With the advent of mobile phones making a call anywhere in Pattaya is easyand reception signal strength is perfect. Home contract phones will of course switch automatically to an affiliate network on entering Thailand. Roaming charges are high and it will work out alot cheaper to use a Thai dedicated network. The problem with contract phones are they are locked to your home network.You have several options if your personal moblle is locked, either have your phone unlocked before coming to Thailand or have it done in Pattaya. There are many mobile repair shops but you could even consider thepurchaseof acheap phone in Pattaya. A very reasonablemobile can be purchased for as little as 1000 baht upwards.
Contract phones are not favoured in Thailand and everyone use one of the manypay as you go networks. There are numerous networks available, themost popular networkssim cards can be purchased over the counter at local stores and outlets within Pattaya or when you arrive atBangkok airport,
Most outlets If not busy they will offer you a selection of sims from a few different networks allowing you to choose a number of your preference. If asked nicely staffmay even help you in the set up process. Assuming you have an unlockedmobile the process is simple. Purchase your sim card from any outlet, remove your existing sim, and replace with the newly purchased sim. A sim card costs just 50 baht which ever network you choose but comes with no credit loaded. Remember to purchase credit or top up at the same time. Top up's from the networks come in 50 or 100 baht denominations either in the form of a print voucher from a store till or scratch cards.
Switch on yourphone and allow a few minutes to locate a network. A message in Thai will appear it is just a welcoming message from a network and letting you know that the network has located you, but you have not been registered. I would suggest leaving for 10 minutes before proceeding
Both a voucher or scratch card has a 16 digit number across its face similar to the UK pay and go system. Keep your original sim safe for your return and remember that the sims have a life span of 3 months and if not topped up they will expire. The process is simple but should you run into difficulties almost anyone will be willing to help you.