Photo: Moomettesgram

Whether you are traveling on business or a fun filled vacation holiday to Thailand, you will want to stay in touch, either with friends and family back home, or any new friends you meet on your travels.  One of the top questions from new travelers seems to be “can I use my mobile phone in Thailand?”  The short answer is yes, however there are more than a few details that need to be addressed.  How you plan on using your cell phone, what type of phone, and what type of network all can affect whether or not you can use your cell in Thailand.

Most of this information is geared towards Americans, as they have a few more mobile challenges to look after than say Europeans who want to use their phones in Thailand.  However, the information applies to anyone, from any country so it may be good to have a read if this is your first trip and your not sure if your cell or mobile will work in Pattaya, or any other parts of Thailand.

How do you want to use your cell phone in Thailand?
There are two basic scenarios here.  Do you simply want to bring your mobile phone to Pattaya so that friends and family can reach you from back home, make a few phone calls home, and maybe a couple locally?  Then you just need to ensure that your phone and network will work in Thailand.  I’ll cover how to do that in a little bit.

This is going to be the most expensive options, as you will be paying the long distance, international rates with your cell phone provider.  It will be cheaper and easier for people from your home country to get in touch with you as they already know your number, and it is like dialing a local call for them.  Not a bad option if your call will be few, or for emergencies only.

The second option is you want a working mobile phone in Thailand, so you can call and text/SMS your friends.  Whether they be that new Thai girl you just met, or one of your buddies you are on holiday with. In this scenario you will swap out your cell phone’s SIM card for a Thai SIM, and buy prepaid minutes.  This is just like a pay-as-you-go phone in the US and Europe.

It is cheaper for local calls in Pattaya but not very reasonable to make international calls back home.  It is also more expensive for your friends and family to call you from abroad.  But it does give them just one number to dial in Thailand should you be moving around on vacation.  They will be able to reach you in Pattaya, Phuket, or any place there is cell service instead of trying to contact the hotel.

What type of mobile phone works in Thailand?
Thailand uses a GSM network, so your cell phone needs to be on this type of network also.  It is pretty standard around the world, however not all companies in the US use a GSM.  Some carriers like Sprint and Verizon still use the CDMA network.

This is problematic because a CDMA phone will not work on a GSM network and the CDMA phones don’t use SIM cards.  So these phones won’t work with either option I mentioned above.  However it is a good idea to check with your cell provider just to be sure, some of them do still issue world phones that maybe compatible.

Now if you have a GSM carrier like AT&T or T-mobile you are one step closer.  However you need to make sure your cell phone is compatible overseas, and Thailand in particular.  The US uses two different bands than the rest of the world (we always have to be different).

The US uses 850 and 1900 for its networks (850 is often referred to as 800 but it is the same thing).  Thailand uses mainly 1800 (with some 900/1900).  One band will not work with the other, it is like trying to pick up an AM radio station on an FM radio – it’s not going to happen.  So what does that mean to you?

You need a phone that is Tri-band or Quad-Band.  Most smart phones are Quad-Band these days, but you should always check with your cell provider.  The Quad Band phones cover all 4 networks and will work anywhere – these are known as world phones.  If you have a tri-band phone, make sure the third band is 1800.  That will give you the best coverage option.  A lot of us phones are dual-band and will not work in Thailand.  Once again, check your model number online, or call your mobile carrier to confirm.

Ok, now that you’ve done all that and know your phone will work in Thailand.  You can either use your home service or proceed to the next step and learn…

How to Use a Thai SIM in My Mobile Phone?
Swapping out SIM Cards is easy, and will in effect turn your cell phone into a Thai mobile.  Take note that once you swap out your home SIM you can no longer receive calls on that number till you put it back in.

The easiest way to buy a Thai SIM and activate it is to head to one of the local shopping malls and find an electronics store.  If you are in Bangkok you could head over to the MBK, or in Pattaya you can easily find them at TUK Com, Royal Garden, or one of the other malls.

There are two main options for Thai SIM cards.  12Call and DTAC.  I’ve only ever used 12Call and have been quite happy with them.  Though I know many others who have used DTAC and seem to be just as satisfied.  I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either option.

The store will usually give you a selection of numbers to choose from.  I look for one that may be easy to remember, though I rarely do.  When you purchase you SIM card, the store clerk will help you install it and get it activated.  You can probably do it yourself, however I find it easier to let them do it, in case there are voice prompts in Thai.

Topping up your Thai SIM
You will also want to purchase some additional minutes.  These topup cards are sold by the amount of Baht.  100, 300, 500, for example.  Using these cards to top up your Thai mobile are pretty easy.  You scratch of the number on the back of the card, follow the instructions (written in English as well as Thai) and plug the numbers into the phone.  With in seconds you’ll get an SMS telling you your card is now charged.  All these messages also come over in English so you won’t have any problems.

If you need to charge or topup your Thai SIM while you are in Pattaya, they can be purchased in most 7-11 and Family Mart stores.  And they seem to have one or two on every street.

Once you get things sorted out it is really quite a simple process to use your mobile phone in Thailand.  It’s the up front research that can be a bit of work.  If you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask.