Best eSIM cards for mobile data in Thailand

Introduction

Thailand represents one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Millions of visitors come here every year, from regular tourists to digital nomads and business travelers, attracted by the beautiful beaches, rich culture, excellent cuisine, and friendliness of the locals.

When traveling to Thailand, reliable internet connection is essential, but standard roaming services tend to be unreasonably expensive. Finding a local SIM card after arrival can be stressful and time-consuming, which is why more and more travelers choose eSIM – a digital alternative that doesn't require physical card exchange.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best eSIM providers for Thailand, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll discuss their most popular data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the optimal solution for your stay.

With eSIM, you'll avoid unpleasant roaming fees and solve the whole process conveniently online. In the following sections, you'll find detailed information about installation, useful travel tips, and comparisons of available plans so you can enjoy your stay in Thailand without worrying about internet connection or unexpected costs.

Best eSIM Providers for Thailand

eSIM4Travel in Thailand

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel uses AIS and DTAC networks in Thailand. These networks are among the largest operators in the country and provide excellent coverage throughout Thailand. eSIM4Travel represents an economical and reliable choice for travelers seeking hassle-free connectivity. Their service is characterized by immediate functionality after activation, responsive customer support with the ability to communicate with real operators, and competitive prices. Their advantages include no speed limitations, no need to install additional applications, and the ability to purchase additional data on an already activated eSIM, which you'll appreciate during a longer stay.

Airalo eSIM in Thailand

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo partners with AIS (Advanced Info Service) network in Thailand, which is the largest mobile operator in the country. AIS offers extensive coverage in cities and tourist areas. Travelers appreciate Airalo for its simplicity and reliability across Southeast Asia. eSIM activation is quick, taking only a few minutes, and the user application allows easy monitoring of usage and possible purchase of additional data during the trip.

Holafly eSIM in Thailand

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly uses the True network in Thailand, which provides reliable connectivity in Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and other cities and tourist destinations throughout Thailand. The main advantage of Holafly is the offer of exclusively unlimited data packages, so you never have to worry about running out of data. Prices for unlimited packages for Thailand range from $6.90 to $139.90 with availability from one to 90 days.

It's important to mention that although the data is labeled as unlimited, with excessive use (such as continuous HD streaming or downloading large files), temporary speed restrictions may occur. Users report that speed regulation occurs after consuming approximately 4.5 GB of data with intensive use.

Yesim eSIM in Thailand

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim partners with AIS and DTAC networks in Thailand. Thanks to this partnership, you can enjoy seamless mobile connectivity in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Phatthaya, Surat Thani, and other cities throughout Thailand. For more details about Yesim services, we recommend our comprehensive overview.

Jetpac eSIM in Thailand

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac uses the AIS network in Thailand, which provides quality coverage in most tourist areas and major cities. AIS is the largest Thai operator, ensuring stable connectivity even in more remote locations. More detailed information about Jetpac services can be found in our detailed guide.

Best eSIM Plans for Thailand

Below you'll find an overview of selected most popular eSIM data packages available for Thailand. For a complete comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Thailand, where you can easily filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters according to your specific requirements.

Free Data in Thailand

If you only need basic connectivity, for example to check emails or quick searches, Roamless offers 500 MB of data for Thailand for free without any commitments.

Alternatively, you can try GigSky, which provides a trial eSIM with 100 MB of free data without the need to register a payment card. This trial version is ideal for testing eSIM functionality before possibly purchasing a paid package.

For more information on obtaining free data not only for Thailand, we recommend our article Free eSIM | How to Get Free Data for the USA and Abroad. A complete overview of all available options, including free offers, can be found in our eSIM comparison tool for Thailand.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Thailand

Purchasing and activating an eSIM for Thailand is a straightforward process that allows you to arrange internet connectivity before departure. The main advantage is immediate internet availability right after arrival, without having to search for SIM card vendors at the airport or deal with communication barriers.

• Complete guide to installing eSIM on iPhone
• Guide for setting up eSIM on Samsung phones
• Overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: First, verify if your phone supports eSIM technology. Most newer smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers already support eSIM. To be sure, you can use our updated list of compatible phones or complete overview of devices with eSIM support for 2024.

2. Choose a suitable provider: For Thailand, you have several reliable providers available such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO, or GigSky. When deciding, consider the length of your stay and planned data usage – for regular browsing, maps, and social media, a 2 GB package is sufficient, for more demanding users we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB. For the most accurate comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Thailand, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email with a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you've received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection will configure automatically after installation is complete. If this doesn't happen, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also, make sure you have data roaming enabled for the eSIM profile in your phone settings – don't worry, in this case, you won't be charged any additional roaming fees.

