For expats living in Thailand, managing phone credit and data packages can be a hassle. Going to a physical store or a 7-Eleven to top up is the traditional way, but did you know that the Shopee app is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to manage your mobile plan?
Shopee, widely known as a shopping platform, also offers a convenient service to buy mobile top-ups and data packages directly from the app. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you save time and money.
Before we get to the steps, here are the main reasons why this is a smart choice for expats:
Discounts & Vouchers: Shopee often provides special vouchers that give you an instant discount on your top-up. This can save you a significant amount of money over time.
Convenience: You can top up or buy a package anytime, anywhere, directly from your smartphone. No need to look for a store or stand in line.
Earn Shopee Coins: For every transaction, you can earn Shopee Coins, which you can use to get discounts on your next purchase.
The process is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get your mobile top-up or data package.
Open the Shopee App: Make sure you have the Shopee Thailand app installed and are logged in to your account.
Go to the "Top-Up & Bills" Section: On the main screen, look for the "Top-Up & Bills" icon (it often has a credit card or bill icon). Tap on it.
Select "Mobile Top Up": In the menu, choose "Mobile Top Up & Data Packages." This will open the page where you can enter your phone details.
Enter Your Phone Number: Type your 10-digit Thai phone number into the field. Shopee will automatically detect your network provider (e.g., AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove H).
Choose Your Package: You will see a list of available options.
Top-Up: Select a specific amount of credit you want to add to your phone balance (e.g., 50 THB, 100 THB).
Data Packages: Choose from a list of data plans, which can include unlimited internet, social media packages, or call time. This is often the best value.
Apply Your Vouchers: Before you pay, tap on the "Platform Voucher" or "Voucher" section. Select any available discount vouchers to get a lower price. You can also use your existing Shopee Coins here.
Confirm Payment: Shopee offers various payment methods, including ShopeePay (their mobile wallet), credit/debit card, or bank transfer. Choose your preferred method and confirm the payment.
Check for Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation message from Shopee. More importantly, you will receive an SMS from your mobile network provider (AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove H) confirming that the top-up or package has been activated.
Make Sure Your Number Is Correct: Always double-check your phone number before confirming. If you enter the wrong number, the top-up will go to someone else, and it cannot be refunded.
Top-Up vs. Package: Remember the difference! A "top-up" only adds balance to your number. You still need to buy a data package with that balance if you want internet access. Buying a "package" directly bundles the data and other services for you.
Check Your Balance: After buying, you can check your balance by dialing the code for your network (e.g., *121#for AIS, *101*9# for DTAC, or *123# for TrueMove H).
Using Shopee for your mobile phone needs is a simple and smart way for expats in Thailand to save money and enjoy the convenience of managing their services from one app.