eSIM for Thailand: Important Item When Visiting the Kingdom of Golden Temples 

Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country’s glittering temples and tropical beaches. Do you need to connect to the internet during your trip to Thailand? With an eSIM for Thailand, you can show everyone the blast you’re having with an instant internet connection. Let’s discover more about eSIM for Thailand. 

I. How Much Mobile Data do You Need When Traveling to Thailand?

Yes, of course. Like any international travel, traveling in Thailand requires internet access. You can base on your needs to estimate of the amount of mobile data. It can be divided into 3 types of users like below: 

• Light users (3GB-10GB/month): Users who often use the internet to scroll around social media and occasionally post pictures of themselves. This type of user should only buy a basic eSIM plan. 
• Mid-range users (10GB-15GB/month): They are the users who stream travel videos on TikTok and YouTube, check high-resolution photos on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and download large app updates. These users can buy an upgraded eSIM plan or prepare a budget for buying more data. 
• Heavy users (15GB-unlimited/month): They are able to do remote backups or download large attachments for work by connecting their laptops to a hotspot. Heavy users should use extended unlimited eSIM plans. An unlimited one is a better option.  

Knowing which type of user you are, you can have the best data preparation that fits your budget when arriving in Thailand. 

II. What is Thailand eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that can replace a physical SIM card. Instead of having to go to local stores to buy a physical SIM card, you can add an eSIM to your mobile device to use internet service. It will be one of the best ways to stay connected for abroad travelers. 

eSIM for Thailand is the eSIM that includes network plans for Thailand. If your phone supports eSIM, we advise getting an eSIM for Thailand before your trip to Thailand. By doing this, you may avoid the lines and inconvenience of getting a SIM card from a phone store and have an immediate data connection when you arrive in Thailand.

III. How does eSIM for Thailand Work?

The way an eSIM works is that when you purchase one from a mobile network provider, you are sent a QR code via email, which you can scan and use to install a connection onto your phone. In other words, it is simply the virtual form of a SIM card, which you can easily install on your phone!

You do not need to actually go to a mobile communications store and physically purchase a SIM card. In fact, in the wake of the pandemic, this contact-free method of acquiring an eSIM in Thailand is highly attractive to potential travelers!

IV. Does Thailand Support eSIM?

With Thailand’s telecommunications infrastructure and the strength of local mobile network carriers, eSIM will certainly work here. Travelers can buy an eSIM before going to Thailand and start to use it when arriving in Thailand.

V. Features of eSIM in Thailand

Consider all of the ways that an eSIM for Thailand is different from a traditional physical SIM before deciding to get one to prevent disappointment or difficulties. Below are some noteworthy features of the eSIM:

• Only-data eSIM: Most eSIMs just provide data; they don’t support analog calls. With the market-available plans, you can utilize voice communication apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
• eSIM providers’ support: Don’t delete your eSIM from your phone if you are experiencing problems with it; instead, contact your eSIM provider because they can only be placed once.
• Auto APN: Some eSIMs have the automated APN set up.
• eSIM data plan: On your iPhone, you can only use one data plan at once, but you can add as many as your device allows. Certain eSIMs provide data sharing.
• eSIM with dual SIM iPhone: You will have a dual-SIM iPhone because you can maintain using your home SIM while traveling. Don’t forget to set up your iPhone to avoid unforeseen expenses.

VI. Why is an eSIM Helpful When Traveling in Thailand?

To begin with, it is a fantastic technique to maintain contact with your final destination nation. In this situation, getting an eSIM for Thailand would enable you to keep in touch with communication services while traveling abroad. The cost of using roaming data may be very expensive. In order to keep your trips as simple as possible, they are also quite simple to obtain and you do not need to physically engage with any mobile service provider of an eSIM in Thailand.

VII. Pros and Cons of eSIM in Thailand for Travelers

eSIM has a lot of advantages compared to traditional SIM cards.

• No Physical Card: You don’t have a card to lose, especially if you switch cards frequently.
• Easy Switching: Contacting your mobile carrier is all that is necessary to change your eSIM information; they will take care of the rest.
• Security: Since eSIM is embedded inside the phone, criminals can’t pull out a physical SIM card should they steal your phone.
• No Store: You don’t need to go to the store to pick up a physical card. Just contact your mobile carrier to switch.
• Design Options: When a phone model needs a SIM slot, it limits phone design. With no SIM slot, phone design could have more options.

