Cell Service Question - First Day in Chiang Mai

[TheVagabond]

Hi all,

I just researched old threads and am seeming to lean towards DTAC for a SIM and plan (I also want data). I will be in CM at least 6 months.

I didn't see a complete picture of what one might recommend for service and plan. Prepay versus postpay pros and cons? Not sure what my long term housing will be, so I know that makes a difference.

Staying right now by the Thaepae Gate but it seems the Airport Central Plaza may be the best overall shopping mall so maybe that's where I take a trip out to tomorrow? (And go to DTAC or whomever there?)

Thanks, I appreciate general recommendations on which carrier and which location to go to.

[bobl]

They're all as bad as one another, in one way or another, if you see what I mean.

A lot does depend on your area. Personally I use CAT & True both of which work adequately out where I'm at (way out of town).

You don't need to trek all the way to Airport Plaza, just pick up a sim card at any 7-11 or one of the many phone shops. They'll cost you maybe 99 baht. Add 150 baht credit (e.g. True do a 10 day/100Mb package for 100+vat) and try it out. If you're happy with it then you can 'upgrade' to a monthly package. I'd recommend "unlimited" e.g. 599 for 2Gb, 899 for 5Gb etc. (the unlimited part is that you don't get cut off, you just get slowed down if you exceed your bundle).

DTAC have similar packages, as do AIS. A lot depends on your device. If it's a 900MHz (the "Europe" standard) 3G device you'd need to use AIS, True & DTAC use 850MHz (the "US" standard"). If it's a newer device it might also work on 2100MHz.

[heybruce]

You'll get more replies if you call it a mobile phone service plan.

If all you want to do is make phone calls then bobl gave you good advice, just get a sim and some credit and put it in your phone.

[TheVagabond]

Thank you both. So, if I want data so that google maps works, the options you mentioned include that? Or that's specific feature I need to add?

[Maestro]

You need a data plan to run Google Maps.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Or you could use a mapping application that uses off-line maps, then you don't need 3G data access for your maps/GPS stuff.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapswithme.maps

[bobl]

You don't need a data plan but you do need data - and most of the operators are very happy to give you data at an extortionate "out of bundle" rate (usually a per Mb or per minute rate). It's not just Google Maps, there's any number of things a smartphone will use data for - email & facebook notifications, software updates (if you haven't told it to update "only on wifi") etc etc etc. In other words if you have a smartphone you *need* a package (or very deep pockets).

Sounds like you'd be best off with the cheapest "unlimited" plan which would be ~US$20/mo with most of the providers. The unlimited plans protect you from the nasty surprises you're likely to get if you have a limited bundle and use it up before the end of the month (in which case you revert to aforementioned per Mb or per Minute rates). If you use voice or sms you can get a combined voice/sms/data bundle too.

[Briggsy]

I thought you had been imprisoned on your first day in Chiang Mai! You wouldn't be the first. And were then here to complain about the food being provided in the cells at Chiang Mai police station.

[elektrified]

"Cell service" is an odd term. I think you mean "mobile plan". I'm fairly sure you must be a Thai citizen or a farang with a company and a WP to get a post-paid plan. At least that is the way it used to be.