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Thai Phone Question


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Hi, me again:) Another Noob question.

 

I am an American (San Francisco). I would like to have a Thai phone for my first trip (10 days duration) coming up in June. I was wondering if it is best to buy an phone here (US) before leaving and then a SIM in LOS. Or is it better to purchase both phone and SIM in LOS? Better being less hassle and cheaper. I will bring an iPad for WiFi at hotel (Page 10, for TR and other research) so I am thinking I don't really need data (just voice and SMS). Is there a reason I would want data out and about (maps, email?)? Is data an expensive option? If buying the phone in US is better option, what models work best (both data and non-data phones). Where in Pattaya is the best place to pick either phone and SIM or just SIM?

 

Thanks for any advice in this area.

 

I apologize if this has been answered in another thread, I was unable to find it...

Edited by z_george
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I ,believe the US and A uses an other band, buying the phone in LoS will be better and cheeper.

 

You can buy the AIS 12Call SIM card at any 7-eleven for only 50B, then top up with any amount you like.

 

There are different alternatives for the data, for a short stay maybe pay per day is best, 45B

More info on AIS homepage, right now I'm at 33'000ft and too lazy to find the overview page

I have been to Thailand 6 times

next trip: My fiancee comes to me :)

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Can buy a new or 2 nd hand phone anywhere in thailand .

 

$50 should get you something decent , 50 baht . sim card and just pay as you go . simple.

 

I brought a very basic nearly new motorolla at mbk bangkok 5 years ago for 1200bt. and still going fine .

 

You may have to buy another sim card each visit depending on length of time between trips . they re-issue dormant numbers after a while .

 

Mikeyboy

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As previously stated there are many places in Thailand that sell both second-hand and new cell phones.

 

As you didn't state your destination city/cities I don't know if Pattaya is on that list, but if so there're many pawn shops, as well as Tuk Com which has a whole floor of cell's and related accessories, likely much cheaper than you can obtain a cell here in the US.

 

Most users in Thailand utilize a prepaid system, and the phone needs to have a SIM card, which is becoming obsolete in the US due to the fact that

carriers in the United States operate over two different networks: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), as you're likely aware.

 

 

A Thai SIM card can be purchased for 200 baht at any 7-11 or Family Mart in the LOS, as well as Tuk Com. They are then loaded with whatever amount of credit you choose upon purchase or anytime thereafter. I use the 1-2-Call service, but there's DTAC and some others on the market also. As I recall usage was only about 1 baht a minute, dependent upon where you call.

 

I found myself changing my SIM several times on my longer stays, whenever a TG got to be a bother and wouldn't stop calling, as each comes with a new number. (Mark at Kessaya`s can certainly attest to this as we had some communication issues as a result!)

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

Peace,

TM

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You can buy a basic mobile anywhere in Thailand. Go to 7 Eleven and take a TRUE MOVE Inter SIM card, It's only 1 Bath/min. for international calls to USA. Whenever you refills, the validity is extended by one year.

For internet datas, choose an hotel with free Wi-Fi

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You can get a happy sim card (DTAC) for 49 bath, put some credit and them choise the package who feet you the best :

 

http://www.happy.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=333&Itemid=368&lang=en

 

For the sim personaly i have take one who keep work when im back home, so i can manage online my thai bank acount (and credit the phone with) and also my thai friends pay the local price to send me SMS.

 

You can check the differents SIM offert there:

http://www.happy.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=3&Itemid=66&lang=en

 

For the phone itself, i cant say compared to USA, but compared to europe the same phone go a little cheaper (about 10-15%) but mainly its the low TVA effect (8% in thailand agaisnt 20% here). If you go for a first price they have no real point to not buy at your home.

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snip

 

Most users in Thailand utilize a prepaid system, and the phone needs to have a SIM card, which is becoming obsolete in the US due to the fact that

carriers in the United States operate over two different networks: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), as you're likely aware.

 

 

snip

TM

 

 

Far from becoming obsolete, SIM cards are used on all GSM phones, wherever you use them in the world. In the US, both AT&T and T-mobile are GSM networks, and phones which work on these networks will probably work in Thailand unless they are locked. Locked phones can also be unlocked to work on all networks - a trip to Tuk.com should solve that issue.