Just like anything else, new technology will also have downsides.

• Not As Simple: Even though eSIM can easily switch, a physical card can slide out and a new card in within seconds.
• No Disconnection: It is simpler to track when the SIM is embedded since you cannot completely disengage from the network. You won’t be able to leave the network, even if you wanted to.
• Security: Both eSIM and SIM are very difficult to hack. eSIM, however, is controlled by a server at the mobile carrier, which can be hacked.
• Expensive Phones: Currently, only the top-end phones incorporate eSIM tech, so using the tech will cost.
• Support: Not all countries and network carriers support eSIM.

Considering both advantages and disadvantages of eSIM, we can see that both 

VIII. eSIM vs SIM Card?

Below are some basic differences between eSIM and traditional SIM card. 

Feature	Physical SIM card	eSIM
Locked to a carrier?	One carrier per SIM.	Reprogrammable to multiple carriers.
Dual-SIM	Some phones have two SIM card slots.	Use an eSIM and a physical SIM, or 2 eSIMs simultaneously.
Switch phone lines on the fly	Pop out the SIM tray, remove the card and pop a new one in.	Go to phone settings and turn your lines on/off.
Size dimensions	12.3mm x 8.8mm.	6mm x 5mm (embed in device).
Number of profiles	Multiple profiles.	One profile per customer.
Installation	It doesn’t require a physical card. Purchase online and activate online.	It is physically installed or removed inside the mobile phone.

The main differences between the 2 types of SIM are the design and installation. eSIM seems to bring more convenience for travelers abroad.

IX. How Many Types of eSIM in Thailand?

There are two different kinds of eSIM: Data Only and Voice, SMS, and Data. Each has unique features and functionalities that will appeal to different kinds of users. 

• Data-Only eSIM: A Data-Only eSIM is exactly what it sounds like – it only uses data. Data-only eSIMs offer excellent coverage and greater connectivity
• Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM: A Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM is an all-inclusive option that includes all the standard mobile services. 

Tips: Data-Only eSIM is suitable for users who only need internet access. And those who want to use both SMS and voice call will need a voice, SMS, and data eSIM. Consider your demand to choose a proper eSIM for your trip.

X. Which Devices are Compatible with eSIM for Thailand?

The number of eSIM-compatible devices is continuously growing. 80 different mobile phone, wearable, tablet, and laptop models are currently available.

Check out: Full compatible devices list (Updated)

Let’s find out.

1. eSIM Compatible Phones

We have the following phones with eSIM for Vietnam and many other countries in the world:

Apple eSIM phones	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 Air (3rd Generation), iPad Air (4th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-2nd-3rd generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-4th-5th generation) iPad (7th generation), iPad (8th generation), iPad (9th generation) iPad Mini (5th generation), iPad Mini (6th generation) >>Notes: iPhones from Mainland China DO NOT support eSIM. iPhones from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) DO NOT support eSIM.
Samsung eSIM phones	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 Fold 2 >>Notes: The following Samsung phones DO NOT support eSIM: Samsung S20/S21 FE Series; Samsung Note 20 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 originated from Hong KongSamsung devices originated from the USA and Canada. For the Samsung S21 series (with the exemption of FE models) for Canada and the USA, if you already have the One UI 4, this update may add the eSIM capability to your device.
Google Pixel eSIM phones	Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL* Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL* Google Pixel 4, 4a & 4 XL Google Pixel 5* Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro >>Notes: The following Pixel phones DO NOT support eSIM technology: Pixel 3 phones are manufactured in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan; Pixel 3 phones purchased with the service from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi; Pixel 3a phones purchased in South East Asia and with Verizon service. Pixel 3 from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan.
Other phones with eSIM	HAMMER: HAMMER Explorer PRO HAMMER Blade 3 HAMMER Blade 5G Motorola: Motorola Razr 2019 Motorola Razr 5G Huawei: Huawei P40 Huawei P40 Pro* Huawei Mate 40 Pro >>Notes: Huawei P40 Pro+ DO NOT support eSIM. Others: Nuu Mobile X5 Gemini PDA 4G+Wi-Fi OPPO Find X3 Pro* OPPO Find X5 Pro* OPPO Find X5* Sony Xperia 10 III Lite >>Notes: Regions that do not support dual SIM cards on Oppo phones: Australia (Telstra and Optus), and Japan (KDDI).

