You’ll find that calling internationally while in Thailand can be very expensive. We recommend using WhatsApp or Line for free communication with others. These applications are available on all smartphones and offer texting, video calls, and traditional phone call options.
Depending entirely on Wi-Fi is not recommended. A strong Wi-Fi connection is not available everywhere. In local coffee shops, restaurants and cafes you need to purchase something in order to connect to their Wi-Fi.
Local Plan Options
Buy an inexpensive “flip phone” just for talking and texting on a pre-paid plan. You can find cheap Nokia phones for 30-40 dollars.
Buy or bring a (relatively) cheap smart phone model for all your talk, text, and data uses. You can find older models or light versions of smartphones (limited storage, poor camera quality, etc.) for less than 100 dollars.
Buy a SIM card that will work with your existing phone, providing you with a local number and data plan – be sure to check with your US phone provider that your phone is “unlocked”, otherwise the Thai SIM card won’t work. SIM cards usually cost between 10 dollars a month for unlimited data.
International Plan Options
Bring your phone and network from home if you have a decent international data and airtime plan – just be aware that you won’t be able to communicate locally quite as easily and will likely need to rely on WhatsApp/Line to communicate with others in-country.
Check with your US phone carrier for options – but note that they will likely charge more than a local Thai plan.
Mix and Match
You could get the cheapest local Thai phone for local communication and use your existing phone for data when you need it, either depending on Wi-Fi availability or by switching on/off your international data/roaming as needed.
How to Get a Phone or SIM Card
Note: When you go to buy a phone or SIM card, you will need to bring your passport.
There are many companies that offer cheap flip phones, inexpensive smart phones, and SIM cards in one place. Some of the most popular companies are AIS and True, but talk to them and see what option they have for tourists.
Topping Off your Account
If you purchase a data plan in Thailand and you use your allotted minutes or your plan expires, you’ll need to 'top off' your account (i.e, put more money on your phone). This can be done online or in-person with your SIM card provider.
How to Make Calls from Your Phone
From a Thai Phone to Another Thai Phone
This is just the standard number that you see starting with a 0.
From a U.S. or Any Other Non-Thai Cell Phone to a Thai Phone Number
Dial the international access code: begin by dialing the international access code specific to your country. For the United States, the code is "011."
Enter the country code: After the international access code, enter the country code for Thailand, which is "66."