Thailand has some of the fastest mobile internet in Southeast Asia, with 5G live across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. An eSIM lets you tap into that network the moment you land — no queue at the airport counter, no fumbling with a tiny SIM tray, and no risk of losing your home SIM card.
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into most phones made after 2018. You buy a data plan online, scan a QR code, and you’re connected. Your home number stays active on your physical SIM, so you can receive calls and texts while using Thai mobile data for maps, Grab, and Google Translate.
Below is a hands-on comparison of six eSIM providers that work in Thailand, with current pricing, network partners, and honest pros and cons for each.
Key Facts: Thailand eSIM
- Best overall: Saily — from $2.99, runs on AIS (Thailand’s widest network)
- Best unlimited: Holafly — from $3.90/day, all plans include hotspot sharing
- Best value for heavy use: Sim Local — 50 GB for $13 ($0.26/GB)
- 3 Thai networks: AIS (widest coverage), DTAC (strong 4G), TRUE (fastest 5G in Bangkok)
- Setup time: Under 5 minutes — buy online, scan QR code, activate on landing
- Island coverage: Choose AIS-based eSIMs (Saily, Airalo) for remote islands like Koh Lipe and Koh Kood
- Data-only: Most travel eSIMs don’t include a Thai phone number — use LINE for calls
Quick Comparison: Thailand eSIM Providers
| Provider | Best For | Cheapest Plan | Unlimited? | Network | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | Most travellers | 1 GB / 7 days — $2.99 | Yes (select countries) | AIS | Yes |
| Airalo | Flexible plans | 1 GB / 7 days — $4.50 | Yes (via DTAC) | AIS or DTAC | Yes |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 1 day — $3.90 | Yes (all plans) | DTAC / Real | Partial |
| Maya Mobile | Hotspot sharing | 3 GB / 10 days — $4.99 | Daily cap only | Varies | No |
| Sim Local | Heavy data users | 50 GB / 10 days — $13 | 7-day unlimited — $29 | Varies | No |
| Nomad | Budget travellers | 1 GB / 7 days — ~$4 | No | TRUE | No |
Our pick for most travellers: Saily’s 3 GB / 30 days plan at $5.99 runs on AIS (Thailand’s widest coverage network) and handles two weeks of maps, messaging, and Grab rides comfortably. If you need unlimited data, Holafly starts at $3.90/day with hotspot sharing included.
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1. Saily — Best Overall
Network: AIS (Thailand’s widest coverage)
Plans: 1 GB to 20 GB, with unlimited options available
Validity: 7 to 30 days
Price range: $2.99 – $17.99
Saily is built by the team behind NordVPN, which means the app is polished and the setup process takes about two minutes. Plans run on the AIS network — the same carrier that covers remote islands like Koh Lipe and Koh Kood where other networks drop out.
Pricing breakdown:
- 1 GB / 7 days — $2.99
- 3 GB / 30 days — $5.99
- 5 GB / 30 days — $6.99
- 10 GB / 30 days — $8.99
- 20 GB / 30 days — $17.99
Why it wins: Saily hits the sweet spot between price and reliability. The 3 GB plan at $5.99 is enough for two weeks of maps, messaging, and occasional browsing. If you burn through data faster (video calls, uploading photos), the 10 GB plan at $8.99 is still cheaper than most competitors. Plans also include a built-in web protection feature and ad blocker.
→ View Saily Thailand plans and pricing
Drawback: Data-only — no Thai phone number for calls or SMS. If you need to call Thai businesses, use LINE (Thailand’s default messaging app) instead.
2. Airalo — Most Flexible Plans
Network: AIS (local plans) or DTAC (unlimited plans)
Plans: 1 GB to 100 GB, plus unlimited options
Validity: 3 to 365 days
Price range: $4.50 – $185
Airalo is the world’s largest eSIM store with over 200 destinations, and Thailand is one of their most popular markets. They offer 12 different local plans — more variety than any other provider on this list.
