QUICK INFO – Best ways to stay connected in Thailand
- AIS Local SIM (best coverage, but more expensive)
- Thailand eSIM (affordable with fast speeds and great coverage)
- SIM for pickup (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai)
Why you should get a Thailand SIM card
While WiFi is widely available in Thailand, in your hotel, hostel, or resort, and almost all cafes and restaurants, getting a local Thailand SIM card is the way to go for a comfortable trip.
The most significant benefit of buying a Thailand SIM card package is that you can comfortably use ride-hailing apps like Grab (Uber), Google Maps for navigation, and Google Translate.
While it’s true that most locals and businesses in Thailand use apps like WhatsApp and LINE to communicate, having a local number has also proven helpful for us. For example, we had to make a last-minute call to our ferry company about the pick-up from our island hotel.
Finding Wi-Fi is great!
But not if it's not secure
For more than 6 years, we have been using a VPN app while traveling, as it secures our data, especially when connecting to a public WiFi. 📶
We know we’re safe to use our banking and payment apps and don’t have to worry about someone stealing our money or passwords. 👨💻
Plus, you might think the hotel WiFi is OK, but often there’s minimal or no security behind the connection at all. 🟥
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, it allows us to switch countries so we can watch Netflix shows and movies that might not be available otherwise. 🍿
Should you get a physical SIM or eSIM for Thailand?
In recent years, eSIM technology has been widely supported in most modern phones, so if your phone supports eSIMs, there’s no reason not to get one.
We are big supporters of the eSIM technology and have had it since we got a phone that supported it a few years ago.
Buying a Thailand eSIM is the most hassle-free option: buy it online, scan the QR code you receive, and install it on your phone in minutes. No more going to the SIM shop!
Update: Lately, you can even install an eSIM simply by clicking a link and no longer scanning a QR code.
eSIM Compatibility
Note: Many Thailand eSIM packages you can find online don’t come with any text or calls. However, our favorite, Thailandesim, does have packages that include them.
But that’s also the case with some of the standard SIM packages at the airport. Most only give you data.
So, if you need calls and texts, make sure your plan includes it. We list those plans later in the article.
Multiple active eSIMs consideration
Before getting an eSIM, consider if you need multiple eSIMs active simultaneously. Depending on your phone model, that might not be possible.
In practice, if your home phone plan is on an eSIM, and you can only have one eSIM active on your phone, then a physical one makes sense if you need both your home and travel numbers active.
For example, this was the case on our old iPhone 11.
Which Thailand mobile carrier is the best?
Of the four major carriers, AIS and TRUE have the best networks in Thailand, followed by DTAC, which still offers great coverage, excellent internet speeds, and more affordable plans.
The internet coverage and speeds in Thailand are amazing, with 5G widely available. So, any of the top carriers will perform well all over the country.
To see the exact network coverage in Thailand, check out the practical nPerf coverage map for each provider, or see the difference below.
1. AIS
AIS is the mobile carrier with the best coverage in Thailand and the most expensive packages. However, it’s the best choice for travelers who want the ultimate coverage and the most reliable service.
For an eSIM that connects to the AIS network, we recommend Ubigi, which has the best coverage and reliable speeds, all at an affordable price.
2. TrueMove
Throughout our travels in Thailand, we used TrueMove the most, as it often offered the most affordable local packages with fast internet speeds, even when we hot-spotted it for laptop work.
TrueMove has the second-best coverage and offers a wide variety of plans, both with high data allowance and budget-friendly options, so it’s great for any trip.
Multiple eSIM platforms sell plans that connect to the True network, but we again recommend Ubigi, as it connects to both True and AIS, making it the absolute best choice for coverage across the country.
You can also preorder a True SIM card for pickup at the Bangkok airport.
The ONE time that TrueMove let us down was during our stay on the Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok. We learned from other travelers that AIS was the only one with signal there. However, it’s a great spot to disconnect, and we were just fine!
3. DTAC
DTAC has the third-best coverage in Thailand with The Happy Tourist package being a popular choice.
We have used it multiple times in Thailand and have always been satisfied with the package, coverage, and speed.
Beyond buying it in Thailand, you can preorder it online for airport pickup (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai), or you can also buy the DTAC eSIM online.
Planning an active trip?
Don't risk it without travel insurance
We never travel outside our home countries before getting travel insurance. And sure, we don’t count on anything happening. But it can when you least expect it! 🤕
For example, Arijana twisted her ankle just because she took a wrong step when going down completely normal stairs. 🤦♀️
In those situations (and hopefully nothing worse), travel insurance comes in handy so you don’t have to pay the medical costs.
Plus, since it costs about 3 USD/EUR per day, it’s not a crazy expense, and definitely not something to ignore. 😷
Where to buy your Thailand SIM card
The three most common ways to buy your Thailand SIM card are at the airport, online, or at one of the official mobile carrier stores in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, or any other city.
1. Buy a physical Thailand SIM card at the airport
The simplest way to buy your physical Thailand SIM card is upon your arrival at the airport.
All Thailand airports are full of kiosks selling Thailand SIM card packages from operators like TrueMove, DTAC, and AIS.
Just walk up to the kiosk, and you will get your Thailand SIM card installed and ready to go in minutes.
Note: To buy a physical SIM card, you need a passport because they must register the package in your name, as required by official regulations. This is not required if you buy an eSIM online.
We highly recommend comparing packages of at least two kiosks to find the best deal, as they don’t always offer the same packages or prices. And while some have better deals for shorter periods, some have better deals for longer trips.
Do note, though, that mobile packages at Thailand airports are more expensive than at official stores or online.
Don’t go to Thailand before reading these!
