When traveling to Thailand, staying connected is essential. Whether you’re navigating Bangkok’s lively streets, sharing beach photos from Phuket, or working remotely from Chiang Mai, you’ll need reliable internet.
For Australian travelers, two popular options come to mind:
But which gives better value, speed, and convenience? Let’s break it down.
In this article
Optus International Roaming allows you to use your existing Australian SIM card overseas just as you would at home – keeping the same phone number and account.
How it works in Thailand:
Depending on your plan, Optus usually offers:
| Plan Type | Price | Data | Calls & Texts | Validity | Available For |
| Optus Daily Roaming | AUD 5/day | 5GB/day | Unlimited | 24 hours | Selected postpaid plans |
| Optus Roaming Pass | AUD 10/24h | 1GB/day | Unlimited | 24 hours | Eligible postpaid users |
| Standard Roaming Rates | Pay-as-you-go | AUD 1–2/MB | AUD 1.5–4/min, AUD 0.5–1/SMS | Ongoing | All users |
| Prepaid Roaming Packs | AUD 5–35 | 1–10GB | 100–700 mins & SMS | 1–14 days | Prepaid users |
Note: While convenient, these costs add up quickly. A 10-day trip could cost you $50–$100 AUD just for basic data.
A Gigago Thailand eSIM is a digital SIM card that connects your phone directly to Thai mobile networks (like DTAC or TrueMove). There is no physical card to insert. You can keep your Aussie SIM active to receive important texts (like bank OTPs) while using the eSIM for all your data.
Gigago is an official partner of DTAC, one of Thailand’s fastest 5G operators. This allows Gigago to offer exclusive plans with unlimited 5G data and local phone numbers.
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity | Calls |
| 7-Day – 35GB | USD 8.9 (~AUD 13.8) | – 35GB (for eSIMs activated before Mar 31, 2026) – 15GB for other cases | 7 days | Unlimited receiving calls |
| 8-Day Unlimited | USD 15.9 (~AUD 24.7) | Unlimited 5G | 8 days | Free Thai calls + 100 THB credit |
| 10-Day Unlimited | USD 15.9 (~AUD 24.7) | Unlimited 5G | 10 days | Unlimited receiving calls |
| 15-Day Unlimited | USD 24.9 (~AUD 38.6) | Unlimited 5G | 15 days | Unlimited local calls + 100 THB call credit |
| 30-Day Unlimited | USD 44.9 (~AUD 69/6) | Unlimited 5G | 30 days | Unlimited local calls + 100 THB call credit |
Gigago’s eSIM is activated automatically when you land in Thailand, so you’re online as soon as you step out of the airport – no store visits or paperwork required.
| Feature | Optus Roaming | Gigago Thailand eSIM |
| Daily Cost | AUD 5–10/day | ~ AUD 13.8 – AUD 15.9 for 7–10 days |
| Data | 1–5GB/day | Unlimited 5G (most plans) |
| Calls & Texts | Unlimited (depends on plan) | Unlimited Thai calls + 100 THB call credit |
| Top-Up | Must buy new daily pass | Simple online top-up via DTAC |
| Activation | Auto on landing | 3-step activation (Buy > Scan > Connect) |
| Network Coverage | Partner networks | Direct connection to DTAC 5G |
| Hidden Fees | Possible for overuse | None – prepaid only |
| Compatibility | Optus SIM/eSIM | Any eSIM-compatible and unlocked device |
| Support | Through Optus app | 24/7 WhatsApp/Live Chat Support |
While Optus roaming is convenient for very short trips, the Gigago eSIM offers far better value, unlimited data, and real local coverage – ideal for travelers staying more than a few days.
It depends on your travel style and priorities:
Yes. Optus roaming covers Thailand and costs AUD 5/day (Daily plan) with 5GB data plus unlimited calls and texts.
Yes! Most Gigago plans include a local Thai number (+66) with free call credit.
After purchase, Gigago sends you a QR code via email within minutes. Scan it with your phone, and the Thailand eSIM automatically activates once you arrive in Thailand.
Absolutely. Keep your Optus SIM on for free incoming SMS. Just ensure “Data Roaming” is OFF for your Optus line and ON for your Gigago eSIM line.
While Optus roaming is convenient, it is an expensive luxury. For the price of just two or three days of Optus roaming, you can enjoy an entire week of unlimited data with a Gigago Thailand eSIM. It’s faster, cheaper, and provides a local number to make your holiday much smoother.
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