Top 5 Thailand eSIM Providers for Tourists

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. As you prepare for your trip, it’s important to consider how you’ll stay connected while you’re here. One option that is gaining popularity among travelers is the use of eSIMs. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 Thailand eSIM providers for tourists visiting Thailand. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, these eSIMs will help ensure that you stay connected and informed during your stay.

I. Overview of eSIM Market in Thailand

The eSIM market in Thailand is currently developing
The eSIM market in Thailand is currently developing

The eSIM (embedded SIM) market in Thailand is currently developing. Yet, it is anticipated to expand quickly in the upcoming years. Compared to conventional SIM cards, eSIM technology has several benefits, such as improved security, simpler device activation and switching, and more carrier and data plan flexibility.

A few significant companies, notably AIS, TrueMove H, and dtac, currently control most of the Thai eSIM market. For a few handsets, including the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, as well as various wearables and IoT devices, these telecom operators provide eSIM services.

The rising demand for connected devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other IoT devices, is one of the main factors driving the adoption of eSIM in Thailand. These devices can connect to cellular networks using eSIM technology without requiring a physical SIM card, making it simpler for consumers to activate and maintain their devices.

The popularity of mobile wallets and digital payments is another reason fueling the expansion of the eSIM industry in Thailand. Users may access other digital services and make mobile payments because of eSIM technology’s ability to store payment details securely.

In Thailand, the eSIM market is expected to increase significantly over the next few years due to rising demand for linked devices, digital payments, and more convenient and flexible mobile service management.

II. How to Choose a Thailand eSIM for Travel 

You may need to consider many factors to choose the best eSIM plans for your Thailand trips. These factors are often mentioned in the product descriptions.  

1. Network coverage

Network coverage in Thailand
Network coverage in Thailand

Look for an eSIM provider offering good network coverage in the areas you’ll visit. This will ensure a reliable connection for making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet.

2. Speed

While choosing an eSIM provider, consider the network speed, especially if you want to use data-intensive activities like online gaming or streaming video.

Tips: The speed may depend on the network coverage. You may need to check your destination and coverage map before purchasing an eSIM. 

3. Data packages and pricing

In order to get the greatest deal, look for an eSIM provider that provides data packages that correspond to your need. Make careful to confirm whether the data packages offer limitless data or impose use limitations.

4. Activation process

Examine the eSIM activation process’ simplicity and any associated costs or requirements. Choose an eSIM vendor who offers a simple and hassle-free activation procedure.

5. Customer support

If you want to use the eSIM for a long time, look for an eSIM provider with excellent customer service. Take into account elements like accessibility, response speed, and the standard of service offered.

III. Top 5 Thailand eSIMs for Travelers: Detailed Comparisons

eSIM seems to be the best option for travelers to stay connected when visiting Thailand. You can refer to some eSIM plans from different providers to get the best plans for your trip. 

1. ThailandeSIM.com

ThailandeSIM.com is one of the best Thailand eSIM providers
ThailandeSIM.com is one of the best Thailand eSIM providers

ThailandeSIM.com is one of the leading eSIM providers offering tourist eSIM for travelers to Thailand. 

It’s one of the projects of GIGAGO, the top eSIM service provider in Vietnam. They provide eSIM as a digital service, giving visitors to Thailand a simple and practical method to stay connected while visiting the Land of Smiles.

You’ll want to be connected the entire time you’re traveling, whether you’re seeing the energetic city of Bangkok, visiting the historic ruins of Ayutthaya, or relaxing on the stunning beaches of Phuket. And Thailand eSIM is here to help; they’ve got you covered.

Below are some eSIM plans from ThailandeSIM that you can refer to:

FeaturesTHAI 15GB – 8D UltdTHAI 30GB – 15D UltdASIA – 8 countriesGO Inter 6GB – 10D UltdThailand local eSIMSing Malay Thai Indo Cam (1)
TypesPrepaid data & voicePrepaid data & voiceData onlyPrepaid data & voiceData onlyData only
DataUnlimited (15GB at MAX Speed)Unlimited (30GB at MAX Speed)500MB/day, 3GB-10GBUnlimited (6GB at MAX Speed)3-50GB total / 1-3GB daily3-50GB total / 1-3GB daily
Validity8 days15 days5-30 days10 days3-7 days5-30 days
Price$8.90$17.90$7.5 – $25.4$11.90$4.9-$70$5.00 – $89.50
Network operatorDTACDTACVaries by destination (2)Varies by destinationVaries by destinationVaries by destination
CoverageThailandThailand8 Asian countries including ThailandAsia, Australia, USAThailand and 7 other countries (3)Thailand and 7 other countries 
Speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed3G/4G + 128kbps max speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G/5G4G/5G
Phone numberYesYesNoYesNoNo
Calls & Messages15 Baht credit + Unlimited calls among DTAC network15 Baht credit + Unlimited calls among DTAC networkNoCall Thailand while abroad from 6 Baht/minFREE call to DTAC call centerNoNo
Top upYesYesNoYesYesYes
HotspotYesYesYesYesYesYes
ActivationWhen connecting to Thailand networksWhen connecting to Thailand networksAfter installtionWhen connecting to Thailand networksAfter installationAfter installation
Waiting validity after payment (4)12 months12 months30 days12 months30 days30 days
Bonus featuresFREE chat within 5 apps (5)FREE chat within 5 appsNo6 hoursFREE unlimited data in ThailandNoNo
Thailand eSIM plans (Updated May 2023)

Notes: 

(1) The multi countries plans are divided into several plans like Singapore-Thailand, Malaysia – Thailand, Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand, Thailand – Vietnam – Cambodia, Singapore – Malaysia – Indonesia – Thailand, Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand- Indonesia – Cambodia,…

(2) Network by country: Celcom/Digi (Malaysia), Starhub (Singapore), DTAC (Thailand), Excelcom (Indonesia), Viettel (Vietnam), Smart/Metfone(Campuchia), Telenor (Hongkong), and SKT (Seoul).