We recommend installing and testing the eSIM before departure, ideally in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you confidence that you'll be immediately connected upon arrival in Thailand without any complications. More detailed information about the first setup can be found in our comprehensive guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Thailand

Thailand offers visitors a diverse mix of experiences from vibrant metropolises to temple complexes to idyllic islands. Whether you're traveling for relaxation, exploration, or business, reliable internet connection is key. Here are practical tips for maximizing the use of your eSIM during your stay:

Security and Data Protection

Using a VPN in Thailand is recommended, although the situation is not as strict as in some neighboring countries. Thailand applies certain restrictions for some websites and services, primarily those with political or gambling content. A quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) will not only ensure access to all services you're used to from home but also increase your security when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. We recommend installing and testing the VPN before your trip.

Data Limit Management

Monitoring data usage is important to prevent unpleasant situations where you might run out of data at an inconvenient time. Most eSIM providers offer their own apps or web interfaces for monitoring current usage. You can also set alerts directly on your phone. For efficient data usage during your vacation, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find practical tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps of areas you plan to visit for offline navigation
• Adjusting streaming content quality settings to lower resolution
• Deactivating automatic app updates and background synchronizations
• Using Wi-Fi connection in accommodation for data-intensive activities like backing up photos

If you're not sure how much data you'll need during your stay, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the optimal package. For precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data amount and validity period exactly according to your requirements.

Communication with Home

Most eSIM packages for Thailand provide only data services without traditional voice calls and SMS. However, this doesn't mean you can't stay in touch with loved ones. With data connection, you can use apps like WhatsApp, LINE (very popular in Thailand), Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free communication. If you need to call standard phone numbers, read our article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other alternatives.

Financial Services and Payments

Access to digital banking and payment applications can significantly simplify your travel. Services like Revolut or Wise offer favorable exchange rates and the ability to pay in Thai baht without unnecessary fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll always have access to your finances and the ability to immediately respond to unexpected expenses. In Thailand, payment via QR codes is also increasingly popular, which you can use in many shops and restaurants.

Regional Travel

Planning to visit multiple countries in Southeast Asia? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages that cover not only Thailand but also surrounding countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, or the Philippines. These regional packages are usually more economical than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify all countries you intend to visit. Also check out our specialized guides for Japan or Australia if your journey will lead to these destinations as well.

✈️ Expert tip: Before traveling, download and save offline all important contacts, reservations, and documents, including accommodation addresses, booking numbers, and copies of travel documents. Even with the best data connection, you may find yourself in an area with weaker signal, and this information can be invaluable in such situations.

Alternative Internet Connections in Thailand

eSIM represents a modern and convenient way to ensure internet connection when traveling, but it's not the only solution for online access in Thailand. If for any reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, there are several alternative options:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Thai SIM cards are readily available at most airports, shopping centers, tourist zones, and regular electronics stores. The main providers are AIS, DTAC, and True, who offer special tourist packages with data, calls, and SMS, often labeled as "Tourist SIM".

The main advantages of a physical SIM card include favorable price (typically $8-16 for a basic package) and the ability to use a local phone number for calling and SMS communication. The disadvantage is the necessity to personally visit a store after arrival, potential language barriers during purchase, and the need to have an ID document with you, as all SIM cards in Thailand must be registered in a name.

If you decide to go for a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing exclusively from official vendors, preferably directly at the airport or in official operator stores in shopping centers. Remember that you'll need an unlocked phone (without simlock), and if you don't have a device with dual SIM support, you'll have to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots

Portable Wi-Fi devices represent a practical alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network to which you can connect multiple devices simultaneously - phones, tablets, laptops, and smart watches. They're ideal for families or groups of travelers who want to share one internet connection.

Mobile hotspots can either be rented before the trip from specialized companies or purchased/rented directly in Thailand at airports and tourist areas. Some models even function simultaneously as power banks, which is practical during long trips. More information about these devices can be found in our specialized guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is that they represent another thing you have to carry, charge, and keep track of. Also, the purchase price or rental tends to be higher than for eSIM or local SIM cards, which can be disadvantageous for individual travelers.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator is the simplest but usually the most expensive option. Roaming works based on partnership agreements between your American operator and local Thai providers, allowing you to use your existing phone number and plan abroad as well.

Prices for roaming in countries outside the EU can be extremely high - commonly around $12-20 per 1 MB of data, which means up to $200 for 1 GB. Even brief browsing of social media or navigation can lead to a bill in the thousands of dollars. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for non-European destinations, which can be more affordable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions or eSIM.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Thailand has relatively good coverage with public Wi-Fi networks, especially in tourist areas, larger cities, and on islands. Free Wi-Fi can be found in hotels, restaurants, cafes (especially in international chains like Starbucks), shopping centers, and sometimes even in parks or on beaches. However, the quality and speed of these connections can vary significantly.

The main risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security. Unsecured networks can expose your personal data and online activities to the risk of cyber attacks or identity theft. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be offline whenever you move away from an area with coverage. This can be problematic when navigating in unfamiliar environments, searching for transportation information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for mobile internet connection.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Thailand

Thailand has a modern and developed telecommunications infrastructure with several main operators providing quality services to both local residents and foreign visitors. Understanding the local telecommunications market will help you choose the best eSIM or other connection option.

