Buying a SIM card at international airports can be convenient for immediate connectivity and a variety of options, although it is usually more expensive compared to other sources.
Major international airports like Singapore Changi, Dubai International, London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita, Los Angeles International, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Sydney Kingsford Smith, and New Delhi Indira Gandhi provide SIM card options for travelers.
At Singapore Changi Airport, SIM cards are available from providers like StarHub, Singtel, and M1 starting at SGD 12 (~USD 9) with data and local calls.
Dubai International Airport offers Du and Etisalat SIM cards starting at AED 49 (~USD 13) with data and local/international minutes.
London Heathrow Airport provides SIM cards from UK providers like EE, Vodafone, and Three starting at £15–30 (~USD 20–40) with generous data plans.
At Tokyo Narita International Airport, SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi devices can be purchased from providers like SoftBank, NTT DoCoMo, and AU starting at ¥3,000 (~USD 20) for data-only plans.
In the US, Los Angeles International Airport offers SIM cards from providers like AT&T and T-Mobile ranging from USD 30–60 with unlimited data, calls, and texts.
Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport provides tourist SIM cards from AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC starting at THB 299 (~USD 9) with generous data allowances and call minutes.
France's Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers Orange Holiday SIM cards starting at €40 (~USD 43) for data, calls, and texts across Europe.
Australia's Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport has Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone counters with tourist SIM plans starting at AUD 20 (~USD 13) including data, local calls, and international minutes.