Best eSIMs for Traveling to Thailand in 2025 | Plans from $1

Are you traveling to Thailand soon and looking for an eSIM for tourists to have data on your phone during your trip? In this guide about the best eSIMs for Thailand I will tell you everything you need to know about staying connected with an eSIM when traveling to Thailand in 2025.

You will find a comparison of the best Thailand eSIMs with up to date prices as per May 2025 and all the specifications per eSIM. My recommendation, the advantages and disadvantages of eSIMs, where and when to order an eSIM, FAQ about eSIMs and more.

Table of Contents

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Thailand in 2025 for those who do not have an eSIM compatible phone or rather buy a local prepaid sim in a phone shop in Thailand.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs 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!

My recommendation

Before I tell you what is the best eSIM for Thailand in 2025 check the following carefully!

Before ordering an eSIM for Thailand make sure your phone is unlocked and your phone is eSIM compatible. eSIMs only work on eSIM compatible phones that are unlocked.

Traveltomtom rates the DTAC Happy Tourist 5G as the best eSIM for traveling to Thailand in 2025.

• 50 GB data + 100 minutes for 10 days = $9.90 USD
• Unlimited data + calls + sms for 15 days = $19.90 USD
• Unlimited data + calls + sms for 30 days = $34.95 USD (only available via Airalo)

You can order the DTAC eSIM for Thailand via Airalo or SimOptions.

If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.

This DTAC eSIM for Thailand is 5G ready, where most other Thailand eSIMs only offer 4G/LTE network speed. There is a 5G signal available at pretty much all tourist destinations in Thailand.

Traveltomtom does NOT RECOMMEND eSIMs for Thailand with unlimited data, unless it is specifically specified that UNLIMITED MEANS UNLIMITED. Traveltomtom only recommends eSIMs with unlimited data if the unlimited data is on max data speed and there is no FUP (Fair Use Policy).

Be careful, many websites offer eSIMs with unlimited data, but there is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy) and before you realize you are browsing like on 3G data speed.

The above DTAC eSIM for Thailand with unlimited data from Airalo and SimOptions is truly unlimited! Reviewed, confirmed and tested by Traveltomtom!

Out of all the Thailand eSIM providers Traveltomtom recommends Airalo and SimOptions the most for buying an eSIM for traveling to Thailand. Why? I have tried both eSIM providers in more than 100 countries around the world and never had a problem.

Specifications DTAC tourist eSIM

The above DTAC tourist sim cards come with unlimited data or 50 GB data Thailand. Unlimited is truly unlimited, no speed cap, all the data is available on max data speed.

The newer versions of the DTAC eSIMs include either 100 minutes calling time or unlimited minutes in Thailand to local phone numbers. These Happy Tourist eSIMs also comes with 15 THB international calling credit.

Calling cost 0.99 THB per minute in Thailand and sending an sms cost 3 THB per sms to a Thai phone number. Unlimited calls to other DTAC numbers are included. This eSIM comes with a Thailand phone number that starts with +66. Receiving phone calls and sms is free.

The validity of the DTAC eSIMs starts immediately after installation, even if you are not in Thailand. After ordering your eSIM on the internet you have 30 days to instal the sim card and after installing you can use the eSIM for either 10, 15 or 30 days.

Thailand eSIM comparison

On the internet you will find multiple websites that offer eSIMs for Thailand. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Thailand from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.

Here is a quick comparison table of the best-buy eSIM plans from all providers.

Still Unsure? Check out our full eSIM comparison of all providers below!

Jetpac

What makes Jetpac stand out from other eSIM providers is that the Jetpac eSIMs come with a bunch of benefits for example a free VPN subscription, lounge passes, etc.

For more info about Jetpac check out our extensive Jetpac eSIM review.

Here are the Jetpac eSIM plans for Thailand:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
• 15 GB data for 10 days = $8 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $64 USD

Jetpac also has a Thailand eSIM for 10 days with 50 GB data. This is an eSIM that operates on the AIS network, different than the above recommended DTAC eSIMs. To be fair, AIS has better network coverage and faster data speed than DTAC.

