As frequent travelers to Thailand, we tested the top-rated eSIM cards in Thailand’s south, central, and north destinations. And we are happy to present you with a clear, concise, and up-to-date list of the best ones.
No fluff, no overcomplication, just facts.
The recommended Thailand eSIM card providers in this article all offer packages with the best mobile networks, so you can be sure of great connectivity throughout the country.
For more information about Thailand mobile networks and SIM Card packages, check our dedicated article on the Best Thailand SIM Cards for Tourists – check this if your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
Choosing the best travel eSIM for Thailand
With so many Thailand eSIM options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best one.
There are already so many companies, mostly selling very similar packages, and new ones are popping up like mushrooms after rain.
So we’ve only listed the top-rated ones that we personally used and trust and have a history of great customer reviews.
Top three Thailand Travel eSIM providers
Our recommended eSIM providers for travelers in Thailand are Thailandesim, Airalo, and SimOptions.
These providers offer a range of data plans and packages to suit different travel needs and budgets. Plus, they offer excellent network performance and customer support.
Thailandesim
Affordable, Best choice for unlimited plans
Airalo
Affordable for short and long trips
SimOptions
Great selection of eSIM and prepaid SIM plans
Whether you’re looking for unlimited data plans, budget-friendly options, or short-term solutions for weekend getaways, these providers have you covered. Some of the eSIM options also come with local phone numbers.
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For digital nomads or full-time travelers, we recommend SafetyWing, which includes brief visits to your home country every 3 months abroad.
Top Thailand eSIM packages for travelers in 2025
Let’s explore the various options and highlight the pros and cons of each of our recommended Thailand eSIM providers.
1. Unlimited Data Plans
Unlimited Thailand eSIM data plans are the best choice if you require high data usage during your stay in Thailand. These plans offer the freedom to use mobile data without worrying about running out or incurring additional charges.
| Package | Thailand eSIM | Airalo | SimOptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 days unlimited | $12.90 – Max speed unlimited (DTAC) | ||
| 10 days unlimited | $10.90 – 50GB max speed (True) $14.90 – 30GB max speed (AIS) | $9.90 – 50GB max speed | |
| 15 days unlimited | $19.90 – Max speed unlimited | $19.95 – Max speed unlimited | $19.90 – Max speed unlimited |
| 30 days unlimited | $34.90 – Max speed unlimited | $34.95 – Max speed unlimited | |
| Check packages | Check packages | Check package |
The bolded package options in the table mean it’s a TRULY UNLIMITED package with no speed limitations after using a certain amount of data.
Why we recommend unlimited data plans
Despite the higher upfront cost compared to limited data plans, unlimited data plans can offer better value for money.
In addition, all of our recommended providers (Thailandesim, Airalo, SimOptions) offer unlimited data plans with a local phone number with free calls and allow hotspot/tethering (data sharing between devices) – a seriously good deal.
NOTE
We used to recommend Holafly for unlimited eSIM data plans in Thailand, but as of 2025, they are significantly more expensive than other options.
Plus, they don’t allow hot-spotting or limit it significantly (sharing data between devices). And they don’t give you a local phone number.
For some countries, Holafly is a great choice, but for Thailand, unfortunately, it is not. However, if you decide to go with them, use our code SHIPPEDAWAY to save 5% on your order.
Did you know? We spent 6 months in Thailand and wrote over 70 Thailand travel guides to help you plan your trip! ❤️ And we keep adding new ones!
2. Budget-Friendly Packages
There are limited budget Thailand eSIM options in 2025. However, if you’re looking for a simple and cheap package, below are the best choices.
SimOptions Budget Plans
Since the start of 2025, SimOptions has been offering the best selection of budget Thailand eSIM plans compared to other providers – especially for longer stays.
| SimOptions | 7 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $3.90 | |
| 3GB | $4.90 | |
| 5GB | $9.90 ($7.90 on discount) | |
| 10GB | $24.90 ($14.90 on discount) |
Thailadesim Budget Plans
Shorter-duration packages at Thailandesim can be cheaper, but only when you don’t need much data. Otherwise, the unlimited data plans make more sense.
| Thailand eSIM | 3 Days | 5 Days | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500MB/day | $2.90 | $3.90 | |
| 1GB/day | $3.90 | $5.50 | |
| 2GB/day | $5.50 | $8.50 | |
| 3GB | $3.50 | $3.50 | |
| 5GB | $4.90 | $5.50 | |
| 15GB | $6.90 |
Thailandesim discount
Use the code SHIPPEDAWAY on checkout to save 5% on your eSIMs.
