Thai SIM card settings on a French phone

Hi there! I’m heading to Thailand for two months. So I thought I’d get a Thai SIM card to use Google Maps for getting around cities, mostly. Here’s my question: will this SIM affect my apps? Or will they work the same as with my Orange SIM? Is there any setup I need to do, or can I just pop in the Thai SIM? I’d also like to switch back to my Orange SIM now and then while I’m in Thailand—on the same phone. Will I need to reset the phone, or will it reconnect without any issues? Thanks in advance for your tips! Best, Huiclos

Hi there, Nope, that doesn’t change anything. I’d recommend buying your SIM at a Seven Eleven—10 € for a month of unlimited 5G internet. Don’t buy it at the airport, it costs three times as much, or even at the Seven Eleven inside the airport. There’s one by the Skytrain.

Thanks Patrick! For the apps, it's all good—I can see them and no setup needed! For the Thai SIM card... And for my second question, do you have the info? If I put my Orange SIM card back in my phone in Thailand, will everything reconnect automatically without any setup, or not?

Thanks and have a great evening! !

Absolutely nothing to do, it sets up automatically.

Thanks Patrick! Have a great evening!

Just like mentioned above, no problem at all—it’s seamless. For my part, staying for 4 months, I got a 6-month plan for around forty euros. After testing several, I’d say the best 5G operator is "TRUE", at least in quite a few regions.

As for occasionally switching back to the Orange network, I’d say it’s risky... Two years ago, during a layover at Doha Airport, I turned on my smartphone to take a few photos, with the SFR SIM still in. But within minutes, pending emails and texts started downloading automatically—I couldn’t do anything about it! It lasted 2 to 3 minutes, and since my plan obviously didn’t cover that country, it cost me 27 €...!

Hi Albru, and thanks for your info! I’m thinking of using my Orange SIM when on Wi-Fi! I’d like to know if a Thai SIM card gives me access to Orange messaging. For apps, I don’t think there’s any issue. Also, does a Thai SIM card give us a Thai number? Have a great day! Best regards.

Hi,

Can’t you put two SIM cards in your phone? Most phones can these days.

Yes, you’ll get a Thai number with the Thai SIM card.

Then if you only want to use Google Maps, there are apps like Maps.me that don’t need Wi-Fi—they work with satellites.

Hi Luan, thanks for the info! Right now I'm in France and I downloaded Maps.me, but it's not really working out—maybe it's better in Thailand?

Hey, we tried an eSIM (virtual SIM) with Saily in Thailand in December—it worked and it’s not expensive. But I didn’t compare it with a physical SIM though.

For 2 months, the True 5G SIMs sold at 7/11 for 10 € with 30 days of unlimited internet are a much better deal.

Don’t forget that Free offers 35GB per month in Thailand for free and automatically on plans costing 19.99 €.

Hi there,

Actually, when you download MAPS.ME, you then need to download the map for the country you want. In Thailand, there are several—North, South, and Central, if I remember correctly. Personally, that’s what I use, but it’s true that you have to get used to it.

I’m leaving Thailand on Thursday for Vietnam, so I’ll download the Vietnam maps.

Good luck! But it’s true that local SIM cards aren’t too expensive—you just need to have a use for them. Personally, I’ve been getting by without one so far.

Good luck!

Thanks Denis for the info, have a great evening! !

Thanks Patrick for the info! Have a good evening! !

Thanks Luan for the info! Have a great evening! 😊

Hi Huisclos, Yes, as soon as you put your French SIM card back in, everything automatically returns (calls, texts, data according to your plan). There’s no need to reset or reconfigure your phone—it happens on its own. For the Thai SIM card, you’ll get a local Thai number, and all your apps will keep working normally. There’s nothing special you need to do. PS: Personally, to avoid wasting time comparing local offers on the spot, I sometimes check ahead on comparison sites to see what’s available (e.g., mybestsim.com if you want to take a look before you go). Happy planning!

Hi,

Do you recommend getting a SIM card when I arrive at Bangkok airport, or is it better to get one at a 7-Eleven?

Thanks