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Renting Mobile Phones in Bangkok
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CalgaryJen
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Is it possible to rent phones in Bangkok that work all over Thailand for 2.5 weeks?
How much would it cost (for phone calls and text messages)? We'll be mostly in Bangkok and in the south and gulf islands.
Where would you rent them?
#1 Posted: 7/3/2007 - 03:25
somtam2000
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Hi CalgaryJen,
You could probably rent one on arrival at the airport but you can but a cheap phone in Bangkok for around US$40-50, stick a local prepaid sim in it and you're set -- much easier than messing around with rental contracts etc.
#2 Posted: 7/3/2007 - 06:27
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exacto
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I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my Verizon mobile phone from here in the states roamed quite comfortably in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. It didn't do so well in Chiang Mai or other more distant locations however. Perhaps you can check with your mobile phone service provider to see if they have roaming/compatibility arrangements with any of the Thai mobile service providers.
The local SIM card is a great idea too, and gives you a local number so people can call you - providing that your mobile uses a SIM card. Most US mobile phones don't use them, and I suspect your Canadian phone might not either.
Whichever way you go, please write back and let us know how it went so we can learn from your experience too. :-) Thanks!
#3 Posted: 7/3/2007 - 10:17
CalgaryJen
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Thanks for all the advice! I know my Canadian cell phone won't work overseas (the provider does not cover this) so I guess I'll have to go with either renting or buying. Buying sounds pretty good...does anyone know what the popular providers in Thailand are?
#4 Posted: 7/3/2007 - 11:39
exacto
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CJ,
I'm afraid my informaiton is dated so I can help you with specifics. I know that Orange had bought into the mobile phone market during my last few visits. Most of the systems there are GSM 900 and GSM 1800, although there may be a CDMA 1900 system too.
Does your current mobile phone have a SIM card? If yes, then you should be able to buy a prepaid SIM card when you arrive. Just have the salesperson show you a map of that systems coverage - most mobile phone systems in Thailand cover the entire country now.
If your mobile doesn't have a SIM card, then I guess you'll have to rent. That gets a bit pricey, but worth it if it is important to you. Same thing - just make sure that mobile phone system has coverage where you want to be.
#5 Posted: 10/3/2007 - 23:26