• 50 GB data for 10 days = $10 USD

Click here for more info or to order a Jetpac Thailand eSIM.

Traveltomtom readers get an extra 10% discount when using the coupon code TOMTOM10 at check out.

You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Thailand, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Thailand or one of the other supported countries. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.

The Jetpac Thailand eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number The Jetpac eSIMs for Thailand are all 5G ready.

An extra advantage of Jetpac Thailand eSIMs is that they provide free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. As said it also comes with a free VPN subscription and you can buy fast track passes and lounge passes at a discounted rate in their app.

This is a complimentary service that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.

Airalo

Airalo is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering an eSIM 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 eSIMs.

If you read my recommendation in the beginning you already know that Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Thailand eSIM via Airalo. For 2025 they have the following eSIM plans for traveling to Thailand:

• 50 GB data + 100 minutes for 10 days = $9.90 USD
• unlimited data + unlimited calls + unlimited texts for 15 days = $19.95 USD
• unlimited data + unlimited calls + unlimited texts for 30 days = $34.95 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Thailand via Airalo.

The DTAC Happy Tourist Infinite truly is an unlimited data eSIM for Thailand without any data speed cap.

See my recommendation for more detailed info about the DTAC eSIMs for tourists. The Airalo eSIM plans from DTAC start immediately after installation, even when you are not in Thailand.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider. Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for your eSIMs.

Check out Traveltomtom's honest review about using SimOptions eSIMs with all pros and cons.

SimOptions offers the same DTAC tourist eSIMs as Airalo plus a couple other plans, which are more expensive.

These are the DTAC eSIMs from SimOptions:

• 50 GB data for 10 days + 100 minutes = $9.90 USD
• Unlimited data, calls and sms for 15 days = $19.90 USD
• Unlimited data, calls and sms for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order a DTAC eSIM for Thailand via SimOptions.

If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.

The DTAC eSIMs from SimOptions come with a Thai phone number starting with +66. That means you can also receive calls and sms.

The above DTAC tourist eSIMs for Thailand make the other SimOptions eSIM plans for Thailand look bad.

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $3.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $4.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $7.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $14.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $71.90 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Thailand from SimOptions.

These SimOptions eSIM plans for Thailand are 5G ready, but it is unclear if these eSIMs use either the AIS, True Move or DTAC network in Thailand.

These eSIMs are data-only and do NOT support calling and texting and they does NOT come with a phone number. You can't receive calls and text on this eSIM. The credit validity starts immediately after installing the eSIM. Even if you are not yet in Thailand. APN settings are available.

For more info about the above Thailand eSIMs check out the SimOptions website.

Holafly

If you are a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data then there is also Holafly. This is a popular eSIM operator that only sells eSIMs with unlimited data.

Here are the Holafly eSIM plans for traveling to Thailand:

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6.90 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $34.90 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $47.90 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD

Click here to order a Thailand eSIM from Holafly.

The Holafly eSIMs for Thailand are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of True Move. The Holafly eSIMs for Thailand are 5G ready.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly Thailand eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Keep in mind that on Holafly eSIMs there is a Fair Use Policy (FUP). On the Holafly website the following is stated:

• Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.

Nomad

Traveltomtom has used Nomad only a few times yet and so far so good. Tested and reviewed, however the Traveltomtom Team stumbled upon some issues, but in general found Nomad to be a trustworthy eSIM provider.

They sometimes have competitive eSIM plans and prices.

These are the regular Nomad eSIM plans for Thailand in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD

On top of that Nomad also offers the DTAC Happy Tourist eSIM:

• 50 GB data + 100 minutes for 10 days = $8 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Thailand via Nomad.

The Nomad eSIMs for Thailand operate on the AIS and DTAC 4G/5G network and support 5G. The Nomad eSIM plans have to be installed within 60 days after ordering. The eSIM plan will start from the first moment the plan connects to a supported network, so basically from the moment you arrive in Thailand.

Other eSIM providers

Nowadays there are multiple providers that offer eSIMs for Thailand. Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed loads if them. You can read the full review articles in the links: GigSky, Roamless, Firsty, Saily, Airhub, eSimple, Ubigi, aloSIM, etc.

