Moving to BKK - Mobile Phone Question

[Tee Kay]

Hi all,

 

I'm moving to BKK in a week and am bringing a new, unlocked iPhone with me. I'm planning on getting a Thai SIM as soon as I arrive, but I'm unsure of exactly how the plans work. 

 

For the sake of example, say I want unlimited data and also want to be able to make a limited number of calls and texts. Do I buy an unlimited data package and then add another amount (say 200 baht, for example) into the account which can be used for calls and texts? 

 

I think part of my confusion centers around the use of the term "top up," which I've seen a lot. Does this mean renewing my package for another month, or adding money into the calls and texts portion of the account? I assume if I bought an account with a limited amount of data, I could also top up on data once I've reached my limit?

 

Thanks in advance for the help. This is bothering me and I'm sure it's not hard, but I have yet to find a really clear answer on the internet.

[The manic]

I have a sim from which 200 baht  is deducted every month for data.  That is sufficient but I could buy more if I wanted. The top up system or pay as you go is my chosen system. I pay 1000 baht and it lasts me a long time. The issue you have to address is keeping your number active if you leave Thailand for a long time.  the staff at the provider office can help you.  I use True but some people use AIS. 

[Tee Kay]

5 minutes ago, The manic said:

I have a sim from which 200 baht  is deducted every month for data.  That is sufficient but I could buy more if I wanted. The top up system or pay as you go is my chosen system. I pay 1000 baht and it lasts me a long time. The issue you have to address is keeping your number active if you leave Thailand for a long time.  the staff at the provider office can help you.  I use True but some people use AIS. 

 

Thanks for the response. To make sure I'm clear on the logistics: So you pay 1,000 baht and then every month 200 baht is deducted for data, and another amount is deducted for calls/texts? And then after a while, once that original 1,000 baht is close to 0, you top up again?

[The manic]

Just now, Tee Kay said:

 

Thanks for the response. To make sure I'm clear on the logistics: So you pay 1,000 baht and then every month 200 baht is deducted for data, and another amount is deducted for calls/texts? And then after a while, once that original 1,000 baht is close to 0, you top up again?

Correct. But due to Line and WhatsApp the call and text costs are very low. And I use WiFi a lot so the data rarely runs out. 

[KhunBENQ]

Nothing Bangkok specific (except maybe "best operator in Bangkok or region").

 

So I move this to the mobile devices forum where such questions arise frequently.

----------------------

"Top up" is a term that refers to prepaid SIMs.

Simply means you fill up your credit and can then either use the default tariff of the operator or you can book different tariffs or book packages.

There are multiple operators and an uncountable number of different (data) packages/tariffs.

 

Postpaid (contract) is also available to long staying expats (with or without work permit). A bit more complicated.

 

It would help if you describe what your typical use for data will be?

Do you need 3G/4G speed?

Unlimited data package: I am not aware that such really exists for mobile.

Biggest high speed packages I am aware are 6 GB (about 900 Baht) and 12 GB (about 1700 Baht) valid for one month.

If you use up that volume the data rate will be throttled and you either continue with the low rate or book a new package.

 

[Tee Kay]

22 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Nothing Bangkok specific (except maybe "best operator in Bangkok or region").

 

So I move this to the mobile devices forum where such questions arise frequently.

----------------------

"Top up" is a term that refers to prepaid SIMs.

Simply means you fill up your credit and can then either use the default tariff of the operator or you can book different tariffs or book packages.

There are multiple operators and an uncountable number of different (data) packages/tariffs.

 

Postpaid (contract) is also available to long staying expats (with or without work permit). A bit more complicated.

 

It would help if you describe what your typical use for data will be?

Do you need 3G/4G speed?

Unlimited data package: I am not aware that such really exists for mobile.

Biggest high speed packages I am aware are 6 GB (about 900 Baht) and 12 GB (about 1700 Baht) valid for one month.

If you use up that volume the data rate will be throttled and you either continue with the low rate or book a new package.

 

 

Thanks for this, and sorry for misplacing the topic - I wasn't even aware of the mobile devices section. If you don't mind, I have a few follow up questions (all of them regarding pre-paid SIMs. I don't think I'll mess around with post-paid):

 

1. What exactly do you mean by tariff? I've never heard that term used before in reference to mobile phones.

 

2. As far as my needs, I'll need 4G speed. I won't be streaming tons of video, but I'll browse internet/Gmail/Facebook fairly often and will probably use Google Maps a lot for getting around. Would you say the best option would be to buy definitely buy a data package right away, or should I just add some credit at the beginning and see roughly how much data I use for the first month (and then maybe buy a package once I have a feel for how much data I use in one month)?

 

3. Am I correct in assuming that it's possible to switch packages at any time?

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, Tee Kay said:

1. What exactly do you mean by tariff? I've never heard that term used before in reference to mobile phones.

English is not my first language.

Tariff is probably misleading.

"Call plan"/"cakk package" describes it better?

There is not only a big number of different data packages but als a couple of variants how you can be charged for mobile voice calls.

 

1 hour ago, Tee Kay said:

Would you say the best option would be to buy definitely buy a data package right away

You could start with a package for 4 GB or so and see what happens (how long it lasts).

You can check the status (remaining volume/expiry) with USSD codes. At AIS it would be

*121*32#

Answer for me currently "You do not have any package....".

 

1 hour ago, Tee Kay said:

3. Am I correct in assuming that it's possible to switch packages at any time?

Basically yes.

At AIS (one-2-call) there are packages that automatically extend (if credit is sufficient).

Some like it, some not.

Don't know about the other operators (DTAC, True).

The problem with the packages that simply expire is that you might not be notified and your credit is eaten up by the then much higher price per volume.

So don't top-up excessively.

 

1 hour ago, Tee Kay said:

I won't be streaming tons of video, but I'll browse internet/Gmail/Facebook fairly often and will probably use Google Maps a lot for getting around

Browsing non video stuff could work with 512 kBit/s.

There are dirt cheap unlimited packages for that (less then 100 Baht per week).

But Google maps? Guess you need some multi Mbit/s for that.

3G and up.

 

[The manic]

Use pay as you go-top up - do not get locked into a contract.  Just pay for what you use.  Start with a small data package and if after one month it not enough just change it. 

[RichCor]

If you are in a fixed location such as a guest house or condo rental, you may find it to your benefit to see if there are strong WiFi HotSpots you can contract with, rather than spend your money on the more restrictive 3G/4G/LTE service.  A WiFi HotSpots contract can provide 'actual' unlimited high-speed data upload/download (versus the metered contract you'd get with a mobile data provider).

 

The trick is finding one that works well in your room.  

 

For instance, 3BB WiFi offers 80,000+ hotspots thoughout Thailand, where you can pay 99 THB/mo  for UNLIMITED INTERNET.

 

If you have a laptop and only receive so-so WiFi coverage, think about purchasing an external USB WiFi adapter that has an external antenna, or better yet purchase an external USB WiFi directional flat-panel adapter and place the unit up and facing directly at the signal you desire.

 

Save your mobile data for when you are out and about and need access to google maps, social media, or venue advice.