Key plans:
- 1 GB / 7 days — $4.50
- 3 GB / 30 days — $11
- 10 GB / 30 days — ~$16
- 50 GB / 30 days — ~$48
- Unlimited / 15 days (DTAC) — $19.95
- Unlimited / 30 days (DTAC) — $34.95
Why choose Airalo: The sheer range of plans means you can match exactly what you need. Staying for a weekend? The 1 GB / 7-day plan at $4.50 covers maps and messaging. Here for a month of remote work? The unlimited 30-day plan at $34.95 on DTAC removes any data anxiety.
Airalo also offers regional Asia plans and global plans — useful if you’re island-hopping to Cambodia, Vietnam, or Malaysia after Thailand.
Drawback: Per-GB pricing is higher than Saily for standard plans. The unlimited plans run on DTAC rather than AIS, which means slightly weaker coverage on remote islands. Also, the “unlimited” plans have a Fair Usage Policy that may throttle speeds after heavy use.
3. Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data
Network: DTAC / Real
Plans: 1 to 90 days, all unlimited
Validity: Choose your exact number of days
Price range: $3.90 (1 day) – $96 (50 days)
Holafly’s model is simple: every plan includes unlimited data. You only choose how many days you need.
Pricing examples:
- 1 day — $3.90
- 5 days — $19.50 ($3.90/day)
- 10 days — $36.90 ($3.69/day)
- 15 days — $47 ($3.13/day)
- 20 days — $62 ($3.10/day)
- 30 days — $84 ($2.80/day)
Why choose Holafly: If you’re a content creator uploading videos, a remote worker on constant video calls, or simply don’t want to think about data limits, Holafly removes the worry entirely. Every plan includes hotspot sharing, so you can tether your laptop too.
Drawback: The per-day cost adds up fast. A 10-day trip costs $36.90 with Holafly versus $8.99 for 10 GB with Saily — fine if you’ll use 20+ GB, but expensive if you mostly use Wi-Fi at your hotel. Also runs on DTAC/Real rather than AIS, so coverage on remote islands is slightly weaker.
4. Maya Mobile — Best for Hotspot Sharing
Plans: 3 GB to “unlimited” (daily-capped)
Validity: 5 to 30 days
Price range: $4.99 – $59
Maya Mobile stands out because all plans include hotspot/tethering — useful if you’re travelling with a partner or need to connect your laptop. Their 180-day refund guarantee is also the most generous in the industry.
Key plans:
- 3 GB / 5 days — $6
- 5 GB / 10 days — $10
- 10 GB / 15 days — $16
- “Unlimited” / 5 days — $20 (capped at 3–5 GB/day high-speed)
- “Unlimited” / 30 days — $59
Watch out: Maya’s “unlimited” plans are not truly unlimited. High-speed data is capped at 3–5 GB per day, after which speeds drop significantly. Fine for maps and social media — not enough for remote workers or video uploaders.
Drawback: No 5G support. The “unlimited” throttling isn’t clearly communicated upfront.
5. Sim Local — Best Value for Heavy Users
Plans: 3 GB to unlimited
Validity: 7 to 30 days
Price range: $9.50 – $29
Sim Local’s pricing is hard to beat at the high end. Their 50 GB / 10-day plan at $13 works out to $0.26 per GB — the cheapest per-GB rate on this list.
Key plans:
- 3 GB / 30 days — ~$9.50
- 50 GB / 10 days — $13
- Unlimited / 7 days — $29
Why choose Sim Local: That 50 GB plan is a standout for anyone who needs serious data — think streaming, large file uploads, or tethering your laptop for a full workday. At $13 for 10 days, it undercuts most competitors by 50% or more on a per-GB basis.
Drawback: Fewer plan options than Airalo. No 5G support. Less well-known brand with a smaller user community.
6. Nomad eSIM — Solid Budget Option
Network: TRUE
Plans: 1 GB to 50 GB
Validity: 7 to 30 days
Price range: ~$4 – $50
Nomad runs on the TRUE network, which offers the fastest 5G speeds in Bangkok but has weaker coverage in rural areas and islands compared to AIS. If your trip is mainly Bangkok and Chiang Mai, it’s a reliable budget pick.
