Enabling data roaming on DTAC while overseas.

[NanLaew]

I use DTAC for my data service as I find their app a lot easier to use than AIS, especially when overseas. Typically I top-up my account before an overseas trip and subscribe to a 1 or 3 day data roaming package for connectivity while in transit and away from wi-fi services.

 

Recently I have needed to have 3G/4G data connectivity at the end of a foreign trip and I purchased a similar package. I get the sms confirmation, my account is debited but in the last couple of instances, the data connection didn't appear. I have paid for it but it didn't seem to be enabled. Power off/on and other 'reset' options including moving the DTAC SIM to the #1 slot doesn't make any difference.

 

Does anyone know if DTAC's roaming can only be configured BEFORE departing Thailand and entering the foreign network coverage?

 

I also have a data-enabled AIS SIM but I use that one primarily for voice. Has anyone managed to purchase or extend a data roaming package via AIS's app while already roaming overseas?

 

Thanks!

NL

[rimmae2]

I don't know the answer to your question, but suggest that you call 24*7 free number (+66222028100). Staff are very helpful. In any case you should have received messages including how to disable and enable roaming - *124*3# to enable.

[malathione]

I've done that with no issues in the past, last about three months ago. So, unless something's changed, it should work. This is with DTAC.

[NanLaew]

27 minutes ago, malathione said:

I've done that with no issues in the past, last about three months ago. So, unless something's changed, it should work. This is with DTAC.

Thanks for that. It could have been an issue with DTAC's partner's network in the area where I tried to establish roaming. I was out in the provinces of Vietnam for less than 2 days. This time I will be in Australia for a few days longer so it may be a bit more stable.

[ThomasThBKK]

You need to have roaming in general enabled or you can't even use 2G in foreign networks and then you can't send the USSD codes to book data roaming. Once roaming is enabled (*118#) it should stay enabled forever until you turn it off imo.

 

 

Quote

 was out in the provinces of Vietnam for less than 2 days.

Vietnam sucks hard, my phone also makes issues there. 

Tons of reports with international simcards, google fi etc: https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Network-Roaming/Roaming-problems-in-Vietnam-telstra-prepaid-phone/td-p/214099

 

The only thing that i found working is to select the network carrier MANUALLY - only Vinaphone and Viettel give you 4G on roaming, the other 2 providers block data roaming but your phone can still attach to their network if you have automatic carrier selection active. Then you wonder why nothing works even if your phone displays 4G connection.

 

Vinaphone doesn't allow to send USSD codes tho, so if u don't enable 4g roaming at the airport you would have to do it online when in vietnam via website imo.

 

Viettel supports everything afaik and should work - but sometimes the 4g network doesnt let you connect, then try the 3g one.

 

This drove me crazy already...hope it helps someone else to not get crazy...Vietnam and it's internet are extremely backwards compared to Thailand, keep that in mind

[placnx]

You should check out the Dtac Net to Go roaming service. I was in Japan for almost 3 weeks, and this worked very well. Getting data and phone service in Japan is extremely complicated and expensive for non-residents, but with this service I did not have to have two phones or SIMMs. https://www.dtac.co.th/en/postpaid/services/roaming/net-to-go.html

This service works in 24 countries.

 

[Pedrogaz]

45 minutes ago, placnx said:

You should check out the Dtac Net to Go roaming service. I was in Japan for almost 3 weeks, and this worked very well. Getting data and phone service in Japan is extremely complicated and expensive for non-residents, but with this service I did not have to have two phones or SIMMs. https://www.dtac.co.th/en/postpaid/services/roaming/net-to-go.html

This service works in 24 countries.

 

I have just been in Japan for 10 weeks. It is dreadful trying to get service. I stopped buying local data packages as they are murderously expensive. I tried using the wifi to make calls on Skype, FaceTime and Line. I don't know what was happening but every two days or so my account was drained by AIS and I got messages telling me to top up. I had someone in Thailand top up 1000 baht a pop, which was gone 2 days later without even using the phone. My gf told me that even to have roaming on in Japan costs 3000 yen per day (about 1000 baht). I stopped using the phone....just turned it off, best thing I ever did, and I don't turn it on much now....only when I want to make a call. I'm thinking of dropping the iPhone and going back to 2G.

