Job Discussion Forums

[Jennad]

I've wanted an iPhone for years, and I finally have the money to buy one. Only, I'm moving to Bangkok in a month, so the dilemma is: buy one here in the States, figure out how to unlock it, and bring it with me, or buy one there and possibly not be able to use it a year later when I'm finished with my teaching contract.....(or would I be able to use it back in the States....?)

I have no idea how iPhones work over there, but if I bring one from home that is unlocked, can I just buy a sim card in Bangkok and I'll be good to go? Any idea how much a typical monthly iPhone bill in Thailand runs?

My friend showed me this site, but honestly I have clue if this is even what I'm looking for. Any advice from someone more technologically advanced than I am who is living in Thailand would be so helpful!

[Jennad]

and by "this site" I meant to paste the link....oops!

Here is the sim card site: http://www.truphone.com/en-US/

[lundegatan]

Just buy an unlocked in the States then sign up for a service provider in Bangkok when you arrive, no big deal!

[Jennad]

[Jennad]

[tttompatz]

Just wait till you get here.

iPhones are common, unlocked and there are some pretty decent knock-offs as well. Apple prices run from $300-700 depending on model.
http://www.thaimobilecenter.com/catalog/Apple.asp

with knock offs starting at about $100.
http://www.thaimobilecenter.com/catalog/i-mobile.asp
http://www.mxnecmobile.com/black.html

Buy the phone of your choice.

Buy a SIM for the network(s) of your choice (many smart phones (as well as other cell phones) are dual SIM). The SIM card is your phone number. I think I paid about $10-12 for my SIM and you can change them at will.

Get a data plan to suit you or just pay-as-you-go.

I average about US$30/month (pre-paid) for calls and data but I often use wifi rather than the data plan from the phone service provider.

.

[orozcom]

You can def bring an Iphone from home. I lived in a small town last year in Issan providence in Thailand and was able to get my Iphone from home unlocked in my town. In Bangkok every mall has 3 floors specifically for electronics and phones. I think it was like 300baht or less to get my phone unlocked. I did not use a data plan and just got a free sim card at the airport. A lot of companies give out free sim cards but they are really cheap if you buy one. I just did a pay as you go for my phone. But I would just buy a phone from home and unlock it at home or when you get to Bkk. Good luck im in the same boat i'm buying an Iphone from home and bringing it with me to BKK.

[MaiPenRai]

I dont know much about IPhones in Thailand but I do know this...

[orozcom]

I def was exaggerating regarding every mall having three floors. But it's not exaggerating saying that you can go almost any where. I mean any where to get your phone unlocked in BKK. I lived in a small town and there were people at our night market unlocking and selling phones. I don't think that it will be to difficult to find some where in BKK to unlock her phone. Either way best of luck I will be moving to BKK and have a lot to learn.

[Nuolan]

If you plan on buying an unlocked device, then buy it in the U.S. I believe the iPhone is slightly more expensive here than in the states. Unlimited data packages start at 399 baht from DTAC and up to 999 baht or so. A prepaid micro netsim can be had for around 2-3 bucks.

I personally recommend Truemove H if you want the most consistent and fast 3G data connectivity through out Thailand.

Lastly, the iPhone 5 should be out in the next few months. Consider waiting or getting a temporary device.

[Jennad]

[Jennad]

[Jennad]