I had a very bad experience with Matrix SIM card even without using the SIM.
I had planned for a Thailand trip in Jul 2013 for holiday purpose(for a wk). This was my first international trip, and I had no idea whatsoever about International SIM cards. When I had been to the VISA application center, These ppl (Matrix) had put up an office nearby. Without any idea, I went to the office and Inquired about the SIM card connection for Thailand. My requirements was only to receive calls from my parents in case of Emergency, so I went for a basic plan. I was looking for a pre-paid plan, but they Insisted me to go for a post paid saying that they do not offer pre paid. When I asked them about the payment mode, they said it will be deducted directly from my credit card and we need to furnish our credit card copy to them before the SIM is delivered to the customer. And also 100 RS will be deducted in the beginning to check if the credit card details are valid and which I was told will be refunded after the trip when SIm is returned. This is where I was bit reluctant, since direct payment through credit card is kind off risky business. But since I was to travel within couple of days, I went for the plan. I had asked them to activate the SIM only on my date of travel and not before it.
Later that day I reached home and browsed through the reviews about Matrix which turned out to be a damp squib. I could not find any good reviews on the internet and most common ones were about FALSE BILLING charges. So I decided to cancel the SIM before my trip stating them that my trip was cancelled and hence I had to return the SIM. The sales personnel initially had told me that Cancellation charges were only applicable if SIM was activated, but since I was returning the SIM before it was activated, there was no charges. They arranged for the SIM return pickup and I returned the sim.
After 10 days, I received an email from Matrix customer support that I will be charged RS 400 as cancellation fee. I replied them back regarding what the Sales person had told me( saying that since my SIM was not activated and hence cancellation fee will not be applicable). But I guess they were reluctant to get some money out of me. They replied back saying that sales person was misinformed and actually the cancellation charges are applicable if the trip is cancelled after the SIM is delivered to the customer. I found this policy strange as why would any one go for a SIM if the trip is cancelled before taking the connection. I also asked them about the 100 RS which was charged initially, for which they said it will take 21 business days for it to be refunded. Before I could reply them back, the cancellation fee of RS 400 was deducted from my credit card. And also till date, the 100 RS is also not credited.
So imagine, If I had to pay 500 RS for not using the SIM, how much wud they have charged if I had actually used it on my trip.
Also the offer which Matrix provides is not a cheap option. My plan had 25THB per minute for a call to India. But I had opted for a local SIM in Thailand which costed me only 2THB per minute for a call.
The best way to get a SIM is to buy a local connection, which you will get in country you visit.
Beware of Matrix, they are FRAUD!!!