivity over the plan period, be it 1 day or 1 month.

Maybe the 1 GB/350 baht plan might suit?

[Sydneycraig]

350b per month for 1 gig sounds good and enough fir most people if not watching vids or music.... Is tethering allowed/possible so I can share this 1 gig if I plug my iPhone to laptop?! Not 100% on how that works...

[lomatopo]

350b per month for 1 gig sounds good and enough fir most people if not watching vids or music.... Is tethering allowed/possible so I can share this 1 gig if I plug my iPhone to laptop?! Not 100% on how that works...

There are no restrictions on tethering here in Thailand, as there are say in the U.S. with AT&T, yet.

Yes, you can tether your iPhone to your laptop use the 3G connection; I'm not familiar with iPhones but with Android you can also create a Mobile AP (WiFi) to share the 3G connection with up to 5 other WiFi-connected devices.

Depending on your iPhone model, and location, there may be other, more suitable providers/plans.

DTAC/Happy has the most aggressive unlimited pricing/packaging, but also has the least national coverage.

[JBL]

iPhone 4, unlocked, micro sim

Have tested with alternative carriers micro sim

Cheers

JBL

TrueMove H or AIS/One-2-Call may be your best options.

http://www.truemove-h.com/prepay/sim/prepay-sim-iphone.aspx

http://www.truemove-h.com/prepay/prepay-topping.aspx

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/internet-package/#2

Many thanx

JBL

[mike111]

after purchasing the 1-2-call sim card, are there any settings to configure on the mobile to enable the internet connection?.

[lomatopo]

http://www.ais.co.th/FAQ/en/handset_setting.html

[mike111]

Thanks.

[4evermaat]

350b per month for 1 gig sounds good and enough fir most people if not watching vids or music.... Is tethering allowed/possible so I can share this 1 gig if I plug my iPhone to laptop?! Not 100% on how that works...

With android 2.2 and newer you can setup mobile wifi hotspot w. Password from wireless setting.

"2nd best time to plant a tree is today." Sent from ThaiVisa app.

[mike111]

I'm bumping this thread to ask what's the best sim/plan to use for a usage of 5GB or more during a of about a month.

TIA.

[lomatopo]

Maybe have a read through this thread, I recently tried to update the 3 major providers. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/425412-smartphone-service-plans/

I think they all have 5 GB threshold packages so it's really a matter of your individual situation, equipment and location.

We need to know what make, model equipment you have, where you are located, if you have voice and text requirements etc.

At the 5 GB level they all offer "unlimited" usage above the threshold, albeit at 384 Kbps.

http://www.truemove-...ay-topping.aspx

http://www.ais.co.th...rnet-package/#2

http://www.happy.co....mid=265〈=th

They all seem to be 890-ish for 5 GB.

[mike111]

Thanks.

My mobile is a sony ericsson x10 mini pro:

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100

Location will be BKK and Pattaya.

I expect some but not extensive voice and text usage.

Thanks.

[lomatopo]

Thanks.

My mobile is a sony ericsson x10 mini pro:

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100

Location will be BKK and Pattaya.

I expect some but not extensive voice and text usage.

Thanks.

Since your phone operates on 850 Mhz 3G your choices are limited to TrueMove H and DTAC/Happy. Assuming you want 3G then TrueMove H may be your best choice as they appear to have extensive coverage in Pattaya while DTAC has a hole between Chnonburi and Rayong.

[Sydneycraig]

I'm getting ais monthly prepay for 855 a month unlimited use... Once I get my iPhone unlocked for 700 baht (that sound about right?!)