SIM Cards & eSIM Guide for Thailand (2026)

Staying connected in Thailand is easy, cheap, and flexible if you know what to get. This guide covers physical SIM cards, eSIM options, local carrier plans, best choices for different trips, and practical tips you’ll use before and after landing.

Overview: SIM vs eSIM

Physical SIM card

• A traditional SIM card you put into your phone.

• Includes a Thai phone number.

• Good for voice/SMS and data.

• Must register with your passport at a store or kiosk.

eSIM

• A digital SIM you install with a QR code.

• No physical card swap.

• Usually data‑only unless offered by some carriers.

• Can be bought before travel or in Thailand.

• Works well if your phone supports eSIM (most newer iPhones and Androids do).

Which to choose?

• Short trips / data only: eSIM often cheaper and faster to set up.

• Long stays / need Thai number for messengers, banking, OTPs: physical SIM or local eSIM with number is better.

Thailand Mobile Networks

Thailand has three major mobile networks:

Network	Coverage	Notes
AIS	Best nationwide, rural & island areas	Widest reach; strong 4G/5G for travel.
True Corporation (True + dtac)	Strong in cities & popular spots	Good 5G in Bangkok & Phuket.
DTAC (now under True)	Budget plans, good city coverage	Often seen in eSIM bundles; decent performance.

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Tourist eSIM Providers & Plans (2026)

Below are common travel eSIM options and pricing.

Popular eSIM Providers

Saily

• Plans from ~$2.99 for 1 GB (7 days).

• Good overall choice for budget travelers.

Airalo

• Flexible plan sizes on local networks (AIS/True).

• Reliable for short stays; subscription varies.

Maya Mobile

• Supports hotspot/tethering.

• “Unlimited” plans are often daily capped.

Sim Local

• Excellent per‑GB pricing (e.g., ~50 GB/10 days ~ $13).

Holafly & others

• Unlimited data options with flexible durations.

• Often pricier, but good for heavy streaming.

Typical Tourist eSIM Plans (Examples)

(Prices vary by vendor and currency exchange.)

Plan	Data	Validity	Approx Price
Basic	1 GB	7 days	~$2–$5
Medium	5 GB	30 days	~$5–$10
Large	10 GB	30 days	~$9–$15
Heavy	20–50 GB	30–180 days	~$15–$60
Unlimited	Daily or total	1–30 days	~$20–$60

👉 These connect via AIS/True/DTAC networks, typically 4G/5G.

Local Carrier Tourist SIM Plans

You can also buy a local SIM at airports, convenience stores (7‑Eleven, FamilyMart), carrier shops, or online.

AIS Tourist eSIM / SIM

• 25 GB / 8 days ~ 399 THB (~$11.50).

• 35 GB / 15 days ~ 599 THB (~$17).

• 50 GB / 30 days ~ 899 THB (~$26).

• Unlimited (FUP) 30 days ~ 1699 THB (~$49).

dtac Tourist eSIM / SIM

• 50 GB / 10 days ~ 349 THB (~$10).

• 30 GB / 15 days ~ 599 THB (~$17).

• Unlimited 8–30 days ~ 449–1199 THB (~$12–$34).

TrueMove H Tourist Plans

• Unlimited & volume plans available at various durations.

• True eSIM can be set up online or in stores.

Local prepaid plans often include voice minutes + data and sometimes unlimited access to social apps.

Activation & Setup

Physical SIM

• Bring your passport to the counter.

• Staff will activate and register your SIM.

eSIM

• Buy online (vendor app or carrier page).

• Scan the QR code on your device.

• Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.

• Follow the prompts to install.

Pros & Cons: eSIM vs Physical SIM

eSIM

• Quick setup; no need to visit a counter.

• Great for data‑only use.

• Cheapest for short trips.

• Some limited provider support and compatibility issues reported.

Physical SIM

• Includes Thai phone number.

• Better choice for calls, SMS, OTPs.

• Cheaper on long trips.

Practical Tips

• Dual SIM phones make it easier — keep your home SIM for calls while using Thai eSIM data.

• If you need a local phone number for verification codes, go physical SIM or a local eSIM with phone service.

• Airport kiosks are convenient but often more expensive than city shops.

• Coverage is best with AIS if you plan to visit islands or rural areas.

Common Traveller Notes

• Some travellers report that eSIMs purchased overseas may need activation in Thailand or require local verification.

• Experience with coverage can vary by location (some say AIS works best outside major cities).

• For heavy use (streaming/upload), pick a plan with larger GB or “unlimited” data.

@copyright Asean Now 2026

Don't take the one through a ticket provider like Expedia or Agoda. Not extendable as the expiry date is firm and you cannot add data. I bought a dtac one and thankfully the dtac guy at the desk at the airport gave me a real esim for free when he couldn't top it up.

12 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Quick setup; no need to visit a counter.

If you're lucky.

I recently changed from physical SIM to eSIM (AIS) and although the process flowed along online it failed to complete. 2 minutes in Telewiz and sorted, and the staff there said it was a regular request following online failure.

I see no mention of long term data plan for E-sim.

I have PAYG voice sim and wondered about getting a data e-sim but couldn't find one suitable, can't fit another physical sim.

Data addon looks like best option.

28 minutes ago, sandyf said:

I see no mention of long term data plan for E-sim.

I have PAYG voice sim and wondered about getting a data e-sim but couldn't find one suitable, can't fit another physical sim.

Data addon looks like best option.

They are exactly the same as physical SIM, when registered. Your 'voice' SIM is also a Data SIM. It already has a data component. It's just expensive to utilise without a data package applied.

The advantage of getting a new SIM/eSIM is the option of applying a promo package that isn't openly available to existing SIM users.

17 hours ago, IsmeUno said:

They are exactly the same as physical SIM, when registered. Your 'voice' SIM is also a Data SIM. It already has a data component. It's just expensive to utilise without a data package applied.

The advantage of getting a new SIM/eSIM is the option of applying a promo package that isn't openly available to existing SIM users.

Not very helpful, I am well aware of the data availability on the voice SIM.

I just want to know who sells 12 month data e-sims to compare against a 12 month data addon.

6 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Not very helpful, I am well aware of the data availability on the voice SIM.

I just want to know who sells 12 month data e-sims to compare against a 12 month data addon.

Not very nice to suggest that I'm not being helpful, is it? How could I know that you were referring to specifically a 12 month data eSIM pre-pack, as opposed to applying a long term package to a SIM/eSIM?

Where did you write that previously?

Either way, it doesn't change my reply at all. eSIM is exactly the same as physical SIM when registered. So you can buy a physical SIM and convert it to eSIM or you can buy an eSIM with a 12 month package.

An example being the AIS Marathon SIM/eSIM. 50 GB monthly for 2200 baht or 100 GB monthly for 2750. You can buy it as an eSIM pre-pack or apply it to a new eSIM.

You also have the option of applying an long term(up to 12 months) unlimited data pack to your existing Voice SIM, which is what I was alluding to in the first instance.

Try to be nice if you want help from others.