Are you traveling to Thailand soon and looking for an e-sim card to stay connected during your trip to Thailand? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for traveling in Thailand in 2023.
In this guide you find a comparison of the best Thailand e-sim cards with up to date prices as per September 2023 and all the specifications per e-sim card. More info about the advantages and disadvantages of e-sim cards, my recommendation, where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for Thailand online.
Ever since 2012 I am continuously traveling the world as a full time travel blogger and nomad. Since I get to a different country pretty much every week (in 2022 I visited for example 62 different countries), I am always looking for the best ways to stay connected in every country I go. In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards for staying connected when traveling abroad.
Traveltomtom is on a journey to travel to every country in the world and as of September 2023 I have visited more than 155 countries around the world.
The main reason why I started this travel blog was to provide fellow travelers with essential travel tips to help them save money while traveling the world. That is how I started writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world. Some of my popular prepaid and e-sim card guides are the ones for: Asia, Europe, USA, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey and international sim cards with data.
Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a sim card for traveling to Thailand in 2023.
Recently Traveltomtom also started writing specific guides for buying e-sim cards: Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Asia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, international e-sims and many more.
In this guide about the best e-sim cards for Thailand I will tell you everything you need to know about staying connected with an e-sim card when traveling to Thailand in 2023.
First my recommendation, then I will show you a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Thailand with up to date prices, information about how e-sim cards work, about the network coverage, some FAQ about e-sim cards and compare e-sim cards with local prepaid sim cards.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom ranks DTAC Happy Tourist 5G as the best e-sim card for traveling to Thailand in 2023.
- 50 GB data + 100 minutes for 10 days = $9.90 USD
Click here to order this e-sim card for Thailand directly on the internet.
This DTAC e-sim card for Thailand is 5G ready, where most other Thailand e-sim cards only offer 4G/LTE network speed. There is a 5G signal available at pretty much all tourist destinations in Thailand.
Don't be fooled by the unlimited data sign. After 50 GB the data speed will be reduced to 384 Kbps, that is barely enough for using WhatsApp. Basically same as an E signal.
This specific e-sim card for Thailand is only available as of September 2023 via Airalo.
Other major e-sim card providers like Nomad and SimOptions also sell DTAC happy tourist e-sim cards for Thailand, but only the following two plans:
- 15 GB data + calling credit for 8 days = $9.90 USD
- 30 GB data + calling credit for 15 days = $19.95 USD
Nomad only offers the e-sim plan for 8 days but charges only $9 USD. SimOptions offers both e-sim card plans but SimOptions charges $24.90 USD. So out of all the Thailand e-sim card providers Traveltomtom recommends Airalo.
Specifications DTAC tourist e-sim card
In some cases it will say that the above DTAC tourist sim cards come with unlimited data in Thailand. However, after 15 GB or 30 GB or 50 GB (depending on the plan) the data speed is reduced to 384 Kbps. That means basically data speed like on an E signal, barely enough to use WhatsApp or sending an email with text. The term 'Thailand e-sim card with unlimited data' is just a marketing trick! The e-sim becomes pretty much useless after you used the data allowance on max data speed.
The newer version of the DTAC e-sim card includes 100 minutes for calling time. The other Happy Tourists e-sim cards comes with 15 THB calling credit which can also be used for sms. Calling cost 0.99 THB per minute and sending an sms cost 3 THB per sms. Unlimited calls to other DTAC numbers is included. This e-sim card comes with a Thailand phone number that starts with +66. Receiving phone calls and sms is free.
The validity of the DTAC e-sim cards starts immediately after installation, even if you are not in Thailand. After ordering your e-sim card on the internet you have 30 days to instal the sim card and after installing you can use the e-sim card for either 8, 10 or 15 days.
The following two things are the most important things to know before ordering a Thailand e-sim card, so read carefully!
Unlocked phones only
First of all! Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are unsure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
In general phones from Europe, Asia, Middle East, South America and Pacific tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.
If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.
E-sim compatible phones only
Second, and equally important! E-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no solution. You simply can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Thailand.
However, don’t worry there is still the possibility to order a sim card for Thailand online. Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card for Thailand in 2023 for more info or check out my guide with everything you need to know before buying an international sim card for traveling abroad in 2023.
How to get around Thailand
Looking for the best way ways to travel in Thailand? Find the cheapest bus, boat, train, plane tickets and even private taxis for traveling around Thailand through 12Go Asia, an optimised search engine. Try it out below yourself.
