The best eSIM for Thailand is a data plan that fits your trip: enough gigabytes for your days there, 5G, and installed before you fly. A SimOptions Thailand eSIM does that. It runs on the AIS and dtac networks, activates when you land and comes in sizes from 1 GB to unlimited data. It has no Thai phone number, so you use WhatsApp, LINE or FaceTime for calls. Need a Thai number? A tourist eSIM from AIS or True gives you one, but you register it with your passport.
Which is the best eSIM for Thailand?
Short on time? These Thailand plans are 5G and data-only. Pick the size from the days you stay.
SimOptions Thailand eSIMs · data only · 5G · See all eSIMs for Thailand · All destinations
What to look for in an eSIM for Thailand
- Coverage: check that Thailand is on the country list. Thailand-only plans suit a trip with no border crossings. Regional plans suit a trip to several countries.
- Data and days: both are on the plan page. A small plan fits a long weekend in Bangkok. For two weeks with maps, ride-hailing and video calls, look at a bigger one.
- Speed: the plan details say whether you get 4G/LTE or 5G.
- A Thai number: most travel eSIMs are data-only. If you must call hotels or drivers on a normal number, a local tourist eSIM fits better.
- Setup before you fly: you get a QR code by email and install it on Wi-Fi at home. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked (see how to check eSIM compatibility).
How much data do you need in Thailand?
These are the sizes on our Thailand eSIM page, with what each one lasts:
- Thailand 3GB: 3 GB for 3 days. A short stopover or a long weekend.
- Thailand 5GB and 10GB: 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days. A week with maps, messages and photos.
- Thailand 20GB: 20 GB for 15 days. Two weeks, with some video.
- Thailand 50GB: 50 GB for 30 days. A month, or if you work from your phone.
- Thailand Unlimited, 10 or 15 days: unlimited data for 10 or 15 days, if you don't want to count gigabytes.
There are also 1 GB (3 days), 60 GB (90 days) and 100 GB (180 days) plans. If you run out of data, top-ups are available. Not sure how much you need? Pick the bigger size. Our guide to eSIM data plans shows how to estimate it.
Is there an unlimited data eSIM for Thailand?
Yes. The Thailand Unlimited plans give you unlimited data for 10 or 15 days. They are data-only, 5G and need no Thai number. They suit a trip where you stream, share your connection or use your phone as a map all day.
Local tourist eSIM or travel eSIM?
You have two kinds of choices in Thailand. We explain the local carriers in detail in eSIM providers in Thailand. Here is the short version, from the carriers' own pages.
- AIS sells the Lucky Tourist SIM, which you can buy as an eSIM online or as a SIM card in an AIS Shop. The multi-day packages include unlimited data and free calls within the AIS network (AIS: SIM for tourists).
- True and dtac sell the Thailand Tourist Infinite SIM in 8, 15 and 30-day versions. It has unlimited data and free local calls of up to 15 minutes each. There is also a data-only Tourist SIM for 10 days. True lists True and dtac shops, 24/7 airport locations and its online store as places to buy (True dtac: Tourist SIM).
Both give you a Thai number, and both need your passport. True's terms say the tourist SIM must be registered with a valid passport, with a maximum of 3 SIMs per person per brand (True dtac: Tourist SIM terms). A travel eSIM is different: you buy it online, scan a QR code at home and don't visit a Thai shop.
Choose a local tourist eSIM if you need a Thai number for calls. Choose a travel eSIM if you want data the moment you land, and a plan you can compare and pay for before the trip. You can keep your home number active next to it, see how to set up a dual eSIM.
Which eSIM for Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai?
You don't need a different eSIM for each place. A Thailand plan covers the whole country, from Bangkok to the islands. Your plan lists the networks it runs on, and signal still varies by place. It can be weak on remote islands and in the hills, whichever eSIM you use. Download offline maps for Chiang Mai's old town, the islands and any boat trips before you head out.
In the cities, the usual data uses are maps, ride-hailing apps, translation and booking. These need little data, so a 5 GB or 10 GB plan may be enough for a week. Video calls and streaming use much more.
Going to more than one country in Southeast Asia?
If Thailand is one stop, a regional plan can be simpler than a new eSIM at every border. Our South East Asia plan covers Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The Asia plan covers 26 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. They are 4G/LTE and data-only. When we checked, a Thailand-only plan of the same data size cost less than the regional one, so choose a regional plan only if you really cross borders.
Visiting Cambodia or Vietnam too? Neither is on these two regional plans, so read our best eSIM for Cambodia and best eSIM for Vietnam guides, and check the country list of any plan before you buy.
South East Asia plans · 6 countries including Thailand · 4G/LTE · data only · See the South East Asia eSIMs · Asia eSIMs · Best eSIM for Asia
How do you get an eSIM for Thailand?
- Check your phone: it must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock (Apple: Unlock your iPhone).
- Buy and install on Wi-Fi: you get a QR code by email. Our install guide walks you through it.
- Turn on data for the eSIM when you land: and switch off data roaming on your home line to avoid roaming charges (Apple: Use eSIM while traveling).
New to buying one? Read how to buy an eSIM online. Not sure what an eSIM is? See what is an eSIM. Planning the trip itself? Our 14 days Thailand itinerary may help.
FAQ
What is the best eSIM for Thailand?
It depends on your trip. For data only, a Thailand eSIM sized to your days is a simple choice. If you need a Thai number or local calls, a tourist eSIM from AIS or True fits better. For several countries, look at a regional plan.
Can I get an eSIM for Thailand before I travel?
Yes. Buy it online, install the QR code on Wi-Fi at home, and it activates when you reach Thailand.
Is there an eSIM with unlimited data for Thailand?
Yes. Thailand Unlimited plans last 10 or 15 days. See the cards above.
Does a travel eSIM for Thailand include calls or a Thai number?
No. SimOptions Thailand and Asia plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp, LINE or FaceTime for calls, or get a tourist eSIM from AIS or True for a Thai number.
Which networks does the Thailand eSIM use?
Our Thailand eSIM page says the plans run on AIS and dtac, in 4G, LTE and 5G.
Which eSIM is best for Bangkok?
The same Thailand plan works in Bangkok and everywhere else in the country. Choose the size from your days and how much video you use.
Does my phone need to be unlocked?
Yes. A carrier-locked phone may not accept an eSIM from another provider. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
Is there an eSIM for Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia?
Yes. Our South East Asia plan covers six countries including Thailand, and the Asia plan covers 26. Check the country list for the places you visit.