ℹ️Keep in mind: Pension rates, visa requirements, exchange rates and healthcare costs can change regularly. This article was last reviewed in May 2026. Always verify current information with Services Australia, Thai Immigration or a qualified professional before making financial or relocation decisions.
The Good News
Thailand has surprisingly good internet infrastructure — particularly in cities. Fibre broadband is widely available in urban areas, 4G/5G mobile coverage is extensive, and costs are very reasonable by Australian standards.
Home Internet
Fibre broadband is available in most Thai cities through providers AIS Fibre, True Move and 3BB. Speeds of 100–300 Mbps are standard for residential plans.
Cost: ฿500–฿800/month ($23–$36 AUD) for a solid fibre plan — dramatically cheaper than Australian NBN plans.
Mobile Data
Thai mobile plans offer exceptional value. A SIM with generous data typically costs ฿300–฿600/month ($14–$27 AUD). The three main carriers — AIS, True Move and DTAC — all have good 4G/5G coverage in cities.
Calling Australia
WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger — Free over WiFi or data. The most popular option among expats. Video call quality is good on a decent internet connection.
Keeping Your Australian Number
Many expats keep an Australian mobile number active for banking, Centrelink, and family contacts. The cheapest way is a budget Australian provider (Boost, Aldi Mobile) on a low monthly plan of $10–$15/month.
The Practical Summary
The combination of home fibre broadband (฿600/month), a Thai SIM for mobile data (฿400/month), and free video calling apps means you're well connected for under $50 AUD/month — a fraction of Australian telco costs.
See Your Numbers
Use our free calculator to see exactly how far your pension goes in each Thai city.
Open Pension CalculatorStay updated on Thai retirement news
Pension rate changes, visa updates and cost of living — delivered monthly. No spam.