Best Thailand SIM Cards for Tourists: AIS, True Move H & eSIM Compared

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: June 2026

A Thailand SIM card is one of the easiest and almost cheapest connectivity option you need to have a smooth trip to Thailand. This guide covers which type of Thailand SIM cards to choose, what tourist SIM cards actually cost, where to buy them (airport vs. online vs. convenience store), best plan options, and pro tips from experienced travelers.

If you just want the short answer, the quick comparison table below covers it.

Quick answer — which option should you get?

If your phone supports eSIM, go with that. You skip the airport queue, pay the same or less than counter prices, and you’re connected the moment you land. If not, you can keep reading the next section.

I. Why You Need a Local SIM Card in Thailand

You need a prepaid local SIM card for your trip to Thailand for 3 main reasons:

• Save roaming charges: Using your home SIM with roaming turned on is a money trap. For example, AT&T and Verizon charge $10/day, while T-Mobile bills $5–10/day on international plans. It means a 7-day trip will cost about $35–70 just for basic mobile data, and those roaming speeds are almost always throttled.
• Get unlimited 5G data: You can buy a Thailand SIM card for 299–499 THB ($8–14) directly at the airport. If you prefer booking online in advance, a Gigago Thailand eSIM starts at just $8.90 for 7 days with 35GB is a good choice. → Learn more: What is an eSIM?
• Reliable coverage: local SIM cards come with robust network accessibility across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and most major tourist hubs. You will not have trouble staying connected – whether you’re navigating the BTS Skytrain or looking for a hidden café in Pai.

II. Physical SIM vs. eSIM: Which Should You Get?

Both options deliver good speeds, but the difference is lying in convenience and what your phone model is:

The main practical advantage of eSIM is the dual SIM setup. Your home SIM stays inside your phone, meaning you keep receiving critical OTPs, bank alerts, and WhatsApp messages from back home while using Thai data. This is a lifesaver if you rely on your home number for banking apps or Grab.

eSIM-compatible devices include iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Google Pixel 3 and later, and most flagship devices released from 2021 onwards. Always double-check your device compatibility at esim-compatible-list before buying.

⚠️ Note: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a physical Thai SIM card. If you buy your phone outright, you are good to go. If you are on a monthly carrier contract, check with them before you fly.

III. How Much Does a SIM Card Cost in Thailand?

Short answer: Not much.

1. Buying at the airport

• AIS Tourist SIM: 299 THB (~$8.5) for 8 days of unlimited data, or 599 THB for 30 days.
• True Move H / DTAC Tourist SIM: 299–499 THB for 7–15 days. (Note: DTAC merged with True Move H in 2023 — both brands now run on the same network. Either SIM gives you the same coverage.)

2. Buying online before your trip

Gigago eSIM for Thailand offers multiple plans – starting from $8.9 for 35GB / 7 days, up to $44.9 for unlimited / 30 days. Especially, there is included a Thai phone number on all plans.

3. Buying at 7-Eleven or City Stores

Buying SIM cards in Thailand’s city stores is slightly cheaper than at airport counters, but you will have to deal with finding a store with English-speaking staff and handling manual activation yourself. For a stress-free vacation, it is recommended to stick to airport counters or a pre-purchased eSIM.

IV. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card in Thailand

You can get a tourist SIM plan for Thailand in 04 places:

1. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

The moment you clear immigration on the arrival floor (Level 2), you will see the bright rows of AIS, True Move H, and DTAC counters right before the exit gates.

Opening hours: 24 hours

The staff speaks English.

Procedure: Bring your passport — registration is required by Thai law.

💡 Pro-tip: The counters can get crowded during peak arrival times (especially 8–11am and 8–11pm). If you want to skip the queue entirely, buying an eSIM before your trip is the easiest option.

→ Guide to buy a SIM card at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (BKK)

2. Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

You can find the AIS and True Move H counters on Level 1 of the arrival hall. It is a smaller airport, so queues move much faster than at Suvarnabhumi.

→ Guide to buy a SIM card at Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

3. Phuket International Airport (HKT)

All major operators have kiosks located on the ground floor of the arrival hall. Phuket airport is relatively quiet outside peak European charter season (Nov–Mar), so these lines are usually short.

→ Guide to buy a SIM card at Phuket airport (HKT)

4. Mobile Network Operator Stores (City malls)

If you prefer to buy in the city, visit any official brand store inside mega-malls like CentralWorld, MBK, Terminal 21, or ICON Siam in Bangkok. The staff speak English and are trained to help with manual network registration and physical troubleshooting.

