Upon arriving in Bangkok, one of my first orders of business was purchasing a mobile phone. A day or so of asking around resulted in the same advice from multiple sources: buy a phone from MBK, the huge mall located in the Siam Square area. More than slightly overwhelming, MBK is a frenzied mall that seems to sell budget everything. Amid knock-off purses and the overpowering smell of fast food you'll find the ever-impressive 4th floor, a phone and camera Mecca.

Where's Waldo?

Whether you are looking for a used iPhone, an old-school Nokia that still has snake, or a brand new BlackBerry, the 4th floor seems to have it all. Digital cameras are also in abundance though most of them are of the point-and-shoot variety. If you are in the market for 35mm cameras or more sophisticated digital equipment I would recommend you go elsewhere. Also on tap is a humongous selection of phone and iPad accessories. If you want your Droid to be dressed like a rabbit, or camouflaged in a case that looks like a cassette tape, this is your place.

Hundreds of individual stands each sell a Groundhog Day's assortment of the same phones and cameras. More reputable, established and therefore expensive shops are usually along the perimeter of the floor and are not freestanding.

This view times a million.

Let's talk through the process. If you are in the market for say, a BlackBerry, I would recommend walking around to a few of the stalls and getting a feel for how much things cost. Bargaining is totally acceptable in these shops and I talked my BlackBerry down from 9,000 baht to 7,000 baht. The trick is to find a shopkeeper you feel comfortable with and work from there. If you are uncomfortable bargaining, shops like DTAC and Power Buy Electronics are more official establishments where prices are fixed.

Phone clothes.

One thing to keep in mind about MBK is that it really is anyone's guess where these phones, cameras and other gadgets are coming from. While many of them might very well be new, some are definitely used (even if the shopkeeper assures you they're fresh from the factory). Make sure to thoroughly inspect your item before making a purchase.

Also be sure to get the business card of whoever sold it to you so that you are able to find them again if there are any problems. If you bring a receipt, their business card and your item, they should be more than willing to help you.

Another handy service offered here is phone unlocking. Many of the shops will be able to unlock iPhones and smartphones from other countries for use in Thailand.

After you have made your purchase, if you wish to buy a SIM card or phone plan and the shopkeeper is unable to help, head to the far back corner of the 3rd floor where the Telewiz and AIS shops will both be able to set you up.

Last but not least, be sure to save receipts and other necessary paperwork in order to get your VAT refund when you leave the country.

MBK is located just off the National Stadium BTS station. You will see the large neon sign but if all else fails, use exit 4 at the BTS. The complex is open from 10:00 until 22:00 though many of the electronics stands do not open until after 12:00.

Tags: blackberry, cameras, MBK, phones, smart phones

The real benefit of social media is the ability to make friends and loved ones jealous of your toes in the sand from thousands of kilometres away. The first step to making that happen is to get a Thai SIM card and set it up to use the data network.

Sim Cards for Everyone!

Due to internal government squabbling, there is still no comprehensive 3G network in Thailand. The EDGE (sometimes called 2G) network that Thailand does have will be sufficient for all but the most hopelessly internet addicted. I use the Dtac/Happy network, and have been pleased with both their coverage and the ease of use, although visiting friends have used True and reported no problems.

Step 1: Choose a network. All of them are pretty much the same, with True, Dtac/Happy and AIS having the widest coverage. A pre-paid SIM card will cost 50-100 baht and come with a small amount of credit on the card and can be purchased at 7-eleven, Family Mart, at the airport, or any shop selling mobile phones. Insert it into your unlocked GSM smartphone. (Attention Americans, Japanese, and Koreans: check to see if your phones are compatible with the GSM mobile networks -- most aren't.)

Step 2: Choose a data package and load enough value to cover the price of the package. Call the service centre number listed on the package the SIM card came with for current prices and packages.

All three companies have English-language customer service. Be aware that Thai providers charge either by the time you are connected to the network or by the amount of data you use. It's normally better value to buy a package that charges by the amount of data transferred versus time the internet connection is active. As a guide, 150 MB normally cost 250 baht and have a validity of 30 days, while 3 GB cost 650 baht.

Step 3: Call the service centre number back and ask for the package you decided on. In a few minutes you should receive a text message confirming that the internet is active and your access should start immediately.

Step 3b: Like many things to do with technology, sometimes activating your phone to use the mobile internet using the call-in service centre goes horribly, horribly wrong and ends in weeping and gnashing of teeth. Head to a service counter and have them perform the necessary incantations in person: each company has a service counter at Suvarnabhumi airport, at MBK in central Bangkok, and scattered liberally across Thailand.

Not travelling with your phone? USB modems are available as well in Thailand. Just pop a SIM card into the modem, plug it into your laptop, and follow the instructions included to activate and top-up.