2. eSIM Compatible Smartwatches

Apple Watches	Apple Watch S3, S4, S5Apple Watch Nike, Apple Watch Nike+Apple Watch HermesApple Watch Edition
Samsung Smartwatches	Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G,Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE,Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE

3. eSIM Compatible Laptops

Currently, only Windows eSIM laptops are available, Apple is yet to release a MacBook with an eSIM.

Take a look at the list of laptops with eSIM capacity.

Acer eSIM Laptops	Acer Swift 3 Acer Swift 7 Acer Travel Mate P2 Acer Travel Mate Spin P4 Acer Travel Mate P6
ASUS eSIM Laptops	ASUS Mini Transformer T103HAF ASUS NovaGo TP370QL ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Dell eSIM Laptops	Dell Latitude 7210 2-in-1 Dell Latitude 9410 Dell Latitude 7310 Dell Latitude 7410 Dell Latitude 9510 Dell Latitude 5410 Dell Latitude 5411 Dell Latitude 5511
HP eSIM Laptops	HP Elitebook G5 HP Probook G5 HP Zbook G5 HP Spectre Folio 13
Lenovo eSIM Laptops	ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga 2 in 1 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 ThinkPad X1 Fold ThinkPad X1 Nano ThinkPad X12 Detachable Lenovo Flex 5G Lenovo Yoga C630 Lenovo Miix 630 Lenovo Yoga 520 Lenovo Yoga 720 (2-in-1 models)

4. eSIM tablets

The following tablets support an eSIM:

• Microsoft Surface Pro (5th and 7th Gen onwards)
• Microsoft Surface Pro X (5th Gen onwards)

XI. Thailand eSIM vs Other Internet Connection Alternatives

In addition to eSIM and SIM cards, Thailand also offers a variety of other options for internet access, including data roaming services and portable wifi. Let’s look at how they stack up against eSIM.

Criteria	eSIM	Data Roam	Portable Wi-Fi
Prices	More reasonable	More costly in general	Cost saving as you can share with more people
Data usage	Depends on the eSIM plan	Might be limited to a number of countries only	Once daily data usage exceeds the limit, router speed will slow down but can still connect and use
How to use	Install once and use	A constant need to turn on-and-off	Requires charging
Using requirements	Need compatible devices to use an eSIM	Need to adjust phone settings such as Access Point Name	Need to place a deposit and can be chargeable for any damage or loss of router
Best for	Better for travelers who will stay in less than 3 months	Better for individuals who generally use more data while traveling	Better for group traveling and multi-country hopping

You can select the best type of internet connection based on your objectives and the planned duration of your trip. eSIM will almost always be preferable during travel. However, purchasing a local SIM card seems to be a better choice for individuals with a journey that lasts longer than three months.

XII. How much does eSIM in Thailand Cost?

From AIS, TrueMove H & Dtac, an eSIM for Thailand may be purchased for as cheap as 5 USD with 1 GB of data for 7 days and as much as 99 USD with unlimited data for 90 days. Choose an eSIM that fits your needs and travel budget after considering your data use requirements.

XIII. What Do You Need to Prepare to Buy an eSIM for Thailand?

To buy and use an eSIM, you must prepare your device and connection. 

• Compatible device: Since eSIMs are a relatively new technology, ensure your smartphone is compatible before purchasing one. Verify that the operator or eSIM card supplier supports your device. 
• Email address: You need an email address to register and get your eSIM.
• Internet connection for installation: Since your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the operator’s servers, you must have an internet connection to activate your eSIM. In Singapore or from a WiFi hotspot, you can perform this.
• eSIM apps (some cases): To download the eSIM, some providers will want you to install their software.

If your smartphone is not compatible with eSIMs, we advise you to purchase a traditional physical SIM card.

XIV. How to Buy an eSIM in Thailand?

The best place to purchase a data eSIM for Thailand is online from retailers like GIGAGO, which provides quick, free delivery and affordable prices. After arriving in Thailand, you can also buy a SIM card from shops in the airport or city.

It’s recommended to buy an eSIM online, then install on your device, and the eSIM for Thailand travel will be automatically activated when you arrive in Thailand and first connect to the mobile network in Thailand. 

Connectivity the moment you land: You will be able to use the internet the instant you land in Thailand if you buy an eSIM from a retailer like GIGAGO before you depart. This will allow you to call a cab or notify your family that you are safe. Additionally, you’ll save time, allowing you to jump right into exploring Thailand. It’s best if you don’t spend too much time at the airport.

