Looking for an eSIM provider in Thailand? You have two kinds of options. The local carriers, AIS and True (which runs both TrueMove H and dtac), sell tourist SIMs that also come as eSIMs. They give you a Thai number, but you have to register them with your passport. Or you can buy a data-only travel eSIM, like the SimOptions Thailand eSIM, and install it from home before you fly. This guide compares both, explains the passport rules and shows you how to set everything up.
eSIM providers in Thailand
For tourists, the choice comes down to two local companies. Since 1 March 2023, dtac and True have been one company, True Corporation (True: dtac and True amalgamation complete). The TrueMove H and dtac brands still exist, and they now share one tourist SIM page.
AIS
AIS sells the AIS Lucky Tourist SIM. All the multi-day packages include unlimited data at max speed on 5G and 4G, free calls within the AIS network and a call bonus for other networks. There are packages from 1 day up to 60 days. The 1-day package is a small data pack. You can buy most packages as an eSIM online through the "Buy eSIM" button, or as a SIM card in an AIS Shop (AIS: Sim for Tourist).
To top up or check your balance, AIS points you to its myAIS app, online top-up or an AIS Shop.
TrueMove H and dtac (True)
True and dtac sell the Thailand Tourist Infinite SIM as a SIM card or an eSIM, in 8, 15 and 30-day versions. It comes with unlimited data at the maximum available speed and free local calls of up to 15 minutes each. There's also a cheaper data-only Tourist SIM for 10 days, which can't make normal outgoing calls (True dtac: Tourist SIM).
True says you can buy it at True and dtac shops, 24/7 at airport locations, and in the True/dtac online store. Looking for the old dtac Happy Tourist SIM? The former dtac tourist SIM page now redirects to this joint True and dtac page.
Travel eSIMs (like SimOptions)
A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online before your trip. You get a QR code by email and install it on your phone at home. The SimOptions Thailand eSIM plans are data-only, with no Thai phone number, and they activate automatically when you arrive in Thailand. The destination page lists AIS and dtac as the networks they run on.
SIM registration in Thailand: bring your passport
Thai mobile numbers have to be registered to a real person. For tourist SIMs and eSIMs from the local carriers, that means your passport:
- True and dtac: the tourist SIM must be registered with a valid passport under NBTC rules, with a maximum of 3 SIMs per person per brand. A package can't last longer than 60 days. After that, you have to identify yourself again with your passport at a shop or through the call center (True dtac: Tourist SIM terms).
- AIS: if you keep using your tourist SIM more than 60 days after activation, you have to confirm your identity again. You can send your passport number by SMS to 4444161 and follow the link, or go to an AIS Shop. AIS also says a registered number must be activated within 60 days of registration (AIS).
- Stricter rules since May 2026: new NBTC rules took effect on 16 May 2026. For foreigners, identity checks are mainly done with a passport, registration happens in person at a branch or an authorised dealer, and you can have up to 3 SIMs per operator (Tilleke & Gibbins). If you buy a carrier eSIM online, follow the carrier's instructions for the passport check.
So keep your passport with you when you buy a local SIM or eSIM. Only buy from the carriers' own shops, websites or official sellers, since you're handing over your passport details.
Local tourist eSIM or travel eSIM: which suits you?
A tourist eSIM from AIS or True makes sense if
- you need a Thai phone number, for example to call hotels, drivers or tour operators,
- you want local calls included in your package,
- you don't mind registering your passport and, for longer stays, verifying again after 60 days.
A travel eSIM makes sense if
- you want to be online the moment you land, without a queue at the airport counter,
- you mainly need data for maps, ride-hailing, messaging apps and bookings,
- you want to keep your home number active for calls and texts at the same time (see how to set up a dual eSIM),
- Thailand is one stop on a longer trip through Asia.
Staying around 10 days and want to stop counting gigabytes? This SimOptions Thailand plan has unlimited data. It's data-only, with no Thai number, and you can install it at home before you leave.
How to set up an eSIM for Thailand
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. More ways to check eSIM compatibility. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock (Apple: Unlock your iPhone).
- Buy your eSIM. A travel eSIM arrives by email with a QR code. For an AIS or True tourist eSIM, follow the carrier's steps, including the passport check.
- Install it on Wi-Fi. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR code. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung) or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Pixel). Step-by-step help: how to activate an eSIM.
- When you land, pick the eSIM for mobile data. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Turn on Data Roaming for a travel eSIM, and keep it off on your home line if you want to avoid roaming charges (Apple: Use eSIM while traveling). More on how to turn on data roaming.
Depending on your region, your iPhone may say Mobile Service instead of Cellular. The steps are the same.
Travelling beyond Thailand?
Many trips to Thailand also include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia or the Philippines. A local Thai tourist SIM only works in Thailand. The SimOptions Asia eSIM covers Thailand and 25 other countries on one plan, so you don't need a new SIM at each border.
Pick the plan that matches your trip. All of them are data-only, and you install them before you fly.
Thailand and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · All Thailand eSIMs · Find the eSIM for your destination
Planning the rest of your trip? Read our Thailand holiday guide.
FAQs
Which eSIM providers are there in Thailand?
For tourists, AIS and True Corporation (TrueMove H and dtac) sell tourist SIMs that also come as eSIMs. You can also use a travel eSIM from an international provider such as SimOptions, which you buy online before your trip.
Does TrueMove H have an eSIM for tourists?
Yes. The Thailand Tourist Infinite SIM is sold as a SIM card or an eSIM, in 8, 15 and 30-day versions, at True and dtac shops, at airport locations and in the True/dtac online store.
Does AIS sell a tourist eSIM?
Yes. Most AIS Lucky Tourist SIM packages have a "Buy eSIM" option on the AIS website. You can also get the SIM card in an AIS Shop.
Is dtac still a separate company?
No. dtac and True merged into True Corporation on 1 March 2023. Both brands are still used, and the tourist SIM is now sold on a joint True and dtac page.
Do I need a passport to get an eSIM in Thailand?
Yes, for a tourist SIM or eSIM from a Thai carrier. It must be registered with a valid passport, and you can have up to 3 per operator. A travel eSIM is bought online from your provider and installed from a QR code, without a visit to a Thai shop.
Can I get a Thai phone number with a travel eSIM?
Not with SimOptions: the Thailand and Asia plans are data-only. If you need a Thai number, get a tourist SIM or eSIM from AIS or True. You can keep your home number active next to a travel eSIM for calls and texts.
What's the best eSIM for Thailand?
It depends on your trip. If you need a Thai number or local calls, a tourist eSIM from AIS or True fits better. If you only need data, want to install it before you fly or are visiting other countries too, a travel eSIM for Thailand or Asia is simpler.
Does my eSIM work in Thailand if my phone is locked?
No. A carrier-locked phone only works with eSIMs from the carrier it's locked to. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