 

Having said all that, it may be easier to just buy a cheap phone and SIM...

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

9 people can't make a baby in one month

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Far from becoming obsolete, SIM cards are used on all GSM phones, wherever you use them in the world. In the US, both AT&T and T-mobile are GSM networks, and phones which work on these networks will probably work in Thailand unless they are locked. Locked phones can also be unlocked to work on all networks - a trip to Tuk.com should solve that issue.

 

Having said all that, it may be easier to just buy a cheap phone and SIM...

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

I stand corrected.

 

As my cell service is on a GDMA network here at home, Sprint, I was informed by them that none of their offered phones have a SIM any longer. I think they had one or two Blackberries that would roam internationally but that service was seriously cost prohibitive. Apparently I took this information and incorrectly mentally applied it to the GSM networks, which I don't utilize here in the US, as well.

 

Thanks for the correction.

 

 

Peace,

TM

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Tesco Lotus have new Nokia from about 600 Baht ($20). You can get a True SIM from the airport for FREE. Then top up with whatever credit you want. I suggest 500 baht to start ($16).

 

Have a great trip !!!

If it flies, floats or fucks - it will be cheaper to rent !
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Tesco Lotus have new Nokia from about 600 Baht ($20). You can get a True SIM from the airport for FREE. Then top up with whatever credit you want. I suggest 500 baht to start ($16).

 

Exactly.

 

It's funny to think the before the iPhone, the USA was the most ass backwards country for mobile phone usage. Apple sure saved Americans from being the most retarded phone users in the world.

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Exactly.

 

It's funny to think the before the iPhone, the USA was the most ass backwards country for mobile phone usage. Apple sure saved Americans from being the most retarded phone users in the world.

 

derail

 

One can thank our political process which allows special interest groups influencing our politicians for that and many other things. All of which greatly influence everything from the cost of prescription drugs to having to get a new phone when changing service providers, health care costs, government subsidies...the list is endless.

 

/derail

 

 

Peace,

TM

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Hi, me again:) Another Noob question.

 

I am an American (San Francisco). I would like to have a Thai phone for my first trip (10 days duration) coming up in June. I was wondering if it is best to buy an phone here (US) before leaving and then a SIM in LOS. Or is it better to purchase both phone and SIM in LOS? Better being less hassle and cheaper. I will bring an iPad for WiFi at hotel (Page 10, for TR and other research) so I am thinking I don't really need data (just voice and SMS). Is there a reason I would want data out and about (maps, email?)? Is data an expensive option? If buying the phone in US is better option, what models work best (both data and non-data phones). Where in Pattaya is the best place to pick either phone and SIM or just SIM?

 

Thanks for any advice in this area.

 

I apologize if this has been answered in another thread, I was unable to find it...

 

What carrier do you use and what phone do you have? I can give you more specific answers.

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What carrier do you use and what phone do you have? I can give you more specific answers.

 

I have an iPhone on AT&T. Don't really want to jailbreak it just for my little adventure, unless it is somehow reversible.

 

Thx!

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I have an iPhone on AT&T. Don't really want to jailbreak it just for my little adventure, unless it is somehow reversible.

 

Thx!

 

You don't need to jail break.

 

I assume you have an iPhone 4S. Call AT&T CSR and ask them to unlock your phone because you are going to Thailand. It's that easy. Jailbreaking and unlocking are two very different thing. AT&T CSR should be able to provide you with a code that allows you t unlock your phone so that you can use other SIM card in it. iPhone 4S uses micro SIM card, so you'll need a SIM card cutter so that you can cut the pre-paid SIM card down to right size.

 

Micro SIM Card Cutter

 

That's it.

Edited by casinoclub
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You can buy a new Nokia (at least last time I checked) for about 1000 bt, POS of course, then sell it if you want before you leave, also lots of places to buy used phones as a disposable option.You can buy a sim almost anywhere and buy prepaid time at 7 11's etc. I wouldn't bother bringing the extra electronics if your are

already bringing the Ipad.

If this is where we all wanted to end up.... we have done everything perfectly.

"We mock what we don't understand" (Spies Like Us)

“It's always funny until someone gets hurt.