One cheap, upfront cost: Thailand’s cellular service providers charge higher rates, particularly for tourists. Don’t be taken advantage of. You’ll pay one affordable, upfront price when you purchase from GIGAGO online store.

XV. Mobile Network Carriers in Thailand 

There are 3 main network operators in Thailand AIS Thailand, True Move H, and Dtac Thailand. Let’s discover.

1. AIS Thailand

The biggest mobile operator in Thailand is AIS (Advanced Info Service), also known as AIS and not to be confused with the Australian Institute of Sport in Australia. Additionally, it is the finest mobile provider in the nation.

In addition, it won twice in 2021 the Speedtest Thailand Fastest 5G Mobile Network Award (Q1-Q2 & Q3-Q4).

It is also the quickest on 4G/LTE, as would be expected. Even though everything up to this point has been positive, AIS is Thailand’s most expensive mobile provider. The majority of tourists can still afford its programs, especially those from European and North American nations.

In Thailand, AIS has almost complete coverage.

2. TrueMove H

The second-largest mobile operator in Thailand is TrueMove H. The third-largest mobile provider in the nation, Dtac Thailand, and TrueMove H declared their intention to merge in 2021.

Despite certain subcommittees voting against the merger, it should be completed in September 2022. No updates have been provided since that time.

Thailand is nearly entirely covered by TrueMove H.

3. Dtac (Total Access Communication) Thailand

The third-largest mobile operator in Thailand is Dtac, which stands for Total Access Communication.

Dtac is a part of the Telenor group, which is based in Norway. Additionally, Telenor has operations in Europe and Asia (Malaysia – Digi Malaysia and Pakistan – Telenor) (Denmark and Sweden as Telenor and as DNA in Finland).

Dtac Thailand has nearly flawless coverage throughout the country.

X. Top eSIM Providers in Thailand

There are many local and international eSIM providers activating in Thailand, you can refer to some of the outstanding providers below:

Provider	Network Carriers	Data	Days	Price ($)
GIGAGO	Dtac	Unlimited	8-15	$8.9-$18.9
ThailandeSIM	Varies by destinations	3GB-Unlimited	3-30 days	$5-$89.5
Airalo – Dtac Happy Tourist	Dtac network	Unlimited	8-15	$9.9-$19.95
Nomad	AIS, TrueMove H & Dtac	1GB-20GB	5-30	$5-$30
Holafly	TrueMove H	Unlimited	5-90	$19-$99

1. GIGAGO

Gigago offers eSIM for Thailand that provide 15GB and 30GB of data, with prices ranging from $9.9 to $19.9. The plans are valid for 8 or 15 days and utilize the DTAC network to provide coverage throughout Thailand. Each plan comes with a free eSIM phone number, as well as free calls and chat apps. Delivery is instant and is provided via email.

Check out Thailand eSIM plans on Gigago:

2. ThailandeSIM.com

ThailandeSIM.com is one of the best local providers that offer eSIM plans for tourists coming to Thailand. They offer various options for both local Thailand and many regional plans suitable for across-nation tours.

ThailandeSIM offers eSIM plans for various data volumes and validity from 3 days to 30 days. You can also refer some regional eSIM plans like:

• Sing Malay Indo Thai eSIM
• Thai Vietnam Cambodia eSIM
• Malaysia Thailand eSIM
• Singapore Thailand eSIM
• Sing Malay Thai Indo Cam
• Sing Malay Thai eSIM

3. Airalo eSIMs for Thailand (Dtac Happy Tourist)

For as little as $9.90 USD and unlimited data for 8 days, or for as much as $19.95 USD and unlimited data for 15 days, you can purchase a Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM. Especially, the Dtac network is used by the Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM (obviously).

There are two accessible Thai Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM options:

• Thailand/Dtac Happy Tourist unlimited data eSIM for 8 days (with 15 THB credit): 9.90 USD.
• Thailand/Dtac Happy Tourist unlimited data eSIM for 15 days (with 15 THB credit): 19.95 USD.

4. Nomad eSIMs for Thailand

Upon request from Thailand and other Asian nations, Nomad began providing a 2 GB eSIM model. It utilizes the Truphone network in Thailand, which combines local networks (AIS, TrueMove H, and Dtac), enabling your eSIM to automatically switch to the network with the best reception.