It is also very expensive to rent a phone in Japan....I rented one from the airport for I month in the past....44,000 yen or 14,500 baht.

[natway09]

Yes, DTac provides a 425 Bht for 24 hour service.

Be sure to turn your phone to "roaming before leaving the country

D Tac always SMS me on arrival at foreign country & tell me which service to use.

If you forget they send you a number to call (free) to tell them to authorize

[Medicine Man]

It's probably best to install the DTAC Wi-Fi app to keep your calls and texts ability but use a local SIM package in the country you are visiting..

[JamJar]

15 hours ago, Pedrogaz said:

I have just been in Japan for 10 weeks. It is dreadful trying to get service. I stopped buying local data packages as they are murderously expensive. I tried using the wifi to make calls on Skype, FaceTime and Line. I don't know what was happening but every two days or so my account was drained by AIS and I got messages telling me to top up. I had someone in Thailand top up 1000 baht a pop, which was gone 2 days later without even using the phone. My gf told me that even to have roaming on in Japan costs 3000 yen per day (about 1000 baht). I stopped using the phone....just turned it off, best thing I ever did, and I don't turn it on much now....only when I want to make a call. I'm thinking of dropping the iPhone and going back to 2G.

It is also very expensive to rent a phone in Japan....I rented one from the airport for I month in the past....44,000 yen or 14,500 baht.

 

You needed to turn off Data Roaming on the iPhone.  It's not the same as GSM Roaming. So you can still receive SMS for free.

It's the leaking data that is eating up your credit. 

You can also turn data off via the network by dialling *129*1# and then hitting the Dial key; http://www.ais.co.th/roaming/4g/en/

[JamJar]

17 hours ago, ThomasThBKK said:

You need to have roaming in general enabled or you can't even use 2G in foreign networks and then you can't send the USSD codes to book data roaming. Once roaming is enabled (*118#) it should stay enabled forever until you turn it off imo.

 

 

Vietnam sucks hard, my phone also makes issues there. 

Tons of reports with international simcards, google fi etc: https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Network-Roaming/Roaming-problems-in-Vietnam-telstra-prepaid-phone/td-p/214099

 

The only thing that i found working is to select the network carrier MANUALLY - only Vinaphone and Viettel give you 4G on roaming, the other 2 providers block data roaming but your phone can still attach to their network if you have automatic carrier selection active. Then you wonder why nothing works even if your phone displays 4G connection.

 

Vinaphone doesn't allow to send USSD codes tho, so if u don't enable 4g roaming at the airport you would have to do it online when in vietnam via website imo.

 

Viettel supports everything afaik and should work - but sometimes the 4g network doesnt let you connect, then try the 3g one.

 

This drove me crazy already...hope it helps someone else to not get crazy...Vietnam and it's internet are extremely backwards compared to Thailand, keep that in mind

 

When I was in Vietnam, I received excellent mobile service and got a lot of data for a low price. Even better than indicated here; https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/Vietnam

 

Also better to use a local SIM. They set it up in the shop for me and away I went.

[mtls2005]

http://www.dtac.co.th/en/prepaid/services/roaming/preparation.html

 

Yes, you can subscribe to data plans ad hoc, during your trip. Use the DTAC App.  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=th.co.crie.tron2.android

 

I'd also recommend the DTAC Call app. With WiFi this provides voice and text services as if in Thailand (so ~ 1 baht/min or text, according to yuor current/default plan).  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=th.co.dtac.wificalling

 

DTAC also has the SIM Go Inter option. http://www.dtac.co.th/gointer/   399/6 GB/10 days Australia. Decent back-up option.

 

You can re-apply packages susbequently on a SIM Go Inter SIM.

 

Agree on calling DTAC, they have solved connectivity issues for me when traveling outside of Thailand. The call is free.

 

 

 

 

[NanLaew]

It all worked well this time in Broome, Australia. Bought a 3-day data package while still on wifi via the DTAC app. Received the confirmation sms and seamlessly switched to 4G data when I went walkabout. The previous difficulties in Vietnam may have been an issue with the networks at Cam Ranh where I tried to register on them.