Comparison of the best e-sim cards for Thailand
On the internet you will find multiple websites that offer e-sim cards for Thailand. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Thailand from one of the well-known e-sim card providers on the internet.
These are the 3 big e-sim card providers that sell e-sim cards for Thailand:
You can order an e-sim card from pretty much every country directly from these e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.
SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Thailand. These pre-activated prepaid sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in Thailand.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider which I have used uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for your e-sim cards when traveling to Thailand.
Here are the SimOptions Thailand e-sim card plans for 2023:
- 1 GB data-only for 7 days = $4.90 USD (SimOptions)
- DTAC - 15 GB data for 8 days + 15 THB calling credit = $9.90 USD (5G ready)
- DTAC - 30 GB data for 15 days + 15 THB calling credit = $24.90 USD (5G ready)
- 10 GB data-only for 30 days = $29.90 USD (SimOptions)
- 20 GB data-only for 30 days = $54.90 USD (SimOptions)
Click here to order an e-sim card for Thailand from SimOptions.
Specifications of the Thailand e-sim cards from Simoptions
SimOptions offers also the DTAC Happy Tourist e-sim cards for Thailand that come with a Thai phone number and they support calling and texting and are 5G ready.
The other e-sim cards are a product of SimOptions themselves and they does not give much specific information on their website about these SimOptions data-only e-sim cards for Thailand. These SimOptions e-sim cards for Thailand are NOT 5G ready, only 4G/LTE is supported. It is still unclear if they either use the AIS, True Move or DTAC 4G/LTE network.
These SimOptions data-only e-sim cards do NOT support calling and texting and they does NOT come with a phone number. You can't receive calls and text on this e-sim card. The credit validity starts immediately after installing the e-sim card. Even if you are not yet in Thailand. APN settings are available. For more info about the above Thailand e-sim cards check out the SimOptions website.
What I like about SimOptions is that they have a Live Chat Helpdesk? I already used more than 100 e-sim cards from SimOptions and only had to trouble shoot once. Because of the Live Chat it was fixed in just 3 minutes.
Airalo
If you read my recommendation in the beginning you already know that Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Thailand e-sim card from Airalo. As of September 2023 they have the best e-sim card plans for traveling to Thailand.
Airalo is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering an e-sim card through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and what Traveltomtom likes about Airalo is that they specify a lot of information on their website about their e-sim cards.
These are the Airalo e-sim card plan for Thailand in 2023:
- 50 GB data + 100 minutes for 10 days = $9.90 USD
- 1,000 GB data + 1,000 minutes for 15 days = $19.95 USD
Click here to order an e-sim card for Thailand from Airalo.
Normally Airalo sells a wide range of e-sim cards per country, but for Thailand they only sell these two DTAC e-sim card plans.
Specifications Airalo e-sim cards
For more detailed info about the DTAC e-sim card for tourists see above. The Airalo e-sim card plans start immediately after installation and 15 THB credit as usual. For more info check out the Airalo website where they specify everything about their e-sim cards.
Nomad
Fairly new to Traveltomtom is ordering an e-sim card from Nomad. Traveltomtom has used Nomad only a few times yet and so far so good. Tested and reviewed Traveltomtom found Nomad to be a trustworthy e-sim provider to recommend for traveling abroad. They sometimes have incredibly competitive e-sim card plans and prices and a wide range of plans.
For traveling to Thailand Nomad has regular e-sim card plans as well as unlimited data e-sim card plans.
They also sell the Traveltomtom recommended DTAC e-sim card plan for 8 days for $9 USD.
Here are the other Nomad data-only e-sim card plans for Thailand:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $9 USD
- 5 GB data for 15 days = $13 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $34 USD
Click here to order an e-sim card for Thailand from Nomad.
The Nomad 1 GB data-only e-sim card is the cheapest e-sim card for Thailand.
Nomad also sells e-sim card plans for Thailand with unlimited data. However, unlimited does NOT mean unlimited on max speed. After 2 GB data usage per day the data speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, that is an E-signal, barely good for WhatsApp and you will NOT be able to use social media anymore for 24 hours, until max data speed is restored. Therefore Traveltomtom does NOT recommend the Nomad e-sim cards for Thailand with unlimited* data!
