Cell Phone question.

[Dlees]

Hi all.

Let me introduce myself, my name is David. I would be one of the older members posting on this forum so don't be too hard on me if this appears to be a stupid question.

I have been to Phuket previously but it was a very long time ago, back then there was not even a single hotel at Patong beach so you could say that my knowledge is a little out of date. My question is simple - how difficult is it to purchase a sim card upon arrival at either the airport or at Patong and what, if any, requirements must be met.

[Mav]

Originally Posted by Dlees

Hi all.

Let me introduce myself, my name is David. I would be one of the older members posting on this forum so don't be too hard on me if this appears to be a stupid question.

I have been to Phuket previously but it was a very long time ago, back then there was not even a single hotel at Patong beach so you could say that my knowledge is a little out of date. My question is simple - how difficult is it to purchase a sim card upon arrival at either the airport or at Patong and what, if any, requirements must be met.

Welcome to the Board David.

It is very easy.....l would recommend you do it in Patong....there is a Souvenir shop accross the road from that sells them out the front of the store.....u will see it has all the phone covers etc....just take your passport with you.

[stevem]

Hi and welcome to the board.

The subject has been discussed in detail before, but it is easy to buy sim cards, the only problem being with Oz phones is that they are normally locked and they must then be unlocked in Thailand and then maybe again when you return back home. I have had handsets in the past refuse to work after numerous unlockings.

[LivinLOS]

As long as your handset is not sim locked and can work with any providers sim card (check before you go but most can be unlocked here for a small fee) then getting a sim is easy.

DTAC and 12Call sims are purchaseable in any phone shop and refil cards are in every 7/11 etc...

[cabraboy]

I am not an expert on the subject of mobiles but i rang optus and was told my phone has to be activated for use overseas so i dont understand the need to buy a sim card in thailand..

[Crunch]

I'm a bit medieval when it comes to phones, i took my crappy siemens over, had to get it unlocked by the shop, and got a sim card, 400baht total + whatever credit you want.

[LivinLOS]

Originally Posted by cabraboy

I am not an expert on the subject of mobiles but i rang optus and was told my phone has to be activated for use overseas so i dont understand the need to buy a sim card in thailand..

What they are telling you is they sold you a locked phone instread of an unlocked or 'SIM lock free' phone.. Locked phones are a bit of a con as it means the handset is only going to work with that provider and is hence less compatible.

Many types are easy to unlock some needing a cable some just through the handset itself.

Of course if you have a Thai sim calls recieved in Thailand incurr no incoming call charge and in general its cheaper to use in thailand.

[Iltis]

i bought a thai sim card 3 weeks ago (12...call is the companys name) and paid 350 bath and + the credit you want. it's a lot cheaper then having your original simcard.
cheers
iltis

[aussie dollar]

never had a problem and plenty of shops around that sell them last one was
with 123 and worked fine(if credit is placed every 3 months stays live so can use for multiple trips)
aussie phones are only locked if you bought a prepaid,if so get it unlocked before leaving oz.

[aussie dollar]

cabraboy yes you can use optus overseas if international roaming is activated,but you pay for incoming as well as outgoing calls at a very high rate,ask them for copy of rates or on there website rates are shown

[erik1]

Originally Posted by Iltis

i bought a thai sim card 3 weeks ago (12...call is the companys name) and paid 350 bath and + the credit you want. it's a lot cheaper then having your original simcard.
cheers
iltis

250 was the last I paid or was is 300