Best eSIM for Thailand: compare, buy, and travel connected

Want to share your experience in Chiang Mai, Phi Phi Islands, Koh LiPe, or Khao Sok National Park? With a Thailand eSIM card, you can show everyone the blast you’re having with an instant internet connection.

If you don’t know what an eSIM is, how it works it where to get it, no worries because you’ve come to the right place! Let us introduce you to the future and tell you everything you need to know about eSIM in Thailand, its features, requirements, and costs. We’ll also explain how an eSIM helps you to be connected only with your phone and not depend on extra devices such as pocket wifi.

eSIM Thailand card need-to-know information:

Compatibility is important, so before buying a Thailand embedded SIM card, remember to check if your cell phone is compatible with local frequency. As this is a new technology, you can’t use the virtual SIM card on any cellphone. Reviewing these points can save you a lot of work, and if you can’t use a digital SIM card in your phone, you will always have other options. Here’s what you need to know:

• As we mentioned, not all phones are compatible with eSIM. So if you want to confirm if your phone can use them, we invite you to see this updated list of compatible phones. 
• You will receive the eSIM through a QR code to your email. You must have an email address to which you have access.
• For the whole installation process, you need an internet connection. After receiving and scanning the QR code, it will proceed to install the eSIM on your phone.
• This depends on the provider, but in some cases, you will be asked to install an app on your mobile phone to manage your virtual SIM card.

Mobile eSIM card providers for traveling to Thailand

As long as you have a compatible phone, you will be able to purchase and activate a Thailand eSIM card easily. If you don’t, you can also buy a traditional sim card; some of these stores also sell physical options for those interested. Anyway, the virtual SIM card has many advantages, so it is always better to see this as the first option. Talking about Thailand as a destination, we will give you some of the most used online stores by tourists.

• Holafly
• GigSky
• Yesim

Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for travel to Thailand

As you can see, there are several options online to buy virtual SIM cards for Thailand, and before choosing one of the stores, you should have information about them. That is why in this section, we will tell you a little bit about the options that each one has for the country. We will also mention some of the pros and cons of their eSIM for Thailand. With this in mind, you will be ready to choose one and be connected to excellent mobile internet on your trip to Thailand.

Holalfy

Holafly’s online store has gradually become the number-one choice of many tourists in the world. It offers a virtual SIM card with 4G speed for Thailand with unlimited data, which is ideal for always staying connected on your trip. These packages have short, medium, and long periods of use with plans from 5 days to 90 days. The prices are also very good starting from 19$ for basic versions and 99$ for longer packages. 

Their website is very easy to use, and the purchase process is quite simple. Even so, if you have questions, they have customer service in more than five languages available 24/7. When paying for the service, they offer payment methods such as debit and credit cards, Paypal, and even Google and Apple Pay. Holafly eSIMs usually have excellent coverage by using consolidated local operators; this is something that you can always verify in their technical specs. We can conclude that these are some of the best eSIM for Thailand.

Pros Holafly eSIM

• After selecting your destination and the plan you are interested in, the purchase and activation process will take only minutes.
• There are a number of plans to choose from, and in case you need to extend it, you can easily top up your service.
• You will have 4G speed as long as it is available in Thailand, and it includes unlimited browsing data.
• You will be able to keep your local SIM card and keep your WhatsApp contacts even if you use your Holafly eSIM for Thailand at the same time.

Cons Holafly eSIM 

• As usually happens with unlimited data packages, you cannot share data
• You will not be able to make local analog calls, only calls through apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
• It does not include a local Thailand number.

GigSky

This is another virtual provider that many travelers know; in the case of Thailand, they have a virtual SIM card with coverage in Asian countries. The plan called Asia Pacific includes Thailand as a country with coverage, and they have options from 1GB to 50GB of browsing. You can choose between 7, 30, or 90 days of usage but with costs ranging from $13.99 to $569.99 for the 50GB and 90 days options. This is usually the case with options that offer continental solutions rather than specific to a single destination country. 

On the other hand, GigSky offers on their website a search engine where you can enter your destination country and get the offers they have for that country. At the moment of payment, they only offer credit cards. You must create a user on their website because from there, you not only make the purchase but also manage your virtual SIM card and even add payment methods for all your requirements.

Pros GigSky eSIM

• You can make the purchase through their App or website.
• They do not limit the number of virtual SIM cards you can buy for Thailand or other destinations.
• They offer virtual SIM cards for a lot of countries. 

Cons GigSky eSIM 

• At the moment, you cannot renew the plans, so if you run out of plans, you have to set up a new eSIM.
• The option for Thailand is more expensive as it is a virtual SIM card with coverage in other Asia Pacific countries.
• You must be careful with the QR Code because you can only use it once.
• You must use the digital SIM card in only one device as it cannot be transferred to another device.

Yesim

This is another online store alternative that offers eSIM for 126 destinations in the world, including Thailand. In this case, for the Asian country, they offer four data package options. Two with 7 days duration and 1GB or 5GB of browsing, and another two options of 5 and 10 days of use with 3GB and 7GB, respectively. The prices of the plans range from $8 to approximately $50, and all versions include a free VPN if you activate it on iOS. 