Then it's just hilarious.â€

― Bill Hicks

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You don't need to jail break.

 

I assume you have an iPhone 4S. Call AT&T CSR and ask them to unlock your phone because you are going to Thailand. It's that easy. Jailbreaking and unlocking are two very different thing. AT&T CSR should be able to provide you with a code that allows you t unlock your phone so that you can use other SIM card in it. iPhone 4S uses micro SIM card, so you'll need a SIM card cutter so that you can cut the pre-paid SIM card down to right size.

 

Micro SIM Card Cutter

 

That's it.

 

Damn! That's fantastic. Owe you a beer:)

 

Will data work as well or just voice and SMS?

 

Thanks again!

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Would this be a good idea?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/iPhone-3-4-5-DTAC-HAPPY-THAI-PREPAY-SIM-CARD-FOR-THAILAND-PAY-AS-YOU-GO-3G-42MPS-/160710926291?pt=UK_Mobile_Home_Phones_Sim_Cards_CV&hash=item256b1e1fd3#ht_4201wt_1413

 

I kinda like the idea of being able to just pop this in after landing and have have a working known number. I could give the number to Mr T and not get lost:)

 

I assume this is data and voice? Is this a good mobile carrier?

 

Thx again!

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You don't need to jail break.

 

I assume you have an iPhone 4S. Call AT&T CSR and ask them to unlock your phone because you are going to Thailand. It's that easy. Jailbreaking and unlocking are two very different thing. AT&T CSR should be able to provide you with a code that allows you t unlock your phone so that you can use other SIM card in it. iPhone 4S uses micro SIM card, so you'll need a SIM card cutter so that you can cut the pre-paid SIM card down to right size.

 

Micro SIM Card Cutter

 

That's it.

 

Just got off the phone with ATT. They told me to go #$%# myself. They will not unlock the phone while I am under contract (mine expires 7/4). I am pretty pist, definitely not renewing with them.

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Would this be a good idea?

 

http://www.ebay.com/...#ht_4201wt_1413

 

I kinda like the idea of being able to just pop this in after landing and have have a working known number. I could give the number to Mr T and not get lost:)

 

I assume this is data and voice? Is this a good mobile carrier?

 

Thx again!

 

It looks like it's a DTAC (Happy is their prepaid division) network. So that should work fine. However, you might be paying a premium for it.

 

There are several phone vendor right outside of the custom that you can purchase the SIM card from. They'll set it up for you. Often the cost of SIM card is around 50 baht and then you add however much money you want on it. See pictures below for the 3 cell operator that you can get prepaid SIM card from at airport:

 

IMG_1507.JPG

IMG_1508.JPG

IMG_1510.JPG

Edited by casinoclub
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Just got off the phone with ATT. They told me to go #$%# myself. They will not unlock the phone while I am under contract (mine expires 7/4). I am pretty pist, definitely not renewing with them.

 

You know, I am pretty sure it's their policy to allow you to unlock it. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon will unlock if you have contract with them for 60 days and your account is in good standing.

 

I've done it with T-Mobile (just last month), AT&T, and Verizon. With T-mobile and AT&T is first hand experience. With Verizon is my brother.

 

Call back and said "I am traveling to Asia and need an unlock code for my phone so that I can use my phone there".

 

 

Here's a New York Times article on "How to Get AT&T to Unlock Your iPhone" published on Apr 12, 2012.

 

 

The alternative is to either buy an cheap phone in Thailand as others suggested or buy an unlocked used quad band GSM phone off Craig's list. You might even be able to buy one of those brandnew pre-paid quad band GSM phone for next to nothing.

 

The advantage of having a smartphone is that you can use the translator (Google Translate?) to help talking to the girls. :-)

 

 

ps. I did a bit more digging, AT&T might only be unlocking non-contract iPhone (I know they unlock my under contract HTC phone). But given your contract expires on 7/4, I would strongly hint to the CSR manager (yeah, talk to the CSR manager) that they can unlock you now and potentially keep you on as customer or unlock you in less then 2 months and lose you as customer for sure. His call.

 

http://www.pcmag.com...,2402708,00.asp

 

http://www.extremete...ock-your-iphone

Edited by casinoclub
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No joy!

