Buying a Chiang Mai SIM Card: Everything You Need to Know

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Where to Buy a Prepaid Chiang Mai SIM Card

For your trip to Chiang Mai, consider purchasing an eSIM or a physical SIM from leading networks like AIS for the fastest service, followed by competitive options from TrueMove and dtac. 

You can buy a prepaid SIM card at Chiang Mai International Airport or in town.

Airalo eSIM for Chiang Mai

Providers like Airalo offer the convenience of being set up with data immediately upon landing (or even before you leave home!), and they also provide multi-country packages if Thailand is just one stop on your itinerary. 

If you have an iPhone 14 or newer purchased in the United States, eSIM is your only option–these phones don’t have physical SIM card slots.

Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Chiang Mai

If you prefer a physical SIM card, pick one up at Chiang Mai International Airport. 

The kiosks for AIS, TrueMove, and dtac are located in the arrivals hall near the baggage claim. 

While AIS offers the fastest service, TrueMove and dtac often have more competitive deals. 

I usually go with the best deal, honestly, and oftentimes, that’s dtac, which has worked fine for me except for very remote places in the countryside. TrueMove is offering similarly priced packages right now, though, and they have better service, so I’d probably go with them!

Be cautious of the free SIM card promotions, which are often not worth it as they come with very little data. If you’re on a tight budget, Chiang Mai Airport SIM cards tend to be slightly pricier than the ones in town.

Based on my experience with evening flights, the airport kiosks typically close around 8 pm, so if you find yourself landing after hours like I often do, you’ll need to wait until you’re in town to buy one.

Once you’re in town, I recommend heading to Maya Shopping Mall near the Nimman area to shop for your prepaid SIM cards. 

Just a quick 10-15 minute ride from the Old Town, Maya Shopping Mall features two food courts for a bite in air-conditioned comfort and also offers the convenience of English-speaking staff who will install your Chiang Mai SIM card for you in minutes— don’t forget to bring your passport for registration.

At Maya, you’ll find AIS, TrueMove, and dtac on the 3rd floor.

Avoid buying a SIM card from convenience stores like 7Eleven unless you are fluent in Thai and comfortable setting it up yourself.

AIS, TrueHome, and dtac Mobile Network Prices

I typically pay about $1 USD per day for a data package in Chiang Mai. 30GB tends to be plenty for a month in Thailand, and you can always top up.

Network	Timeframe	Price (USD/Baht)	Package Details
Airalo (DTAC)	10 days	$9.90 (฿300)	50GB + 100 Mins
Airalo (DTAC)	15 days	$19.95 (฿600)	Unlimited Data + Calls
AIS	8 days	$8 (฿299)	15GB + ฿50 credit
AIS	15 days	$16 (฿599)	30GB
AIS	30 days	$24 (฿899)	50GB
True Move	8 days	$12 (฿449)	Unlimited Data + Calls
True Move	15 days	$19 (฿699)	Unlimited Data + Calls
True Move	30 days	$32 (฿1,199)	Unlimited Data + Calls
dtac	8 days	$12 (฿449)	Unlimited Data + Calls
dtac	15 days	$19 (฿699)	Unlimited Data + Calls
dtac	30 days	$32 (฿1,199)	Unlimited Data + Calls

AIS SIM Card in Chiang Mai

The best mobile network in Thailand with reliable 4G and 5G, but a little more expensive than TrueMove and dtac.

They offer several tourist packages, such as:

• 30 days: $25 USD (899 baht) for 50GB of high-speed internet

• 15 days: $16 USD (599 baht) for 30GB of high-speed internet

• 8 days: $8 USD (299 baht) for 15GB and 50 baht of credit

Find more about AIS SIM Card packages here.

TrueMove SIM Card in Chiang Mai

TrueMoveH stands out with an amazing 5G network and competitive pricing.

Their tourist packages include unlimited calls within Thailand and options like:

• 8 days: $12 USD (449 baht) for unlimited data

• 15 days: $19 USD (699 baht) for unlimited data

• 30 days: $33 USD (1,199 baht) for unlimited data

Explore True Move SIM Card packages here.

DTAC SIM Card Chiang Mai

While coverage isn’t as reliable and data is not as fast as AIS or True Move, dtac is fine for tourists staying in the city. 

I’ve used DTAC a lot and rarely have any issues with coverage, so this is a fine option. I did lose service on a remote road in Chiang Dao, but only briefly. However, since TrueMove is currently offering the same SIM card prices, you’re better off going with them.

Their Happy Tourist Infinite SIM plans are great for those needing unlimited internet:

• 8 days: $12 USD (449 baht) for unlimited data

• 15 days: $19 USD (699 baht) for unlimited data

• 30 days: $33 USD (1,199 baht) for unlimited data

Check out DTAC’s options here.

👉 I highly recommend Airalo eSIM for travelers to Thailand — it’s affordable, easy to set up before your trip, and provides seamless connectivity the moment you land, making it the perfect choice for hassle-free travel.

Essential Tips for Buying a Chiang Mai SIM Card

• Ensure your phone is unlocked before heading to Thailand, or you won’t be able to install a new SIM card in Chiang Mai.

• Opt for an eSIM to simplify your setup and gain instant connectivity as soon as you land– you can arrange this online before your departure.

• Thai SIM cards sold at airports, like Chiang Mai International, tend to be pricier than those in the city. Remember, the “free” SIM cards often come with minimal data.

• Verify maximum data speeds when purchasing your SIM card to ensure it meets your needs.

• Carry your passport when buying a SIM card, as you’ll need it for registration—you can purchase up to three SIM cards per passport.

• If your phone only has one SIM card slot, keep your home SIM safe—perhaps taped inside your phone case.

• Switch your home network to an eSIM to keep your phone’s physical SIM slot available for your Thai SIM.

• Your new Thai phone number will begin with the country code +66.

• Top up your SIM card as needed at local stores or online, although navigating the apps might be complex.

• Expect a one-time fee for most physical SIM cards.

FAQs About Buying Prepaid SIM Cards in Chiang Mai