By VIPASAI NIYAMABHA
SPECIAL TO THE NATION
Could you please tell me what sim cards I can use in Thailand?
Q: Could you please tell me what sim cards I can use in Thailand? I need a card for local use as well to call home occasionally while travelling. What one should I purchase for my phone to get the cheapest rates? Thanks, Danial
A: It's extremely easy to get a Thai sim card and have your own Thai number. Just get your phone unlocked, and then replace your existing card with a new Thai sim card. Buying a pre-paid sim card will save you a fortune in roaming charges and means your local friends do not have to call long distance to reach you on your mobile. You'll also be able to make local calls at local rates, and send SMS, MMS and use any data services like GPRS and EDGE.
DTAC (Happy), AIS (One-to-Call) and True Move are main operators from which to choose. These days, you can get free True sim cards on arrival at most airports in Thailand.
At Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport, you will see kiosks in the arrival hall providing sim cards by the three network providers mentioned above. The card may be slightly more expensive, around Bt200, because it usually includes more call credit. The cost of a sim card is usually cheaper outside, starting at Bt49, and the instructions to top up are in both English and Thai and very easy to follow.
DTAC and AIS (One-to-Call) are quite equal in terms of coverage though some say AIS is still a little better and most agree that True lags behind. In terms of call rates, there is little difference.
Today, you can also find online sites that allow you to order your Thai sim card before your departure. You will pay a little more but you can give your local number to friends and family at home before you go. You can use it straight away to call people on your arrival.
To call home using these pre-paid sim cards, you need to use the dialling code provided by the network for the cheapest rates. As you may know, the general international dialling code from Thailand is 001. However, when using a pre-paid sim card, refer to the service provider's website for the prefix code to use for the best rate. If you use DTAC to make an international call, dial 004 instead of 001. True Move currently uses the prefix 006. For AIS, it's usually 005, for most destinations and 00500 for the US, Canada, China and Singapore. Prices start at Bt3 per minute.
Q: Prior to my scuba diving trip in Koh Tao, I will stop in Bangkok over a weekend so I am thinking of checking shops selling wetsuits in case I need to buy one. Are there any particular places to shop for diving gear in Bangkok? Kasumi
A: The best place to look for diving gear in the city centre is Super Sports in Central Chidlom. It has a decent supply of diving things including wetsuits.
Another good place is Dive Supply store on Sri Ayutthaya Road as it is the main supplier of dive gear with branches on many islands. Yet another is Planet Scuba near BTS Promphong station. I think both these dive stores also have branches on Koh Tao.
Do note though that you may find the water temperature in Koh Tao too warm for a wetsuit. It generally rises above 30 degrees from April to August. Also every dive centre provides rental wetsuits. Perhaps you could rent one on the first dive to see if you feel comfortable in a suit in tropical waters. Then you can look around at dive shops on Koh Tao for what suits you best. Perhaps all you need is a skin or rash guard, a long or short sleeved top that is made of thin spandex, nylon or polyester that gives you enough warmth and protection from stingers and the sun.
Credit: The Nation (www.nationmultimedia.com)
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