Specifications Nomad e-sim cards for Thailand
The Nomad e-sim cards for Thailand operate on the AIS 4G/LTE network only and 5G is NOT supported. The Nomad e-sim card plans have to installed within 30 days after ordering. The expiry of the plan will only start from the first moment the plan connects to a supported network. So even if you instal the plan in your home country, it only starts its validity from the moment you arrive in Thailand and use it for the first time. For more info check the Nomad website.
Why ordering an e-sim card for Thailand
As you have read I pretty much constantly use e-sim cards for traveling abroad. Mind you that I am a full time nomadic travel blogger and that I am on the road constantly. We are only in September, but I already visited more than 35 countries in 2023.
E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Thailand in 2023. You arrange everything online in just a couple minutes. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards in your phone. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Thailand. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app (Uber is Grab in Thailand), finding nearby friends, restaurants, bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply stay in touch with family back home, check out social media apps on long bus rides or check your banking apps when paying contactless.
So many reasons to stay connected when traveling and it makes your trip to Thailand so much more convenient and fun!
When staying connected we also want to make sure to not waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators are still charge $2 USD per MB, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 25 MB * $2 = $50 USD! Not kidding…
E-sim cards are also the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, did you read at what speed you can use data roaming while traveling in Thailand? In most cases mobile internet operators limit the data speed for data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 5G in Thailand everywhere!
Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends have asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!”
How to activate an e-sim card for Thailand
Don’t worry about this, activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible by all the e-sim card providers.
Once you choose your preferred e-sim card plan for Thailand you click on ‘order’. After the payment is processed you instantly receive a QR-code.
You will see a summary of your e-sim order including the QR code on your phone and you will also receive an email with the same QR code, directly after your payment has been processed.
The QR code contains all the information about your e-sim card for Thailand and the only thing you have to do is scan the code with the phone where you want to instal your e-sim card on.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed. Make sure you are connected to the WiFi when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error.
Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
When to oder an e-sim card for Thailand?
You can order an e-sim card for Thailand pretty much any time you want. Some e-sim cards have to be installed within 1 month after ordering, some within 3 months after purchasing, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal your Thailand e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their plan when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of your departure to Thailand. Remember you must be connected to the internet to instal an e-sim card.
Or if you want to maximise your Thailand e-sim card plan then activate your the e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of Bangkok Airport or Phuket Airport or use the WiFi in your hotel.
Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Thailand
Let me also give you some general tips for using e-sim cards. These general tips do not only apply for Thailand e-sim cards, but are things you need to know before buying an e-sim card in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card for Thailand without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Thailand. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for traveling to Thailand or bring a second unlocked phone with you on your Thailand trip and use it as a portable Wifi device.
Which smartphones support e-sim cards?
Another very important condition you have to check before buying an e-sim card for Thailand is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones support e-sim cards.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my … phone e-sim compatible? Simple as that!
Where to buy an e-sim card for Thailand?
Online
You can only buy an e-sim card for Thailand on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Thailand nowadays. After comparing more than 7 e-sim card providers Traveltomtom determined that these are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to Thailand in 2023.
On arrival in Thailand
When you arrive in Thailand and looking to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will find out that all the Thailand mobile internet providers do NOT offer e-sim cards for prepaid plans. All the tourist sim cards for Thailand come as physical prepaid sim cards. Tourist e-sim cards are still not available as of September 2023.
For the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Thailand in 2023 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Thailand, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
Can I trust the online e-sim card providers?
All the e-sim card providers for Thailand recommended above (SimOptions, Airalo and Nomad) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Thailand.
Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk that you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with an e-sim card for Thailand?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Thailand. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.
So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. The Thailand e-sim card you can use just for data at the same time to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
If your Thailand e-sim card also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Thailand, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Thailand e-sim card.
Can I make phone calls with an e-sim card for Thailand?
This depends on the type of e-sim card that you order. Some e-sim cards for Thailand support calls and sms, other Thailand e-sim cards are data-only and calling and texting is not supported. The DTAC Happy Tourist sim card support incoming and outgoing phone calls.
Does a Thailand e-sim card come with a phone number?
This also depends on the type of e-sim card that you buy. The e-sims that support calls and sms they come with a phone number. Some data-only sim cards do not support calling and texting but still come with a phone number. These type of e-sim cards can only receive calls, but not make phone calls.
The DTAC Happy Tourist sim card come with a Thai phone number that starts with +66.