You have the following six options with Nomad for Thailand:

• Thailand 1 GB eSIM for 7 days: 5 USD/5 EUR/4.50 GBP/6.50 CAD
• Thailand 2 GB eSIM for 30 days: 10 USD/10 EUR/8.50 GBP/13 CAD
• Thailand 3 GB eSIM for 30 days: 13 USD/13 EUR/11 GBP/17 CAD
• Thailand 5 GB eSIM for 30 days: 15 USD/15 EUR/12.50 GBP/19.50 CAD
• Thailand 10 GB eSIM for 30 days: 21 USD/21 EUR/17.50 GBP/27.50 CAD
• Thailand 20 GB eSIM for 30 days: 30 USD/30 EUR/25 GBP/39 CAD

5. Holafly eSIMs for Thailand

Thailand and numerous other Asian nations already offer unlimited data plans from Holafly. The TrueMove H and Dtac networks are used by Holafly eSIMs, which provide the best coverage in Northeast Thailand. With Holafly, you have access to the following seven eSIM for Thailand choices:

• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 5 days: 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 10 days: 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 15 days: 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 20 days: 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 30 days: 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 60 days: 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 90 days: 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP

XI. How to Install eSIM for Thailand?

Ensure the following before you start:

• Connected to WiFi: After purchasing an eSIM, the provider will email you a QR code to help you activate your eSIM. To be able to receive emails, make sure your device is Wi-Fi enabled.
• Have received the QR code: To obtain your eSIM profile, you must scan the QR code found in your confirmation email.

Tips: Print out the QR code to be scanned if you only have one smartphone, or get a second device to take a picture of the QR code. 

1. On iOS

• Step 1: On your iOS device, go to Settings > Cellular.
• Step 2: Select Add Data/Cellular Plan.
• Step 3: Scan the eSIM QR code that you have received.

Enter the Confirmation code if required. This is optional. The code will be included in the email confirmation you have received from your provider as well.

• Step 4: Choose Add Data Plan button to save the eSIM details.
• Step 5: Customize the name of this new plan, then select Continue.
• Step 6: Set your plan as the default line > choose Continue.
• Step 7: Set your plan as the default mobile data line > choose Done.

Read more: How to install eSIM on iPhone

2. On Android

• Step 1: On your Android device, go to Settings > Network & Internet.
• Step 2: Tap on the ‘+’ beside the Mobile network.
• Step 3: Choose Download a SIM instead 
• Step 4: Choose Next.
• Step 5: Your device’s camera will be active on the screen. Scan the QR code using the camera.
• Step 6: Choose Activate.

Read more: How to install eSIM – Full guides

3. On Windows

If you bring a laptop or Windows device on your trip, this guide will be helpful for you! 

Follow these steps to find out if your Windows system supports an eSIM for Thailand or not:

• Choose Start > Settings  > Network & Internet  > Cellular.
• Check out on the Cellular screen:
• Windows 11: Find a setting Use this SIM for cellular data > Select the drop-down box to see if eSIM, SIM2, or something similar appears.
• Window 10: Find a link near the bottom of the page. If it has a set of Manage eSIM profiles. If that link appears, your PC has an eSIM.

Check the compatible Windows devices list HERE.

If your Windows device is eSIM compatible, you can install eSIM by following the instructions listed below:

Note: You also need an internet connection to install an eSIM for Thailand. 

• Select the Start  > Settings  > Network & Internet  > Cellular > Manage eSIM profiles.
• Under eSIM profiles, select Add a new profile.
• To search for available profiles or use an activation code you have from your mobile operator, do one of the following:
• Search for available profiles:
  • Select Search for available profiles > Next.
  • When a profile you want to use is found, select Download.
  • Enter the confirmation code received from GIGAGO in the corresponding box > select Download.
  • After finishing download and installation > select Close.

• Use activation code:
  • Select Let me enter an activation code I have from my mobile operator > Next.
  • If you have a QR code to scan for the activation code, choose which camera to use on your PC, and then scan the QR code.
  • The activation code should appear in the corresponding Activation code box > Next.
  • For the dialog box that asks Do you want to download this profile?, enter the confirmation code into the corresponding box > select Download.
  • Select Close.

XII. FAQs about eSIM for Thailand

Below are some frequently asked questions about eSIM for Canada that you may want to know: