Best eSIM for Thailand: prices, coverage and plans compared
Best eSIM for Thailand: our advice
Looking for the best eSIM for Thailand? Airalo and Holafly only sell unlimited plans for Thailand, at Airalo you pay €28.00 for just 10 days. At TropiTrade you pick a fixed plan for a full month: 10GB for 30 days costs €18.50 and 20GB costs €28.50. Our eSIM connects to all three networks in Thailand (AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC) with 4G and 5G. You receive the QR code by email right away and our support team is happy to help, including on WhatsApp.
Do you need an eSIM in Thailand?
Roaming in Thailand is expensive. European providers charge world rates outside the EU zone and US carriers charge day passes of around $12 per day, which adds up fast on a three week trip. With an eSIM you pay one fixed price upfront. Install it at home on WiFi and you are online the moment you land at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.
TropiTrade vs Airalo vs Holafly:which eSIM for Thailand?
Comparison of the most popular Thailand plans, prices as of August 2026.
| Plan | TropiTrade | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB · 30 days | €12.50 | — | — |
| 10GB · 30 days | €18.50 | — | — |
| 20GB · 30 days | €28.50 | — | — |
| Unlimited · 10 days | — | €28.00 | $36.50 |
Airalo and Holafly only offer unlimited plans for Thailand, with a daily speed cap. We deliberately sell fixed plans without a cap: your data is simply yours. Current prices at other providers may vary.
How much data do you need in Thailand?
| Traveler | Usage | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Light use | WhatsApp, Google Maps, email | 5GB / 30 days |
| Average traveler | Social media, photo uploads, video calls | 10GB / 30 days |
| 3-4 week trip | Navigation, streaming, hotspot for your travel buddy | 20GB / 30 days |
| Backpacker working remotely | Video calls, uploads, online every day | 20GB / 30 days |
Network coverage in Thailand: AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC
Our Thailand eSIMs connect to all three networks in the country: AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC, with 4G and 5G where available. You get coverage in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and on islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and the eSIM connects the moment you arrive at the airport. Deep in the jungle and out at sea every network gets thinner. Your phone needs to be unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM Thailand
Does my own SIM card not simply work in Thailand?
It does, but at roaming rates: European providers charge world rates and US carriers charge day passes of around $12 per day. Turn off data roaming on your own SIM and use the eSIM for internet to avoid surprises on your bill.
How much data do I need for my trip?
For WhatsApp, navigation and email, 5GB is enough. If you use social media and upload photos, pick 10GB. For a three to four week trip with streaming and hotspot sharing, 20GB is the safe choice.
Why do you not sell an unlimited plan for Thailand?
Unlimited travel eSIMs are not truly unlimited: after a daily allowance the speed drops sharply. We deliberately sell fixed plans without a daily cap. With 20GB for 30 days you get further than with a throttled 10 day unlimited plan.
Can I make calls with this eSIM?
The Thailand plans are data-only, without a phone number or calling minutes. Calling over WhatsApp, FaceTime or Teams works fine on data. Your own number stays reachable next to the eSIM; note that regular calls on your own SIM will incur roaming charges.
When do I install and activate the eSIM?
Install the eSIM at home on WiFi, it takes about five minutes. The validity only starts at the first connection to a Thai network, so installing before departure does not cost you any days.
Is an eSIM the same as a digital SIM card?
Yes. An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. You scan the QR code and the SIM card for Thailand sits next to your own number on your device, with no plastic card to swap.
Will an eSIM work on my phone?
Most iPhones from the XS onwards and recent Samsung and Google devices support eSIM. Your phone needs to be unlocked. See the full guide and compatibility list
Is coverage good on the islands?
On popular islands like Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan coverage is solid. On small islands and deep in the jungle every network gets thinner. Our eSIM automatically switches to the strongest of the three networks, which helps exactly in those places.
What if I run out of data?
You can order a new plan in a few minutes, delivery is just as fast as the first time. Not sure what to pick? Send us a message and we will help you right away.
Which network will I be on?
The eSIM automatically picks the strongest available network from AIS, TrueMove H or DTAC. There is nothing to configure.