Let's take a look at some frequently asked questions regarding mobile phones in Thailand...
Will I be able to use my handset in Thailand?
Certainly. But remember that all SPs in Thailand operate on GSM900/1800 networks, so check that your phone is compatible. Then make sure that your handset is unlocked. If it's not, you can have it done at the many phone shops around the city. Alternatively, you can rent a phone or get a new (or used) one at affordable prices. All that's left to do is to get a prepaid SIM card, available at all convenience stores and many other outlets around the country. Follow the easy set-up instructions, and you're all set!
Where is the best place to purchase a mobile phone?
The fourth floor of MBK Center is hands down the best place you should be heading to. You'll find a bevy of all the latest makes and models (used and new) that suits every taste, need and budget. Look for an authorized dealer, and don't forget to ask for a receipt and a warranty. Better safe than sorry!
Are mobile phones cheaper in Thailand than back home?
That depends on where you're coming from. But what is true is that prices here are very competitive and it's pretty easy to find a great deal if you take the trouble to look around. At many malls and department stores you will qualify for a Tourist Discount Card that will slash up to 5% off the purchase price - just because we like visitors so much. You can also claim the VAT back (7%) before returning home. This already adds up to 12% discount. Not bad, eh?
Where can I rent a mobile phone?
Not always a good option, but rental services are available at most major hotels as well as at the phone rental counters at airports. A deposit of 30,000 to 40,000 baht is usually required (depending on the model of the handset). The rental charge depends on how long you rent the phone for; generally the longer, the cheaper. Honestly, you'd be better off buying a new phone.
Who are the Service Providers in Thailand?
There are four major SPs in Thailand, each with their own network coverage. AIS (Advance Info Service) is the largest and is also believed to have the most extensive network. The second largest is DTAC (D Total Access Communications), followed by True Move and Hutch (Hutchison). All Service Providers offer instructions and support in English.
What kind of service (prepaid versus contract) should I use?
A prepaid plan is probably the best option for visitors. You can buy more airtime (a top-up card) at any convenience store or from the many phone shops all over the city. Top-up cards come in denominations ranging from 50 up to 800 baht. If you plan to stay in Thailand for a longer period of time, you might want to consider a contract.
What about the cost of a prepaid SIM card?
Prepaid SIM cards, depending on the Service Providers and their calling plans, cost from as little as 50 baht up to 150 baht. Together with airtime top-up cards (50 to 800 baht), they're available at mobile phone shops, convenience stores, kiosks, and vendors.
What about international roaming in Thailand?
If you already have a mobile phone with an international roaming service (and on a compatible network), it will usually work here. Roaming, however, can be an expensive option, since there are two network costs involved, as well as a network connection fee. Roaming costs vary from country to country, from SP to SP, and often depends also on the type of contract or package you have. Best to check with your SP before you leave.
How much does it costs to place a call within Thailand?
The charges for placing a domestic call to or from a mobile phone vary according to which calling plan you bought into, and the time of the day. Usually it costs around three baht per minute to make a call within Bangkok. Calling to and from outer provinces can be slightly more. If you make a few enquiries and ask around, you can find some really good packages that offer excellent rates off-peak.
How much does it cost to make an international phone call?
Again, this depends on your Service Provider, the calling plan you're using, and the time of the day (calls are more expensive during peak hours). It is much cheaper to get a prepaid international calling card from most convenience stores, and use it on your mobile phone.
How does an SMS (Short Message Service) work in Thailand? Can I send a text messages to people back home?
Sure. All you need to do is punch in the country code, area code, and the number. For example, if you want to text a number in London, press +44 (country code), followed by the number, leaving out the '0' (the first digit in the number). The cost depends on the network and package you're on (prepaid or contract). Many different promotions are offered with bundled SMS packages that makes it really cheap.
How should I dial a mobile phone number within Thailand?
Since September 2006, numbers in Thailand changed from a nine-digit to a ten-digit system. The change was in response to the rapid growth in the number of mobile users (currently there are around 30 million users in Thailand). All existing numbers changed with an '8' added as a second digit. For example, the number 01 123 4567 is now 081 123 4567.
What about the signal quality and coverage?
Signal quality varies considerably from place to place in Bangkok and within Thailand - as well as the time of the day. The bandwidth gets congested during peak times and often around crowded areas, and you may have difficulty getting a good signal. A loss of connection or sporadic dropouts may also occur. Naturally, there are some low signal areas, due to the layout of buildings (basements, elevators, etc). Coverage along provincial highways is pretty good, but once you get off the beaten track, especially remote areas, the signal strength can be weaker.
Where can I buy accessories for my mobile phone?
Literally hundreds of phone shops specializing in phone accessories can be found on the fourth floor of MBK. Watch out for imitation goods, though. If you're looking for a real deal, visit authorized dealers like i-Mobile and Jay Mart.
Will my phone charger work in Thailand?
The electric current in Thailand is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles), so you may need a power transformer and a plug adapter for your charger to work. You're recommended to get a cube-shaped transformer (it costs between 200 and 500 baht) available at the electrical sections of large department stores. Make sure to get the ones which convert 220 Volts into 110 Volts (step down), not the other way around.
What should I do if lose my phone it is stolen?
Mobile phone theft is common, just like anywhere else in the world. If you lose your phone or it is stolen, call your mobile phone company or the Service Provider immediately. If it is insured you also have to report it to the nearest police station.
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