Standout plan: 50 GB / 30 days at approximately $9 (via eSIMX pricing) — one of the cheapest high-data options available.
Drawback: TRUE’s network coverage outside major cities is the weakest of the three Thai carriers. Not ideal if your itinerary includes remote islands or mountain treks in northern Thailand.
Thailand’s Mobile Networks: What You Need to Know
Which eSIM you buy determines which Thai network you’ll connect to. Here’s how the three carriers compare:
| Network | Strength | Weakness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIS | Widest coverage — works on remote islands (Koh Lipe, Koh Kood, Koh Chang) and northern mountains | 5G limited to major cities | Island hopping, rural travel, all-round reliability |
| DTAC / Real | Strong 4G everywhere, competitive pricing | Slightly weaker on remote islands than AIS | General travel, unlimited plans |
| TRUE | Fastest 5G in Bangkok | Weakest rural/island coverage of the three | City-based trips (Bangkok, Chiang Mai) |
eSIM vs. Physical SIM Card at the Airport
You can still buy a physical SIM card at AIS, DTAC, or TRUE counters in the arrivals hall of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports. Here’s how the two options stack up:
| eSIM (Buy Online) | Physical SIM (Airport Counter) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 – $35 (varies by provider) | 49 – 1,599 THB ($1.50 – $49) |
| Setup time | 2 minutes, done before you fly | 10–30 minutes (queue + registration) |
| Phone number | Usually no (data only) | Yes — Thai number included |
| Top-up | Buy additional plan via app | Top up at any 7-Eleven |
| Keep home SIM | Yes — dual SIM, both active | Need to swap SIMs (or use a dual-SIM phone) |
| Older phones | Won’t work (needs eSIM support) | Works on any unlocked phone |
When to choose a physical SIM: If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, if you need a Thai phone number for receiving SMS (some Thai services require it), or if you prefer topping up at 7-Eleven with cash.
When to choose eSIM: If you want data working the moment you land, if you’re keeping your home SIM active for calls, or if you simply don’t want to deal with the airport counter queue after a long flight.
How to Set Up Your Thailand eSIM
Before you start: Buy your eSIM 1–2 days before your flight, but don’t activate it until you land in Thailand. Installation and activation are two separate steps.
The process is the same regardless of which provider you choose:
- Check your phone supports eSIM. Most phones from 2020 onward do. iPhones from XR/XS and later all support eSIM. Samsung Galaxy S20+ and newer support it (except some US models). Google Pixel 3 and newer. A quick check: dial
*#06#— if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. - Buy your eSIM plan online — ideally 1–2 days before your flight. You’ll receive a QR code via email or in the provider’s app.
- Install the eSIM. Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (exact path varies by phone). Scan the QR code. Label it “Thailand” so you can identify it easily.
- Don’t activate yet. Wait until you land in Thailand, then switch your mobile data to the new eSIM line and enable data roaming if prompted.
- Keep your home SIM as your default for calls and messages. Your phone handles both SIMs simultaneously — Thai data on the eSIM, calls/texts on your home SIM.
The entire process takes under five minutes. Most providers also have step-by-step video guides in their apps.
How Much Data Do You Actually Need?
This depends on how you’ll use your phone. Here’s a rough guide:
| Usage Pattern | Daily Data | 14-Day Trip | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (maps, messaging, email) | 200–500 MB | 3–7 GB | Saily 5 GB — $6.99 |
| Moderate (social media, photos, Grab) | 500 MB – 1 GB | 7–14 GB | Saily 10 GB — $8.99 |
| Heavy (video calls, streaming, uploads) | 1–3 GB | 14–40 GB | Sim Local 50 GB — $13 |
| Unlimited (work + stream + tether) | 3+ GB | 40+ GB | Holafly 15 days — $47 |
Save your data: Most Thai hotels, cafes, and co-working spaces have solid Wi-Fi. Use Wi-Fi for heavy tasks (video calls, uploads, streaming) and save your mobile data for navigation and quick messaging. A 3–5 GB plan will last a two-week trip comfortably this way.