 

I've been a customer with 3 phones (over $300 per month) for many many years. They admitted my VIP status with them, I threatened to move all my business, talked to three levels of "manager", but still "sorry can not unlock". BS! The best they could offer was an early termination of the contract for $139. Then I could unlock it.

 

Called a local phone hacking guy, he said no one has been able to unlock the iPhone 4.

 

I guess that SIM cutter I just ordered will be useless, HA!

 

 

 

You know, I am pretty sure it's their policy to allow you to unlock it. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon will unlock if you have contract with them for 60 days and your account is in good standing.

 

I've done it with T-Mobile (just last month), AT&T, and Verizon. With T-mobile and AT&T is first hand experience. With Verizon is my brother.

 

Call back and said "I am traveling to Asia and need an unlock code for my phone so that I can use my phone there".

 

 

Here's a New York Times article on "How to Get AT&T to Unlock Your iPhone" published on Apr 12, 2012.

 

 

The alternative is to either buy an cheap phone in Thailand as others suggested or buy an unlocked used quad band GSM phone off Craig's list. You might even be able to buy one of those brandnew pre-paid quad band GSM phone for next to nothing.

 

The advantage of having a smartphone is that you can use the translator (Google Translate?) to help talking to the girls. :-)

 

 

ps. I did a bit more digging, AT&T might only be unlocking non-contract iPhone (I know they unlock my under contract HTC phone). But given your contract expires on 7/4, I would strongly hint to the CSR manager (yeah, talk to the CSR manager) that they can unlock you now and potentially keep you on as customer or unlock you in less then 2 months and lose you as customer for sure. His call.

 

http://www.pcmag.com...,2402708,00.asp

 

http://www.extremete...ock-your-iphone

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No joy!

 

I've been a customer with 3 phones (over $300 per month) for many many years. They admitted my VIP status with them, I threatened to move all my business, talked to three levels of "manager", but still "sorry can not unlock". BS! The best they could offer was an early termination of the contract for $139. Then I could unlock it.

 

Called a local phone hacking guy, he said no one has been able to unlock the iPhone 4.

 

I guess that SIM cutter I just ordered will be useless, HA!

 

Next trip it won't be useless. :-) You still going to keep your iPhone right? :-) Your next trip you can use it. I am surprise AT&T is not flexible in this regard. I have a feeling it's specific to iPhone. My brother just got his iPhone 4S unlocked last month (a renewed contract) with Verizon and I got my HTC phone (new contract in Feb) unlocked with T-Mobile. And previously I have another HTC phone unlocked by AT&T.

 

After your contract expired, you can get AT&T to unlock it. Once you have an unlock phone, you can then use it for any network especially if it's iPhone 4S. If I am not mistaken, iPhone 4S actually has both CDMA and GSM network so you can use it on T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Makes it easy to resell.

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After your contract expired, you can get AT&T to unlock it. Once you have an unlock phone, you can then use it for any network especially if it's iPhone 4S. If I am not mistaken, iPhone 4S actually has both CDMA and GSM network so you can use it on T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Makes it easy to resell.

The iPhone 4S is a dual-mode (GSM and CDMA) phone, however Verizon and Sprint will only activate iPhones sold by them originally. There is no technical reason for this, it is just policy.

 

The 4S is also a five band phone and will work in many places including Thailand. The Thai networks use the 850 band for 3G and 900/1800 for voice/SMS. The reason T-Mobile USA does not carry the iPhone is that their AWS spectrum is on the 1700 band. Just today they announced that their 1900 spectrum would be refarmed for 3G thereby allowing the iPhone its full speed.

 

Almost all modern phones are at least quad band.

 

The TRUE kiosk at BKK offers both regular sized and mini-SIM's with a data package for 99฿. If you add 100฿ it extends the life for one year.

Most recent trip report: Cambodia/Thailand/Myanmar 2012

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The TRUE kiosk at BKK offers both regular sized and mini-SIM's with a data package for 99฿. If you add 100฿ it extends the life for one year.

 

THAT is good to know! I've been trying to figure out how to keep my numbers in Thailand since I visit about twice a year. Any TRUE kiosk including the one at airport as pictured above in my previous post?

Edited by casinoclub
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