Airalo Budget Plans
Airalo used to be the best for getting budget Thailand eSIMs. Unfortunately, since 2025, Airalo’s budget plans have been unavailable for Thailand. Now, they only offer unlimited data plans.
However, they offer the regional Asialink eSIM (covering 18 countries), where you can get a 3GB 30-day plan for $13 or 5GB for $20 – the closest to the budget plans of other providers.
Airalo discount
Use the code MATEJ1033 to claim a $3 discount on your first Airalo eSIM purchase.
TRAVEL TIP
Book your Thailand accommodation in advance to get the best deals and best hotels (especially during the high season)!
Check the price and availability of the best Thailand hotels here.
3. eSIMs with local phone numbers
Having a Thailand eSIM with a local phone number can greatly benefit your stay in Thailand, as you can easily communicate with local businesses, especially tour operators, transportation companies, and hotels.
It’s especially handy for signing up with Grab (Uber) for transport, food deliveries, and more.
However, not all eSIM packages include a phone number, as they can be data-only.
| Thailandesim | Airalo | SimOptions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider has packages with a local phone number | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Check packages | Check packages | Check package |
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4. Regional eSIM plans
If, in addition to visiting Thailand, you plan to visit other Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.), then it makes sense to consider a regional eSIM plan.
You can buy the South East Asia eSIM (7 countries) or the Asialink eSIM (18 countries), and it will automatically connect to each country’s network without you having to buy another package.
| Asia eSIM | 5 Days | 7 Days | 15 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500MB/day | $6.90 | $8.50 | $14.50 | $26.00 |
| 1GB/day | $8.00 | $10.50 | $21.90 | $42.50 |
| 2GB/day | $13.50 | $18.00 | $36.90 | $72.00 |
(Thailand, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam)
| Asialink package | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 1 GB | 5 USD |
| 15 days | 2 GB | 9.5 USD |
| 30 days | 3 GB | 13 USD |
| 30 days | 5 GB | 20 USD |
| 30 days | 10 GB | 37 USD |
| 30 days | 20 GB | 49 USD |
| 90 days | 50 GB | 100 USD |
| 180 days | 100 GB | 185 USD |
(18 countries – Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Philippines, Laos, etc.)
Personally, we prefer buying separate packages, as we usually stay for longer periods in each country. However, we have used the regional eSIM in Southeast Asia for shorter trips in multiple countries.
5. Long-term packages for extended stays and digital nomads
For extended stays and digital nomads, an eSIM might not always be a good choice. The Thailand eSIM options usually come in 10, 15, and 30-day packages aimed at short-term tourists.
That’s why we generally recommend buying a local package at AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC stores since their long-term packages offer better value for money and plenty of top-up options.
Read more about standard Thailand SIM Cards and details on the best operators in our Best Thailand SIM Cards article.
However, if you’re staying for only a month, we recommend simply getting the 30-day unlimited package by Thailandesim for $34.90 (or a similar package from Airalo).
To book transport in Asia, we always use this platform, the top transport booking platform in the region for flights, trains, buses, and taxis. Their user-friendly platform makes booking a breeze.
Benefits of buying an eSIM for Thailand
When traveling in Thailand, there are several advantages to choosing an eSIM over traditional SIM cards.
- Convenience: With eSIMs, there’s no need to swap SIM cards physically. eSIMs are built into compatible devices and can be activated digitally using a QR code or installation link.
- Cost savings: eSIMs often offer competitive data plans and pricing, allowing you to get online as soon as you arrive in the country and save on expensive international roaming charges.
- Environmental impact: eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic SIM cards, reducing waste and the environmental impact of traditional SIM cards.
- Must-read: Best Time To Visit Thailand (north, central & south)
Device eSIM compatibility
Please note that device compatibility may vary based on regional restrictions and carrier limitations. It’s important to check with your device manufacturer or eSIM provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing a Thailand eSIM.
You can check this convenient article about device compatibility.
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2020), iPhone SE (2022), iPad Pro 11″ (1st Gen or later), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Gen or later), iPad Air (3rd Gen or later), iPad (7th Gen or later), iPad mini (5th Gen or later), Apple Watch S3, S4, S5, S6, Apple Watch Nike, Apple Watch Nike+, Apple Watch Hermes, Apple Watch Edition |
| Samsung | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24+, Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+ Samsung Galaxy Note 20+, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G, Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE, Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google Pixel Fold, Google Pixel 8, 8 Pro, Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro, Google Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL, Google Pixel 3, 3 XL, Google Pixel 3, 3a XL | |
| Others | Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Motorola Razr 2019, Motorola Razr 5G, Nuu Mobile X5, Gemini PDA 4G+Wi-Fi, OPPO Find X3 Pro, OPPO Find X5 Pro, OPPO Find X5, Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, Microsoft Surface Pro (5th and 7th Gen onwards), Microsoft Surface Pro X (5th Gen onwards) |
For more information about Thailand mobile networks and SIM Card packages, check our dedicated article on the Best Thailand SIM Cards for Tourists – check this if your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
Thailand eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Activating your Thailand eSIM is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you activate your eSIM:
Time needed: 15 minutes
Thailand eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
- Purchase your eSIM
Buy an eSIM plan from one of the trusted eSIM providers that best suits your travel needs in Thailand.
