How to buy a local prepaid SIM card in Thailand in 2026 and how much does it cost?

You can buy a local prepaid SIM card in Thailand in 2026 at 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lotus's stores or at mobile phone shops (but they are hard to find, stores are easier). Prices start from 49 baht, but the optimal plan we use ourselves is 199 baht for 1 month. The cheapest card is Dtac 7-Eleven sim (ex. HAPPY Combo SIM) for 49 baht, which gives 3 GB of internet and 30 minutes of calls for 7 days, but you can extend it for another 7 days many times by topping up 50 baht at the counter, or choose a different plan after 7 days.

For purchase, you must have a passport — the seller will take a copy or photo for registration. If they refuse to sell (sometimes they say cards are for locals only), just go to another store. You can also buy a SIM card online in advance at Trip.com with a Russian card and pick it up at the airport.

We have detailed all the nuances of purchase, activation, and plan selection in our honest guide: How to buy a local Prepaid SIM card in Thailand.

Where to go in Thailand for the first time?
Do I need a category "A" license to rent a motorbike?
Can I exchange rubles in Phuket?
Follow the link, all these questions are discussed in the chat - https://t.me/thailand_travel_chat