Is a passport required to buy a SIM card in Thailand?
Answers 2
Answered by Admin
Yes, a passport is mandatory to purchase any local SIM card in Thailand. This rule applies to both tourist SIM cards bought at the airport and regular Prepaid cards sold in telecom shops and 7/11 stores.
The seller will ask for your passport to scan or copy it for registering the SIM card in the system. This is a mandatory procedure under local laws. Previously, it was possible to buy a card without presenting documents, but those times are over.
In our chat, travelers sometimes report that in some 7/11 stores at popular resorts, they refuse to sell regular Prepaid cards to foreigners, saying they are "only for Thais." This is not true—there is no ban. Most likely, it is more profitable for the seller to sell you a more expensive tourist SIM. If you encounter a refusal, just try another store or a telecom operator's shop (AIS, Dtac, True).
Don't worry about this procedure—it is standard and takes a couple of minutes. Just have your passport with you when you go to get a SIM card.
For more details on buying and setting up a local SIM card, read our guide: Communication and Internet in Thailand.
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Comments 1
💥 Thanks, useful link 😊!
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