- Receive the installation instructions
After your purchase is complete, you will receive an email containing a QR code from the eSIM provider to your email address. Keep this email accessible on your device.
- Scan the QR code
On your device, open the camera app and scan the QR code received from the eSIM provider. This will activate the eSIM and initiate the download of the necessary eSIM profile. If you’re wondering how to do this on the phone, save the QR code image or take a screenshot, and then tap on it in your photo gallery. It should scan it.
- Optional: Manually enter the eSIM plan settings or use the installation link
If you can’t scan the QR code, follow the manual steps for adding the eSIM to your phone. It’s very straightforward and shouldn’t take a long time either. Recently, you can also simply follow an installation link to install an eSIM on your device.
- Confirm the eSIM activation
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the activation of the eSIM profile. This may involve entering a confirmation code or selecting the appropriate settings on your device. Sometimes, you need to text the provider’s provided phone number to activate the eSIM.
Ensure your device has a stable internet connection for the initial activation process. We usually do this at the departure airport before flying into Thailand, so we’re online as soon as we land. - Enable Data Roaming on the new eSIM plan
In your new eSIM plan settings, enable Data Roaming. Don’t forget this step or it won’t work.
- Turn off “Cellular Data Switching”
When you enable data roaming, make sure to turn off “Cellular Data Switching”. Otherwise, the phone might switch to your home plan if the eSIM loses connectivity. This is usually something that rarely happens, but it’s possible in elevators, where the connection drops. So, if your home plan gets connectivity first, it might cause extra costs.
- Set new eSIM data plan as primary
Make sure to set the new eSIM plan on your phone as the primary one for mobile data. This way, your home plan won’t be used for data, but it can still receive texts and phone calls.
Otherwise, remember to remove or disable your physical SIM card while using the eSIM to avoid any conflicts or additional charges. - Start using your Thailand eSIM
Once the eSIM activation is complete, you can start using your Thailand eSIM to access mobile data. The validity period usually starts when the eSIM connects to the local network’s cellular data. But make sure to check this, as sometimes it starts right after installation (Steps 3-4-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, eSIMs in Thailand provide wide network coverage, including remote areas. However, network coverage may vary depending on the local mobile network operator. It’s recommended to check the coverage maps of different providers to ensure network availability in your specific travel destinations. Refer to our Best Thailand SIM Cards article for more information.
To top up data on your Thailand eSIM, you can follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider. This may involve using an app or website to purchase additional data packages or credits. It’s recommended to top up before your current data plan expires to avoid any interruptions in connectivity.
Yes, with Thailand eSIMs, you can keep your home country and Whatsapp numbers active and still receive phone calls and texts. Just make sure to set the Thailand eSIM plan as the primary data plan so your home plan is not used, and you avoid roaming charges.
Yes, sharing data between devices with a Thailand eSIM is possible. However, the ability to share data and the specific process (and number of devices) may vary depending on the eSIM provider and your chosen plan.
If you encounter connectivity issues with your Thailand eSIM, it’s recommended that you contact your eSIM provider’s customer support team. They can provide troubleshooting assistance and guide you through any necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Yes, there are many great Thailand eSIM packages with unlimited data. The most affordable choice is the 15 or 30-day one by Thailandesim.
Yes, many eSIM packages for Thailand now include a local Thai number for calls and texts.
The easiest way to get around Thailand?
Rent a car! Thailand is very easy to navigate by car, which allows you to explore at your own pace.
We recommend using DiscoverCars, where you can easily compare prices from top car rental companies and book your dream car with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to long queues and hidden fees and hello to hassle-free car rentals.
Final thoughts on choosing the best Thailand eSIM
We hope we have provided you with everything you need to choose the best eSIM for Thailand that will suit your travel itinerary and budget.
All of the recommended providers we listed in this article should deliver a great experience in terms of connectivity, network speeds, customer service, and ease of use.
Enjoy your Thailand trip!
Continue reading
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