3G sim card for tourists?

[prchunter]

Does anyone know if any of the cell phone operators offer a 3G(Data) plan for tourists? I would love to use my smart phone in Thailand for instant access to the internet. Not only will I be able to use the map function and not get lost, but I would be able to check this forum instantly in case I have any questions.

[Dormouse]

Not speaking from personal experience (first trip coming up in less than a week, yay!), but I've looked into the subject as part of my planning, and yes, it exists, here's an example.

 

http://www.happy.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=448&Itemid=491&lang=en

 

At 49 baht/day it's not super cheap (last year in UK, I had unlimited internet from Vodafone at £0.5/day, about half as much), but not that expensive either.

 

You should keep a few things in mind, however:

1. Many smartphones are sold subsidized and locked. I bought mine unlocked and at full price, so I'm covered there, but I have no idea how common either scenario is in Taiwan. You should make sure your phone is not locked, or can be unlocked, before your trip.
   
2. Smartphones are expensive, and can be a good target for pickpockets and the like, particularly if you're drunk. I don't drink at all, so I'm not as worried there, and the convenience of having maps and dictionary in my pocket outweighs the potential risks, but you should weigh this for yourself.
   

[Cnut the lesser]

Does anyone know if any of the cell phone operators offer a 3G(Data) plan for tourists? I would love to use my smart phone in Thailand for instant access to the internet. Not only will I be able to use the map function and not get lost, but I would be able to check this forum instantly in case I have any questions.

 

I live in Thailand and have a HTC Desire and use a 1 2 Go pay as you go sim card - I normally connect to the Internet via WiFi but when not available can use the Mobile Network function - good for emails and internet but can chew a bit of credit using map function.

 

This forum also has an android function but haven't used it

 

Hope this helps

[tangotango]

used 1 2 go and it was great. easy to use.

[prchunter]

Thanks alot. I have an unlocked HTC phone, and having access at all times will come in really handy. The main issue was that HTC phones only work on the 3G network. I'll check out the 1 2 Go option.

[Maikaphoto]

I have have had a 1 2 call sim card for 4 years, and i have a pay as you go data plan, it is around 149 baht for 30 hours of access. since i use wifi most of the time that last me quite a while when i am there. I buy time before i leave and apply it after i land and i am on my way to Pattaya.

[antho]

I don't know if it's what you're looking for but you can buy a 12Call Sim Card (50b) and then subscribe to a call plan or added value...

When you go on 12Call AIS website you can access to your administration pannel, just enter you number and then you will receive a sms with the security code.

By the way I've a BlackBerry, there is some BlackBerry Package (from 300 to 900b a month, you can choose for 1day, 1 week...). I use 3G unlimited Package... It's very good. You can also use the wifi (they send you login and password)...

 

Hope that could help you...

[patman]

Happy (DTac) SIM cards are pay as you go, and have 3G coverage. I paid 65B for the card, and topped it up for 100B, and is lasted my whole week vacation.

[prchunter]

Seems the pay as you go from DTAC is most economical and works for a 3G phone. Thanks everyone for your inputs.

[tunamelt]

All 3 telcos offer 3G now. True is cheapest and most widespread. DTAC Happy is newest (and likely fastest), with best English language support. AIS 12Call is the largest, easy to use and competitive.

 

It's so easy to set up. True for example:

1. Buy prepaid Sim
   
2. Activate SIM
   
3. Top Up sim with top up card or credit sent to you
   
4. Text "v2" to 9789 to get the 500Mb per month plan. (there are several more options.)
   

[jimmyjam]

how do u connect up on 1-2 call internet....... ??

[losworld]

there is a dtac plan for 3g for one gig (all you need believe me unless you are downloading porn 24/7) for around 400 baht... wait a minute you are on patt addicts so you are downloading porn 24 hours lol

[jimmyjam]

SO after numerous Thai Girl Cellphone experts could not get my 1-2 Call internet access working on my phone...

 

i had to stoop to the lowest level and dial 1175 Customer Support.

 

and wow... gotta a sexy English speaking operator that sorted me out in no time.

 

they disable your internet when u leave the country she told me, and she would reactivate it. KA POON KAHP !!

 

then just dial up *129*2# to bring on the data....  and *129*1# to turn it back off...... COOL

[jimmyjam]

well Cheap Charlie never wins........ i had a 1-2Call 7 day 3-G plan for 59 baht .. things went great except when it expired.

 

i thought i would go for the 30 day plan 150 mB.....................150 Baht..... well i thought i had 155 baht of credit on my phone.

anyways... i turned on the Data Connection... and it just drained all the money off my credit ..... so (like a dumbass) i put 200 more baht credit on

my phone and it drained it off too pretty quick.

so i put 50 more baht on my phone.... and of course it took it too.

Finally i head to the 1-2Call station at TUKCOM.... and the FOOKING CROOKS.

if u enable your Data COnnection and do not have a plan..... it will CHARGE U 1 baht per minute if your DATA CONNECTION is on !! 

Buncha Fooking CROOKS

 

Make Sure u GO to SIM MANAGEMENT on your phone and always turn off DATA CONNECTION......

[BadWingman]

well Cheap Charlie never wins........ i had a 1-2Call 7 day 3-G plan for 59 baht .. things went great except when it expired.

 

i thought i would go for the 30 day plan 150 mB.....................150 Baht..... well i thought i had 155 baht of credit on my phone.

anyways... i turned on the Data Connection... and it just drained all the money off my credit ..... so (like a dumbass) i put 200 more baht credit on

my phone and it drained it off too pretty quick.

so i put 50 more baht on my phone.... and of course it took it too.

Finally i head to the 1-2Call station at TUKCOM.... and the FOOKING CROOKS.

if u enable your Data COnnection and do not have a plan..... it will CHARGE U 1 baht per minute if your DATA CONNECTION is on !! 

Buncha Fooking CROOKS

 

Make Sure u GO to SIM MANAGEMENT on your phone and always turn off DATA CONNECTION......

 

I think they all do it these days. I got caught out the same way with true.

 

You need to be on a data plan or your credit quickly goes up in smoke.