Main Thai Mobile Operators

AIS (Advanced Info Service) is the largest operator in the country with the most extensive coverage. This company provides services to approximately 44% of the Thai market and offers excellent coverage in cities, tourist areas, and rural regions. AIS was also a pioneer in introducing 5G technology in Thailand.

DTAC (Total Access Communication) represents the second largest operator with approximately 29% market share. DTAC is known for its competitive prices and good coverage in cities and tourist destinations. Their network is particularly strong in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

True Move H, the third significant player in the market, holds approximately 26% share and is part of the True Corporation conglomerate. True offers a wide range of telecommunications services including mobile connectivity, landlines, and cable television. Their mobile network is known for good quality in cities and popular tourist areas.

Smaller operators such as Thai Mobile and TOT Mobile have more limited coverage and focus primarily on specific market segments or geographical areas. For tourists, they usually don't represent the first choice due to more limited coverage and less availability of tourist packages.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Thailand is generally very good, especially in large cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, where you can expect stable 4G connection with high speed, in some areas even with 5G coverage. Popular tourist destinations like Krabi, Koh Samui, Phi Phi islands, or Ayutthaya also have reliable coverage from all major operators.

In more remote areas, coverage can be more variable, especially in mountainous regions in the north of the country or in some parts of the interior. On smaller islands or in national parks, the signal may be weaker or limited to basic 3G services. If you plan to visit such places, AIS usually offers the best coverage.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of Thailand, we recommend using the interactive map from nPerf.com, which allows you to find out which operator offers the best signal in places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Thai networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Uses exclusively the AIS network for maximum coverage
• Holafly: Collaborates with the True Move H network
• Yesim: Offers access to both AIS and DTAC networks for optimal coverage
• eSIM4Travel: Enables connection to AIS and DTAC networks
• Jetpac: Uses the AIS network
• GigSky: Works with AIS and True Move H networks

When choosing an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. If you'll be moving primarily in cities and popular tourist areas, any provider should offer good coverage. For trips to more remote areas, we recommend selecting a service using the AIS network, which has the most extensive coverage in the country. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Thailand, which will help you find the most suitable solution according to your specific needs.

How to Call from Thailand

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of any travel. With eSIM in Thailand, you have several options for effective communication without having to pay high fees for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for Thailand include only mobile data, not traditional voice services. However, this doesn't present a problem because with data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

LINE is an extremely popular communication app in Thailand used by most locals. It offers quality voice and video calls and is ideal for communication with local contacts such as guides, drivers, or accommodation providers. WhatsApp is an internationally widespread alternative suitable for communication with family and friends from home. Other options include Facebook Messenger, which is useful for contacts from your social networks, and Skype, which allows calling to regular phone numbers at favorable rates.

For communication in a work environment, applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet are suitable, which in addition to voice calls also offer video conferences and screen sharing.

More detailed information about internet calling options can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services that offer more advantageous rates than classic international calling.

Rebtel is a proven service for international calling with competitive rates. It works via WiFi or mobile data and provides quality connection. Calling to the USA starts at prices around $0.08 per minute, which is significantly less than standard international tariffs. Rebtel also offers the possibility to receive calls, which is practical during longer stays.

Google Voice represents another popular alternative that provides an American phone number usable for calling and SMS. Calls to many countries are free or for very low fees. The disadvantage is that for registration, you need an American phone number, although there are procedures to bypass this limitation.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM providers are beginning to offer comprehensive packages that include classic voice calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call just like with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in some destinations including Thailand. You can activate this service as an extension to your data package and thus gain the ability to call international numbers at advantageous rates.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Thailand

Summary

Traveling around Thailand becomes much more convenient thanks to eSIM technology. There's no need to look for physical SIM card vendors, deal with language barriers, or pay excessive roaming fees. You can arrange internet connection from the comfort of your home before departure and be online immediately after landing in Thailand.

In this guide, we've introduced the most popular eSIM providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each offers specific advantages, and the final choice depends on the length of your stay, planned data usage, and personal preferences.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays or more demanding users, or unlimited plans for intensive use such as regular streaming or remote work.

For an economical and reliable solution, we recommend eSIM4Travel, which offers quick activation, quality customer support, and competitive prices. Their service doesn't require installing additional applications and allows purchasing additional data on an existing eSIM, which you'll appreciate during a longer stay.

For travelers preferring unlimited data, the optimal choice is Holafly, which is the only one offering exclusively unlimited data packages for Thailand for various periods.

We recommend installing and testing the eSIM before departure. This gives you confidence of trouble-free connection immediately upon arrival and helps you avoid potential complications in a foreign environment.

For the most accurate and current comparison of all available eSIMs for Thailand, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your requirements.