First of all, to make the purchase, you must log in with a Google or Apple account. Among the payment methods, we can find Binance Pay, Credit cards, and PayPal, so you should have no problems. After making the purchase, Yesim has a refund policy; you should confirm before if your phone can use them.

Pros Yesim eSIM

• Various means of payment 
• You can search their website for offers for each destination. 
• Yesim has a rewards system, so if you are a recurring customer, you can opt for data credits.

Cons Yesim eSIM 

• Few days options, and with a reduced data amount
• No local number is included, so you cannot make analog calls or send SMS.
• More expensive options compared to other providers.

Comparison of eSIM providers for Thailand

Features of eSIMs for travel to Thailand

International eSIMs are different from physical SIM Cards. Here’s what you need to know about eSIM cards for Thailand:

• It is common that virtual SIM cards do not include local numbers, so you must use apps like Skype or WhatsApp to be able to call.
• It is important to keep in mind that QR codes can generally only be used once on a device. Don’t lose or delete them without consulting us first.
• For the above reason, if you have any problems with activation, please consult directly with your digital SIM card provider.
• Some eSIMs set up automatic APNs.
• The versatility of embedded SIM cards allows you to add various plans to your phone as long as it has availability.
• Some eSIMs allow you to share data between devices, but this also depends on whether they offer unlimited data or not.
• You have the freedom to use dual SIM services on your iPhone or another device with a virtual SIM card. You can keep your local number and not lose communication.

Mobile Internet coverage map for travel to Thailand

It is very important to keep in mind your eSIM coverage. Keep in mind that sometimes cheap eSIM cards may have poor coverage.  Also, you may find a cheap eSIM card. Still, it may not give you good coverage in Thailand since the eSIM cards that will offer you the best network coverage on your trip to Thailand are those that have the most roaming agreements with the main operators such as AIS, DTAC, TOT or TrueMove H. Here are coverage maps for the main operators.

3G AIS coverage map in Thailand

DTAC’s 3G network coverage in Thailand

TrueMove H 3G coverage map in Thailand

Local phone carriers offering eSIM in Thailand

Below are some local digital SIM card providers; please note that they may not always have prepaid versions available. Most services are intended for permanent residents and not for travelers, although day by day, the possibilities are expanding and tend to be more flexible.

• AIS
• DTAC

eSIM AIS Thailand

It is one of the best-established companies in Thailand and currently offers its prepaid customers the possibility to migrate their service to a virtual SIM card. This application has no additional cost, but you must hire any of the prepaid SIM cards ranging from 15$ to 55$ depending on the amount of data and duration of the package. AIS virtual SIM cards can be used in mobile phones, iPad, and other devices. There is a list of compatible devices that you can check on their website.

Benefits of the AIS eSIM in Thailand

As you may already know, there’s no more need to get the SIM tray out or swap your SIM card if you want to use another phone number. This is ideal when you are visiting a country like Thailand and want to stay connected. You don’t have to worry about losing your physical SIM because the eSIM will be integrated into your phone. AIS allows you to have more than one number in a device (up to six numbers).

• Compatible with a typical SIM card that comes with a pre-paid or post-paid service and any package.
• Compatible with MultiSIM and MultiSIM PLUS (used with the primary SIM only)
• Includes a local number to make calls as if you were buying a physical SIM card.

How to Activate an AIS eSIM for Thailand

We have anticipated that to request an eSIM with AIS; you must first purchase a prepaid SIM card with one of the available plans. After that, in the same store where you make the purchase, you can request to activate it as a virtual SIM card in your phone. This service has no additional cost, but you must have a phone compatible with the technology. Finally, once there, you will have to go through a SIM card registration process in the same way as you would with a physical chip.

eSIM DTAC Thailand

DTAC directly offers a digital SIM card for tourists called Happy Tourist. This plan originally included a physical SIM card, but now you can request a virtual SIM card to be installed instead. They have two options of 15 and 30 days of use, with 15GB and 30GB of browsing, respectively. DTAC also has alliances with some remote providers, so normally the online store options will use their local network to work.

Benefits of the DTAC eSIM in Thailand

As we have mentioned, one of the main advantages is having two plans focused on tourists, making the task of choosing a plan easier. Also, in both options, the virtual SIM card will allow you to make free calls to other DTAC numbers. To make it more interesting, with this embedded SIM card for tourists, you will be connected to a 5G network whenever you are in a coverage area.

• 5G connection speed
• Access to data plans focused on tourists
• Free calls to local DTAC numbers and messages with flat rate charges

How to Activate a DTAC eSIM for Thailand

As with a prepaid SIM card, you should go to a DTAC branch and ask for one of the Happy Tourist packages. There are stores in some airports as well. After that, you request the package to be activated as a virtual SIM card on your mobile phone. DTAC staff will scan the QR code and take care until finished process.

Frequently asked questions about eSIM in Thailand

Here are the most common questions we’re asked about purchasing eSIM to travel to Thailand.

eSIM for other destinations

• eSIM for Asia
• Best eSIM for Israel
• eSIM Iceland

Leoneska Ruiz

Leoneska over here, your guide to travel connected. I'm a Venezuelan with over 4 years of sharing tips and tricks to keep mobile internet while traveling and make the most of your adventures. With me, you will be able to learn about the use of eSIMs, Pocket WiFis, and more.