Their eSIM plans for Thailand are pretty standard and do not compete with the Airalo and SimOptions eSIM deals for Thailand and therefore are not taking into consideration for this Thailand eSIM comparison.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Thailand?

Jetpac offers an eSIM for Thailand for just $1 USD. This eSIM is only valid for 4 days and and gives you only 1 GB data, but it is the cheapest eSIM for Thailand available.

SimOptions also has very cheap eSIMs for Thailand for just $3.90 USD. This eSIM also only gives you 1 GB data but is valid for 7 days. The next best cheapest Thailand eSIM is again from SimOptions with a 3 GB plan for $3.90 USD.

How to get around Thailand?

Try the search engine below of 12Go Asia and find the cheapest boat, bus, train and even domestic flight tickets all around Thailand and beyond.

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I have used it uncountable times, very reliable, convenient and fast. No more paper tickets, fix it all online.

Why ordering an eSIM for Thailand

As you have read I pretty much constantly use eSIMs for traveling around the world. Mind you that I am a full time nomadic travel blogger and that I am on the road constantly and use about 30 - 40 different sim cards every year.

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Thailand in 2025. 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…

Here are some key benefits of using an eSIM over a physical sim card:

• Instant activation without needing to visit a store.
• No risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card.
• Ability to store multiple eSIM plans on one device.
• Seamless switching between carriers and data plans.
• Environmentally friendly with less plastic waste.
• Ideal for travelers who need quick, reliable connectivity.

eSIMs are also the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Ever since 2012 I am continuously traveling the world as a full time travel blogger and nomad and I get to a different country pretty much every week. Staying connected is one of the first things I do when planning my next trip. In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs for staying connected when traveling abroad.

Some of my popular eSIM guides are the ones for: Asia, Europe, USA, China, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Canada, Turkey and international sim cards with data.

International Data Roaming plans

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 travel friends have asked me: 'can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!'.

Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Thailand. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM for Thailand?

Online

You can only buy an eSIM for Thailand on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Thailand nowadays. After comparing more than 7 eSIM providers Traveltomtom determined that these are the best eSIM providers for traveling to Thailand in 2025.

On arrival in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand and looking to buy an eSIM for tourists then you will find out that all the Thailand mobile internet providers do NOT offer eSIMs for prepaid plans. All the tourist sim cards for Thailand come as physical prepaid sim cards. Tourist eSIMs are still not available as of May 2025.

For the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Thailand in 2025 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.

How to activate an eSIM for Thailand

Don't worry about this, activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible by all the eSIM providers.

Once you choose your preferred eSIM 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 eSIM 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 eSIM for Thailand and the only thing you have to do is scan the code with the phone where you want to instal your eSIM on.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed. Make sure you are connected to the WiFi when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error.

Step-by-step checklist for installation

1. Purchase your Thailand eSIM from a trusted provider.
2. Receive your QR code via email or app.
3. Open your phone's settings and navigate to "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
4. Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM."
5. Scan the QR code provided.
6. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
7. Ensure the eSIM is set as your primary data line.
8. Turn on data roaming if required by the provider.
9. Test your connection before departure to ensure everything is active

The entire eSIM activation process typically takes just a few minutes, making it a fast and hassle-free way to get connected.

Tip: if you tap on the QR code and hold it a pop up menu will appear and one of the options will say 'Instal eSIM'. Simply click on this option and your phone will instantly instal the eSIM on your phone.

When to order an eSIM for Thailand?

You can order an eSIM for Thailand pretty much any time you want. Some eSIMs 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 eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their plan when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of your departure to Thailand. Remember you must be connected to the internet to instal an eSIM.

Or if you want to maximise your Thailand eSIM plan then activate your the eSIM 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 eSIM for Thailand

Let me also give you some general tips for using eSIMs. These general tips do not only apply for Thailand eSIMs, but are things you need to know before buying an eSIM in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM 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 eSIMs?

Another very important condition you have to check before ordering an eSIM for Thailand is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones models support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my … phone eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no solution. You simply can NOT use an eSIM 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 prepaid sim card in Thailand in 2025 for more info or check out my guide with everything you need to know before buying an international sim card for traveling abroad in 2025.

