Mobile Phone Advice

**AdThom** · 15th May 2007 19:09

Hi All,

I'm moving to Bangkok in a couple of weeks & was looking for some advice regarding buying a mobile phone. Would you recommend buying a pay-as-you-go phone here in the UK then buying a sim card once I get to BKK, or are phones reasonably priced there? A friend who lived in Thailand a few years ago has told me phones were not particularly good value then, but this may no longer be the case.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

**Kuhn Gary** · 15th May 2007 19:28

I am by no means an expert, but here is my take. Phones are cheap and plentiful (used or new) and readily available. I moved here from USA and had to have my phone software hacked (for about 200 baht) to make it usable for service with a local provider. I use (like nearly every Thai person I know) top up cards rather than commit to a monthly service plan. But if you plan to use a lot of minutes (thousands per month) probably a service plan is cheaper.

If you plan to learn Thai language, definitely wait and buy a phone here. You will be able to SMS friends in phasa Thai and get some good writing practice.

In short, get a phone here and buy top-up cards, but if you already have a phone you like bring it with you.

**buddahas** · 15th May 2007 19:31

200 baht to hack? That's nothing.

**AdThom** · 15th May 2007 19:33

Cool, thanks for that. I do plan to learn Thai & that sounds like a good way of being forced to use it!

**smeagle** · 15th May 2007 21:53

100 baht five years ago, 100% wait till you get here, you will be amazed at the selection

**bet** · 16th May 2007 08:22

Originally Posted by Khun Gary

I use (like nearly every Thai person I know) top up cards rather than commit to a monthly service plan. But if you plan to use a lot of minutes (thousands per month) probably a service plan is cheaper.

Firstly, you'll have a problem getting a monthly contract unless you have a work permit and copies of utility bills in your name.

A monthly contract is much cheaper than top-up cards which are a total rip-off. You don't need to use thousands of minutes per month, there are many different options to suit your needs.

**defender** · 16th May 2007 08:31

When I got my contract years back I also needed a Thai person to act as guarantor - despite having a WP and utility bill with my name on.

But TiT and it could change on a daily basis!

**Eric** · 18th May 2007 09:55

Here's an excellent article on choosing a service.

http://blog.thaipulse.com/2007/05/tr...ch-mobile.html

Glad I chose DTAC this time back to LoS, I'll have to see what's involved with getting the GPRS / EDGE stuff working now. The free translation service alone looks to be worth it's weight in gold.

**kenkannif** · 18th May 2007 10:11

I use AIS has a find it has or seems to have the best coverage overall!

**Berty** · 18th May 2007 14:14

Taksin may have not been the best PM, but he certainly built up a good service company in AIS, very professional outfit.

**wangsuda** · 18th May 2007 14:49

Originally Posted by bet

Firstly, you'll have a problem getting a monthly contract unless you have a work permit and copies of utility bills in your name.

A monthly contract is much cheaper than top-up cards which are a total rip-off. You don't need to use thousands of minutes per month, there are many different options to suit your needs.

I had no problem getting a monthly contract with DTAC using nothing more than my work permit and passport. Their service is excellent, both with the minutes I get and their GPRS package. DTAC also has EDGE in Bangkok, Pattaya, and parts of Kanchanaburi. It is always fast and reliable.