When travelling, the last thing anyone wants to do is to stress over their internet connection. We’ve all experienced that moment of horror on the commute to school or work when realising we’ve forgotten our phones at home - who wants to deal with that kind of vulnerability when you’re overseas?
Travelling in the modern era usually means that it’s not actually that hard to find Wi-Fi hotspots - but, if you’re embarking on a journey to more rural areas, smaller towns, or hidden gems in off the beaten path places in Thailand, it may not always be easy to find readily available internet.
Buying all your travel essentials from within the airport is pretty much the norm in most Asian destinations, and it’s no different in Thailand. It’s often much cheaper and convenient for would-be travellers to invest in renting a Wi-Fi device or SIM card, ready for collecting the minute their plane touches down in their holiday country. We recommend you get this part out of the way as soon as you land!
Klook has done the hard work for you and has put together a list of the best Wi-Fi and SIM card options for your Thailand adventure. Now you can avoid that high and dry feeling of scouring the internet, and invest your time in the more important things, like boasting about your holiday to social media!
1. Why the need for a Wi-Fi device or SIM Card in Thailand?
For most Aussies and Kiwis, Thailand is probably one of the most quintessential rite of passage places to visit during your younger years (outside of Bali), and is a destination that remains at the forefront of many people’s minds once they grow older and start to look for places to explore with their families.
It goes without saying that all of us would like to invest our time in making memories within one of the world’s most beautiful countries, rather than spend it stressing over data charges.
Wi-Fi devices and SIM Cards are generally the cheapest option for accessing data, especially when compared to the roaming rates charged by major telecom providers.
Buying either extra, depending on your preference, will ultimately prove a wise investment that will save you money. Doing so also helps you stay connected to Klook, and source the best experiences and travel information to make the most of your Thailand stay.
Download the Klook app:
2. How to get Wi-Fi in Thailand
Due to the convenience of the many messaging apps available online, many of us these days will likely only require the internet to connect with friends and family, rather than relying on traditional phone calls and SMS.
During travel, this may be where a portable Wi-Fi device can come in handy - these will allow you to pay a daily rate for Wi-Fi rental. There are a variety of options available online for purchase, so you have the freedom to pick one depending on your budget and needs.
These devices come with high-speed 4G internet provided by AIS, one of the most reliable network providers in Thailand, and cover the entirety of the country - which makes it much easier to plan a trip to other areas where Wi-Fi access is normally non-existent!
If you’re travelling in a group, multi-device connectivity is possible for up to 10 devices, meaning you’ll never lose touch with anyone. Additionally, there’s no need to stress over battery life, as these devices typically last up to 6 hours, and come with a convenient power bank.
Wi-Fi device pick up and return information
Please note that a security deposit of THB 1,000 will be required during pick up by either cash or credit card; this will be refunded upon dropoff, provided that the device is returned undamaged.
How to activate your Wi-Fi device
To activate the device, simply switch it on (press and hold the Power button for 2-3 seconds until the device’s screen lights up and the light indicator flashes green), enable Wi-Fi from your phone or tablet and sync them with the device using the password provided.
3. How to get phone data in Thailand
If you prefer to not carry around an extra device and also like the convenience of texting and calling people whilst browsing the internet, then you can also purchase a 4G Data SIM Card for use in Thailand instead.
Travellers can enjoy unlimited 4G coverage as well as boast about your adventures to your loved ones on the go. This means you can easily look up the best local eateries nearby and explore things to do. On top of that, you can book accommodation on the go (if you’re one of those people who leave that kind of thing to the last in-destination minute!) and also get directions to the best attractions in town.
The Klook SIM Card can enable hotspot sharing, and lasts for 8 days, with the option of further extension. It’s easy to pick up - you can choose from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Krabi - just show your voucher at the Klook counter near the airport train!
Collecting and activating your 4G SIM Card:
- Present either a printed or a mobile voucher at the kiosk and pick up your SIM
- Put the SIM card in your phone
- Your phone will automatically connect to the local network.
However please make sure to check with your provider beforehand on whether your phone is able to use the SIM card and connect, before completing your purchase!
4. How to get an e-sim for Thailand
More recent phone models, whether that be an Android or an iPhone, have e-sims built-in to the phone. This makes it so much easier to get data access when travelling to other countries since you don't have to buy physical sim cards anymore. You just need a handy subscription.
Luckily, Klook's got a reliable and fast e-sim available for Thailand. Klook's e-sim for Thailand offers anywhere from 600MB to Unlimited data while you're in Thailand.
Here's how you can get one on Klook:
1. Check out the Klook website or app and watch out for the 4G e-sim for Thailand products.
2. Select the preferred date for when you want the data to start running, the data package, and the service type.
3. Once you've purchased it, the Thailand eSim will be sent to your e-mail within 2 hours along with the activation instructions.
4. Activate the e-sim once you're in Thailand then you're all set to go!
5. Make memories without breaking the bank
Regardless of whether you choose a Wi-Fi device or a SIM card, both are ultimately handy options that are way cheaper and more convenient than sweating over data roaming charges and counting the seconds of each call you make whilst overseas. Get out and explore all the attractions that you can find on near unlimited data, and make the most of your visit to beautiful Thailand!