Bringing A Cell Phone Into Thailand

[Dave Manke]

This question might have already been ansered by now since it sounds like a typical issue for ex-pats. My dilemma is this: I need to upgrade to a new phone while I'm working in the United States but also need to have something when I move to Thailand. In Thailand I would like to use a smart phone to tether a laptop, tablet, etc.....while at home or traveling.

1. What cell phones convert best from other countries into Thailand? I have heard Apple 4s is a pretty decent phone to take with you and can easily be compatible with the right SIM card from the Thai service providers. How does Android compare with Apple phones when trying to do this?

2. What is the process for converting over your phone when you get here. What are some of the Thaii Service providers and how much is unlimited data going to cost?

3. I can currently get an I Phone 4s for $350 and convert it over when I arrive or wait and buy one here. How much does a new smart phone cost in Thailand?

Thank you for your help.

[joey88tc]

buying a new phone is crazy......if there is anyone you know in the states that upgraded there phone that uses a sim card...most all tmobile phone uses sim cards....ask them to call tmobile and ask for the unlock codes...the normally send the codes and instructions via email within 24 hours......now the phone is unlocked and can be used with any sim card...my nieces and nephews always like the new phones and I always ask them for the old ones...a lot of my family uses tmobile so that is good...I believe at&t also uses sim cards, but Verizon does not

[lomatopo]

How long are you working in the U.S.? Which service provider, in the U.S., are you/will be using?

When are you moving to Thailand?

Are you intent on an Apple iPhone?

Without a lot more detail, I would recommend any GSM-capable, SIM-capable, un-locked, non-subsidized quad/penta-band 3G phone.

An un-locked, non-subsidized iPhone 4S is $549 in the U.S.

I might recommend a Google Nexus 4: $299/8 GB or $349/16 GB - these are un-locked, and then a pre-paid account with T-Mo, AT&T or one of their many, many MVNO/resellers like StraightTalk, Simple, etc. The Google NExus 4 is much less expensive in the U.S., than here in Thailand, but generally speaking most smartphone models are slightly less expensive here. An iPhone 4S (16 GB) is 19,500 baht here, all in.

Any GSM-capable, SIM-capable, un-locked, non-subsidized quad/penta-band 3G phone would work here in Thailand, without the need to "convert" it.

I use both a Google Nexus 4, and a Samsung Galaxy S 2, here in Thailand (DTAC/Happy and TrueMove H) and in the U.S. with T-Mobile (pre-paid).

Unlimited data varies by volume, 1 GB/400 baht up to 5 GB/900 baht - but there are many, many packages and some larger, smaller than referenced here.

Edited May 7, 2013 by lomatopo

[Langsuan Man]

I also would suggest a Nexus 4 from Google