crosscheck

Hanuman - That's why I suggested getting both (although in the situation you described, I would ask the cab driver to call you if you didn't answer my text). I just can't imagine giving up my regular phone number when overseas. As someone who has experienced both personal and work emergencies while traveling, I would never do it. The Verizon plan does work for voice calls, they just are very pricy. But if you made 10 calls to restaurants, etc. and stuck to Viber/Skype/Facetime for international calls, your total expense would not be prohibitive.

yestravel

@hanuman - should we be prepared for getting lost when we do our GTG this winter???

Hanuman

Hi yesteravel. On a few occasion several fodorites have gotten lost, or the taxi driver is lost, while trying to get to Gaggan by taxi. I will email my Thai phone number out to all who is attending in case something like this happens.

If you need your US number active then I agree that you either buy another phone or bare the cost.

progol

Good to know Hanuman, and thanks.

And we are not in the situation where we are really in need of our US number, so we will get the SIM when we arrive.

chuckyager

Wonderful to know that other people are finding this wonderful and fantastic part of the World!! I regularly travel Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos (the most incredible).

Your unlocked iPhone 5 will work well in all 4 countries. Below are my experiences with cell phone voice/data in this part of the World.

When you land at the airport you will be barraged with sim card and phone vendors. The quick easy thing to do is buy the normal $5 to $8 sim at that time which will give you basic communication. Then at your hotel inquire where a corporate store is and find out which company and package is best for your travel plans. My experience is that the various company stores are honest and straight forward when dealing with "Farangs". They know that if you have a good experience you will spread the word.
Actually for voice, you can buy a sim at any local store and the friendly people will help you install it and get you going. I have even "topped off" my minutes/data in remote areas where no one spoke English. Half the fun is this simple exchange and the people are glad to help.

For data (internet), your phone will have to be "flashed" with the cellular company's programming. This is all "greek to me" but if you go to a corporate store, they will do it for you at no charge (my experience). When you return to the US you will probably have to have your local company's programming installed again.

My suggestion is to buy a basic sim card to get phone service and put your hotel's number and address in your phone immediately. (If you get lost, call your hotel or show the address to any taxi driver (another whole different subject) and they can get you there.) Then take the time to get the right cellular company and plan for your travels. Some companies operate in more than one country. Also, some service providers have good coverage only in the cities (just like here).

Enjoy your trip and don't hesitate to let the local people help you (with common sense of course). One of the reasons I enjoy this part of the World so much is all of the wonderful people!