- Phi Phi Islands Things To Do + Travel Guide
- Koh Phangan Complete Guide
- Your Bangkok Guide
- Phuket Full Travel Guide
- Things To Do in Chiang Mai + Guide
- Chiang Rai Travel Guide
- Krabi Guide
2. Buy your Thailand eSIM online
It’s straightforward to buy a Thailand eSIM online and activate it in a matter of minutes.
Getting an eSIM online is especially smart if you’re entering Thailand by land border from Cambodia, Laos, or Malaysia. If you’re on an organized bus trip, you usually don’t have enough time to sort your SIM at the border.
And, of course, having a pre-installed eSIM when arriving by plane in Thailand means that you’re online as soon as you land.
Our favorite Thailand eSIMs
We’ve been following the providers of Thailand eSIMs since they started offering them and have compiled a list of the best ones below. You can read our Thailand eSIM guide for a complete breakdown and tips from our trips.
The best Thailand eSIM providers are Ubigi, Thailandesim, and ESIMTHAILAND.com, offering a range of data plans and packages for different travel needs and budgets. Plus, they offer excellent network performance and customer support.
Ubigi
Perfect for short and long trips, with unlimited and fixed data plans covering all needs.
Monthly and yearly plans, best for digital nomads, remote workers, and longer backpacking trips.
Thailandesim
Excellent choice for unlimited and affordable fixed-data plans for most types of trips.
Many regional plans (Asia, SEA, and multi-country combos).
ESIMTHAILAND.com
Great choice for unlimited plans with calls and plans with high daily data allowance.
3. Order your physical Thailand SIM online
You can order your Thailand SIM card online and pick it up upon arrival in Thailand, at the airport in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.
Previously, you could also order a Thailand SIM for delivery to Hong Kong, Beijing, Taiwan, and Macau, but that’s currently unavailable and may not return as an option. Now, with eSIMs taking over, it makes sense.
4. Buy your Thailand SIM card at the official store
The same way you would get a phone package in your home country is valid for Thailand. You can visit the official stores of mobile carriers (TrueMove, AIS, DTAC) across all cities in Thailand to buy your SIM card.
Often, official stores have better deals than airports or smaller reseller shops. They’re also a better option if you’re planning to stay long-term in Thailand.
Personally, we now rarely visit mobile carrier stores in Thailand, as the eSIM plans are only slightly more expensive and still offer a good amount of data and fast speeds.
TRAVEL TIP
You can also simply buy the TrueMove SIM at almost any 7-Eleven in Thailand – last time, it was just 49 Thai Baht.
After buying, you add money to your SIM with a credit card in their app, at the cashier, or at a self-service kiosk outside the store. Then, you can freely choose the local package you want.
We only do this when we’re spending more time in Thailand (otherwise we just use an eSIM).
How much does a Thailand SIM card package cost?
Thailand SIM Card packages are affordable and cost upwards of 4 USD for a smaller amount of data and about 10 USD for an excellent data package with text and calls included.
Mobile data packages often change names and what they offer, so we won’t discuss each carrier’s packages. But we will give you a reliable estimated cost of a Thailand mobile package.
| DATA IN PACKAGE / VALIDITY | COST OF PACKAGE |
|---|---|
| 15 GB – 7 days | 7 USD |
| 10 GB – 1 month | 20 USD |
| Unlimited data – 10 days | 10 USD |
| Unlimited data – 15 days | 20 USD |
| Unlimited data – 1 month | 35 USD |
Do Thailand SIM Card packages include calls and texts?
Most Thailand SIM card packages you buy locally (airport, official store, kiosk) come with a generous amount of calls and texts. You can also top up some money in your account and get extra calls and texts if the package you bought doesn’t include them.
Calls in Thailand cost about 1 Baht per minute, and texting costs about 2 Baht per SMS.
One of our favorite eSIM providers, Thailandesim, also includes calls and texts with a local number in some of their packages.
To book transport in Asia, we always use this platform, the top transport booking platform in the region for flights, trains, buses, boats, private transfers, and taxis. Their user-friendly platform makes booking a breeze.
How to top up your prepaid Thailand SIM package
Topping up your Thailand mobile package is simple at almost any convenience store, such as 7-Eleven, and there are often self-service kiosks outside the store.
Stores have dedicated systems where you provide them with your phone number, and they top up your account with the amount you want. If they don’t have that system, you’ll get a code on your receipt that you can use/call to top up.
Finally, you can buy top-up vouchers or scratch cards and use the codes to top up.
And don’t forget that all carriers offer mobile apps where you can register your SIM, top up your credit, change your plan, or buy add-ons.
AIS Thailand add-on options
DTAC add-on options
TrueMove add-on options
Frequently asked questions
It’s absolutely worth buying a SIM card in Thailand, as you can’t always rely on WiFi.
You can buy your Thailand SIM Card online or in many shops at the airport, in official carrier stores, or from smaller resellers in any city.
The best Thailand SIM Card is TrueMove because it’s the most affordable and offers great coverage, high-speed internet, and great packages.
A Thailand SIM Card package costs upwards of 4 USD for a data plan with about 3 to 5 GB of data.
Yes, many Thailand SIM Card packages come with calls and texts, but check the offer before buying.
It’s best to get a Thailand eSIM if your phone supports it.
SIM Cards in Thailand are usually active for 7, 10, 15, or 30 days.
Yes, you can get a Thailand SIM Card at airport kiosks, and you can even pre-order one online for pickup at the Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, we answered all your questions about getting the best Thailand SIM card deal for your trip. Got any extra questions? Leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you!
Have you found a better deal than the recommended ones in this article? We are happy to hear about it! We’re continuously searching for the best SIM Card deals for fellow travelers to Thailand, and we appreciate any feedback.
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