Which eSIM Should You Choose?
Saily
Best for most travellers
AIS network (widest coverage)
3 GB / 30 days — $5.99
Airalo
Best for flexibility
12 plans, 1 GB to unlimited
From $4.50
Holafly
Best for unlimited data
All plans unlimited + hotspot
From $3.90/day
- Best for most travellers: Saily — cheapest per-GB pricing, runs on AIS (widest coverage), clean app.
- Best for flexibility: Airalo — 12 plan options from 1 GB to unlimited. Good if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay or how much data you’ll need.
- Best for unlimited data: Holafly — true unlimited with hotspot sharing. Worth it for content creators and remote workers. Expensive for casual use.
- Best for heavy data on a budget: Sim Local — 50 GB for $13 is unbeatable value if you need serious bandwidth.
- Best for Bangkok-only trips: Nomad — TRUE network has the fastest 5G in Bangkok. Not recommended for islands.
Staying Longer Than 30 Days?
Travel eSIMs get expensive for extended stays. Holafly’s 30-day unlimited plan costs $84, and you’d need a new one every month. For stays beyond 30 days — digital nomad life, a yoga retreat, or slow-travelling through the country — a local Thai SIM card is the smarter move.
Visit any AIS, TrueMove H, or DTAC shop in a mall or city centre (skip the airport — city shops are 40-50% cheaper) and you’ll get:
- Monthly plans from 200-400 THB ($6-12) for 15-30 GB of high-speed data
- A Thai phone number — needed for food delivery apps (Grab, LINE MAN), banking, and some local services
- Easy top-ups at any 7-Eleven, via the carrier’s app, or through TrueMoney Wallet
Registration takes about 10 minutes with your passport. If you’re planning to work remotely, check our digital nomad guide for visa options, co-working spaces, and internet speeds across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an eSIM to make phone calls in Thailand?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only — no Thai phone number included. For calls, use LINE (free, and it’s how Thai businesses communicate), WhatsApp, or your home SIM’s international roaming. If you specifically need a Thai phone number, buy a physical SIM at the airport instead.
Do I need an eSIM to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
No. You should complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before your flight using your home Wi-Fi. However, having a working eSIM is useful at the airport if you need to pull up your TDAC confirmation or book a Grab ride to your hotel.
What if my phone doesn’t support eSIM?
Buy a physical SIM card at the airport. AIS, DTAC, and TRUE all have counters in the arrivals hall at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports. Prices start at 49 THB (~$1.50) for a basic plan. You can also buy SIM cards at any 7-Eleven, but airport counters handle the registration process for you.
Can I top up my eSIM if I run out of data?
Yes. Saily, Airalo, and most other providers let you buy additional data packs through their apps. The top-up activates within minutes. No need to visit a shop or buy a new eSIM.
Will my eSIM work on all Thai islands?
Major islands (Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta) have strong 4G coverage on all three networks. For remote islands like Koh Lipe, Koh Mak, Koh Kood, or the Similan Islands, AIS has the most reliable signal. Choose Saily or Airalo’s local plans (both use AIS) if your itinerary includes these destinations.
Can I share my eSIM data as a hotspot?
It depends on the provider. Holafly and Maya Mobile explicitly include hotspot sharing on all plans. Saily and Airalo support it on most plans but check the specific plan details before purchasing.
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears alongside your IMEI, your phone supports eSIM. Alternatively, go to Settings → Mobile Data — if you see an option to “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan,” you’re good to go.
Before You Fly
An eSIM is just one part of preparing for your trip. Before you board, complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at tdac.immigration.go.th — it’s mandatory for all foreign nationals and must be submitted within 72 hours of arrival. You’ll also want to double-check visa requirements for your nationality (93 countries get 60-day visa-free entry as of 2026).