Can I trust the online eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for Thailand recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM 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 used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

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But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.

On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!

Is support available for troubleshooting?

All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund. As of 2025 most eSIM providers have an AI chat bot that will help you out with the most common questions.

If you encounter a bigger issue and you want direct help then you might have to wait a couple hours before you get a response, at least that are our experiences. Which can at times be very frustrating.

Most eSIM providers are very easy when it comes to troubleshooting and they quickly give you a refund or credit.

Can I keep my phone number from home with an eSIM for Thailand?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Thailand. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs 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 eSIM you can use just for data at the same time to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

If your Thailand eSIM 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 eSIM.

Can I make phone calls with an eSIM for Thailand?

This depends on the type of eSIM that you order. The SimOptions and Airalo eSIMs for Thailand support calls and sms, the Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad eSIMs for Thailand are data-only and calling and texting is not supported.

The DTAC Happy Tourist eSIM, the by Traveltomtom most recommended eSIM for Thailand, supports incoming and outgoing phone calls and sms. You can order the DTAC Happy Tourist eSIM via Airalo or SimOptions.

Does a Thailand eSIM come with a phone number?

This also depends on the type of eSIM that you buy. The eSIMs from Airalo and SimOptions that support calls and sms they come with a phone number. The eSIMs from Holafly, Jetpac and Nomad are data-only sim cards and do not support calling and texting and also do NOT come with a phone number.

The DTAC Happy Tourist sim card come with a Thai phone number that starts with +66.

All the specifications per Thailand eSIM are stated in my comparison of the best eSIMs for Thailand above.

Can I use 5G on a Thailand eSIM?

As of 2025 pretty much all eSIMS for Thailand recommended in this guide are 5G ready.

Are there eSIMs for Thailand with unlimited data?

Yes, there are eSIMs for Thailand with unlimited data. However, this is mostly a marketing tool to make people buy an eSIM. Always make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed.

A very good example are the Nomad eSIM for Thailand with unlimited data. It seems like you get unlimited data but when you read the fine print it says that after 2 GB data per day you data speed is reduced. Which basically means data speed as if you are on an E-signal, barely enough for using WhatsApp or checking emails.

They limit (how ironic) the data speed for 24 hours down to 512 Kbps. Completely useless when you ask me.

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Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.

Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Thailand and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying.

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Thailand eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!

Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Thailand with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM.

However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data... is what you have to ask yourself.

Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Thailand in 2025 and read all the specifications.

Or simply just go with my recommendation of the 5G ready DTAC eSIM from Airalo.

Best ways to stay connected when traveling to Thailand

Let me also introduce to you other ways to stay connected when traveling to Thailand. eSIMs 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
• eSIMs

To sum it up, eSIMs offer unmatched convenience, cost efficiency, and reliability, making them the smartest choice for staying connected in the Thailand. No more waiting in line at kiosks or worrying about hidden roaming charges!

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 eSIM 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 in the link.

When in doubt about ordering an eSIM 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 2025.

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

For those who have smartphones that are not eSIM compatible or those who 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 a physical international prepaid sim card for Thailand directly online via SimOptions.

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting and eSIMs are mostly data-only sim cards.

eSIMs

In fact there are two eSIM options:

• eSIMs you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIMs provided by the Thailand mobile internet providers

The big difference is that eSIMs 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, none of the mobile internet providers in Thailand offer eSIMs for prepaid plans for tourists, only for postpaid and residents in Thailand are able to get a local eSIM plan.

Which makes it that if you want an eSIM for Thailand you will have to order one online from the above mentioned eSIM providers.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM 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 eSIM or a local prepaid sim card? When we compare Thailand eSIM 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 eSIM 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 eSIM for Thailand. Faster, easier and less stress!

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs 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 eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to local prepaid sim cards directly bought from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

In case the eSIM 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 eSIM then you are last in line at peak times.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding an eSIM for your trip to Thailand were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison of the best eSIMs for Thailand it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM 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 670K Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of May 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

 

 

 

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Enjoy your trip to Thailand!