All the specifications per Thailand e-sim are stated in my comparison of the best e-sim cards for Thailand above.
Can I use 5G on a Thailand e-sim card?
It completely depends on the type of e-sim card you order. In my comparison of the best e-sim cards for Thailand I specified per e-sim card if you can use 5G or only 4G/LTE network. Sometimes e-sim operators even specify the max data speed.
For Thailand e-sims it is a very easy conclusion that only the DTAC Tourist e-sim offers 5G, all the other e-sim cards for Thailand only offer 4G/LTE max data speed.
Are there e-sim cards for Thailand with unlimited data?
Yes, there are e-sim cards for Thailand with unlimited data. However, this is mostly a marketing tool to make people buy an e-sim card. Always make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed.
A very good example is the DTAC e-sim card that is actually often advertised as an e-sim card for Thailand with unlimited data, but after you used 15 GB data, the data speed is reduced to 384 Kbps, which basically means data speed like on an E-signal, barely enough for using WhatsApp or checking emails.
The same counts for the Nomad e-sim card for Thailand with unlimited data. They limit (how ironic) the data speed for 24 hours down to 512 Kbps. Also completely useless.
Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Thailand in 2023 and read all the specifications. Or just go with my recommendation of the 5G ready DTAC e-sim card.
Best ways to stay connected when traveling to Thailand
Let me also introduce to you other ways to stay connected when traveling to Thailand. E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Thailand, but there are more options.
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Thailand to avoid roaming charges:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- E-sim cards
Let me explain all the options and compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards for you to make you understand what is your preferred way to stay connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data a local prepaid sim card for Thailand is probably the cheapest way to stay connected depending on the length of your trip. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Thailand.
There are endless opportunities to buy a sim card for Thailand at Bangkok Airport, check the link for more info and I will tell you if tourists are able to buy an e-sim card for Thailand on arrival at Bangkok Airport or check out my vlog about my arrival and my experiences buying a sim card at Bangkok Airport below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs522khdCjM
When in doubt about ordering an e-sim card for Thailand and you want more info about Thailand prepaid sim cards then read my complete guide for buying a sim card for Thailand in 2023.
The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, unlimited local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed. Local prepaid sim cards in Thailand all offer 5G, the max data speed on prepaid sim cards varies a lot per operator though.
International prepaid sim cards
Those travelers that have smartphones that are not e-sim compatible or those who simply rather put a physical sim card in their phones there are also international prepaid sim cards with data for traveling to Thailand that you can order online.
You order an international prepaid sim card for Thailand on the internet. A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone during your flight and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play.
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Thailand directly online.
The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting and e-sim cards are mostly data-only sim cards.
E-sim cards
In fact there are two e-sim card options:
- E-sim cards you buy on the internet through a third party
- E-sim cards provided by the Thailand mobile internet providers
The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the local internet operators in Thailand: DTAC, AIS and True Move can only be purchased in Thailand at one of their phone stores.
However, as per September 2023 all the mobile internet providers in Thailand do NOT offer e-sim cards for prepaid plans for tourists, only for postpaid and residents in Thailand.
Which makes it that if you want an e-sim card for Thailand you will have to order one online from the above mentioned e-sim card providers.
E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an e-sim card is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Thailand, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now if you want and you are all set for your trip to Thailand. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.
But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card? When we compare Thailand e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Thailand I come to the conclusion that buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in Thailand is a little cheaper.
With local Thailand prepaid sim cards you get more data for the same price, so for people that use a lot of GB’s per day an e-sim card will turn out to be a little more expensive.
The downside is that you can only buy a Thailand prepaid sim card after you arrive. So you won’t be able to arrived prepared. On arrival in Thailand you will have to go to a sim card shop and buy a prepaid sim card for tourists.
After a long flight when you just want to go to your hotel that is often a big task and therefore a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Thailand. Faster, easier and less stress!
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth on the mobile data network from one of the main mobile internet providers.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to local prepaid sim cards directly bought from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.
In case the e-sim card is provided directly by the main mobile network operator like in Thailand for example from DTAC then the above does NOT apply. However, if you for example order a SimOptions Thailand e-sim card then you are last in line at peak times.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding an e-sim card for your trip to Thailand were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison of the best e-sim cards for Thailand it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card right away.
If you still have questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of September 2023 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
Enjoy your trip to Thailand!
Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Thailand are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!