5. Online via Gigago.com

You can buy a Thailand eSIM directly at Gigago.com and receive the QR code by email instantly. Scan it in your phone settings at home, and your Thai number and data activate automatically when you land. No counter, no queue, no passport at point of purchase.

V. Which Network Is Best in Thailand?

The landscape has changed drastically: Thailand’s mobile market is now a duopoly. True Corporation completed its merger with DTAC in March 2023 — and completed full network integration in October 2025.

While you will still see DTAC branding at retail stores, DTAC SIMs now tap into the exact same combined cellular towers as True Move H.

In practice, this means tourists now choose between two networks:

• AIS (Advanced Info Service): This is Thailand’s largest network by revenue. They deliver blazing-fast, consistent 4G/5G speeds and hold the crown for rural coverage. Best for: Travelers going off the beaten track to places like Kanchanaburi, Pai, Koh Tao, or rural Isan.
• True Move H (incorporating DTAC): Following the infrastructure merger, they are now the largest carrier by subscriber count (climbing to 49.4 million active users). Pooling their spectrums has massively boosted their 5G speeds and indoor penetration across major metros. Best for: City slickers and beach resort lovers heading to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, or Koh Samui.

→ ✅ Our recommendation: For most tourists visiting Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, the network gap is practically unnoticeable. Gigago is the direct partner of DTAC/True Move H (see the logo of Gigago shown in on official website of True Move H/DTAC), meaning its Thailand eSIM runs directly on the local network routing of these two networks. It means faster and more stable data compared to international roaming eSIMs that connect through overseas gateways.

VI. Best Prepaid Thailand SIM Plans for Tourists (Updated)

1. AIS Tourist SIM Plans

AIS offers a range of tourist SIM cards designed specifically for visitors, available at all airports and AIS stores.

Popular AIS tourist plans updated:

• Happy Tourist SIM: 299 THB for 8 days of “unlimited” data (Note: your speed is capped after the first 1GB of high-speed data) + 100 minutes of local calls.
• AIS Traveler SIM: 599 THB for 30 days with 30GB of unthrottled 4G/5G data + local calls.

Down-side: The “unlimited” plans throttle speeds significantly after the high-speed data cap. If you’re streaming video or using maps heavily, watch your high-speed data.

2. True Move H Tourist SIM Plans

True Move H Tourist SIM Plans are available at all airports and True Move H / DTAC stores.

Popular True Move H tourist plans:

• True Move H Tourist SIM — 299 THB / 7 days / unlimited + calls
• True Move H 30-day — 499 THB / 30 days / unlimited + calls

True Move H tourist SIMs is really valuable, especially the 7-day plan at 299 THB (~$8.5). Following the network merger, coverage gaps that used to exist in certain areas have largely been resolved.

3. Gigago eSIM Plans (DTAC/True Move H network)

All Gigago plans include a real Thai phone number, tethering/hotspot, and instant QR code delivery. You can also top up and extend validity while in Thailand — something most eSIM providers don’t offer.

VII. Why Thailand eSIM is The Easiest Option for Most Travelers

If your phone is eSIM-compatible, an eSIM is the most convenient way to get connected in Thailand.

Why eSIM beats buying at the airport:

• Same or cheaper price than airport counter rates
• Set up at home — connected the moment you land
• No queue, no language barrier at the counter
• Dual SIM: keep your home number active for OTPs and calls from home

The Key Difference: Most standard eSIM companies (like Airalo or Holafly) only sell data-only packages. If you need a local phone number to confirm your Grab ride, make a dinner reservation, or receive local SMS verifications, make sure you pick a provider that includes one. Gigago includes a real, active Thai phone number on all plans.

💡 Pro-Tip – Dual SIM Banking Setup: If you are traveling from countries like India or the US where your banks require SMS OTP authentication, set your cellular settings to use your home SIM exclusively for Calls/SMS, and the Thai eSIM for your cellular data. You will receive your banking codes instantly without paying in roaming data charges.

How to set up your Gigago Thailand eSIM

• After buying your Thailand eSIM from Gigago
• On your phone: go to Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM
• Scan the QR code
• Set the eSIM as your data line, keep your home SIM for calls
• Done — your Thai number and data activate when you arrive in Thailand

VIII. FAQs About Thailand Tourist SIM Cards