(3) Coverage areas: Thailand, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam.

(4) Waiting validity is the validity you can activate the eSIM plan from the time the QR code is generated after the payment. For example, 30 days waiting validity means you have 30 days to scan the QR code and activate eSIM after payment.

(5) 5 Free chat apps include:

  • Facebook Messenger
  • Line
  • WhatsApp
  • WeChat
  • KakaoTalk

2. Holafly eSIM 

Holafly is also a big name among Thailand eSIM providers
Holafly is also a big name among Thailand eSIM providers

Holafly is also a big name as an eSIM provider. Holafly offers Unlimited data plans with different validity. All Thailand eSIM plans from Holafly include:

  • Networks: TrueMove / DTAC
  • Speed: 4G / LTE
  • Hotspot: No
  • Data Packages: Unlimited
  • Days of use: 5, 10, 15, 20, 20, 30, 60, 90.
  • Phone number: No
  • Plan type: Prepaid
  • SMS: No
  • Analog calls: No, only through apps (VOIP).
  • Activation: Automatic, activated when connected to a cellular network.
  • Coverage: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Chiang Mail, and other cities and tourist destinations in Thailand.
  • ID required: No

And below are the prices of each eSIM plan:

eSIM plansPrices
5 days19.00 USD
7 days27.00 USD
10 days34.00 USD
15 days47.00 USD
20 days54.00 USD
30 days64.00 USD
60 days84.00 USD
90 days99.00 USD
Thailand eSIM plans on Holafly (Updated May 2023)

Tips: If you are a heavy-data user, you can choose Holafly for unlimited data plans. Almost all eSIM plans from Holafly are unlimited. 

3. Airalo eSIM 

Thailand eSIM plans on Airalo
Thailand eSIM plans on Airalo

Airalo is also a reputable eSIM provider that offers Thailand eSIM plans for tourists. 

Airalo currently only provides the dtac 8 days and dtac 15 days Thailand eSIM plans. These eSIM plans cost a little more, but they offer the same advantages as the two eSIM plans from ThailandeSIM.com mentioned above. The similarity may be seen clearly below:

FeaturesDtac 8 daysDtac 15 days
TypesPrepaid data & voicePrepaid data & voice
DataUnlimited (15GB at MAX Speed)Unlimited (30GB at MAX Speed)
Validity8 days15 days
Price$9.90$19.95
Network operatorDTACDTAC
CoverageThailandThailand
Speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed
Phone numberYesYes
Calls & Messages15 Baht credit15 Baht credit
Top upNoNo
HotspotYesYes
ActivationAfter installationAfter installation
Waiting validity after payment*12 months12 months
Bonus featuresFREE chat within 5 appsFREE chat within 5 apps
2 Airalo eSIM plans for Thailand travel

* Update: May 2023

As you can see, Airalo’s plans have the same benefits as the Thailand eSIM plans on ThailandeSIM.com. However, the prices on ThailandeSIM.com are lower than Airalo, from $1 to $2.5. So, if you prefer the optimized prices, you can consider ThailandeSIM.com as the alternative.   

4. SIM2Fly

SIM2Fly also offer attractive Thailand eSIM plans
SIM2Fly also offer attractive Thailand eSIM plans

The well-known travel SIM card brand SIM2Fly is provided by the Thai cellular provider AIS (Advanced Info Service). Travelers visiting Thailand may choose from various internet, phone, and text messaging packages offered at competitive costs using SIM2Fly SIM cards and eSIM.

One of SIM2Fly SIM cards’ main advantages is that they are simple to activate and top up online, which makes them a practical choice for travelers who want to stay connected while visiting Thailand.

For tourists, you can refer to some eSIM plans from SIM2Fly as below:

eSIM PlansDTAC Tourist eSIM6GB Asia PlanGlobal 6GB Plan
TypesPrepaid data & voicePrepaid data & voicePrepaid data & voice
DataUnlimited (15GB at MAX Speed)Unlimited (6GB at MAX Speed)Unlimited (30GB at MAX Speed)
Validity8 days8 days15 days
Price$9.80$16.00$33.00
Network operatorDTACAISAIS
CoverageThailandThailand and other 34 Asian countriesThailand and 140 countries
Speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G/5G + 128kbps after max speed
Phone numberYesYesYes
Calls & Messages15 Baht credit + Unlimited calls among DTAC networkYesYes
ActivationWhen connecting to SIM2Fly supported countriesWhen connecting to SIM2Fly supported countriesWhen connecting to SIM2Fly supported countries
Waiting validity after payment*12 months12 months12 months
Bonus featuresFREE chat within 5 appsFree to call 24/7 AIS help center: +6622719000Free to call – 24/7 AIS help center : +6622719000
Some eSIM plans for Thailand travel

* Update: May 2023

5. Simoptions

SIMoptions is also a good option for Thailand eSIM
SIMoptions is also a good option for Thailand eSIM

SIMoptions is another name among the top Thailand eSIM providers. With offices in Paris (France), Bangkok (Thailand), and Hong Kong, it is one of the largest markets for worldwide Prepaid SIM Cards & eSIMs. International tourists have the option to use local Prepaid Sim Card packages to completely avoid paying roaming fees thanks to SimOptions. The greatest online store for international prepaid SIM cards is SimOptions.

SIMoptions is currently offering 4 packages for Thailand travel. You can refer to the table below:

PlansHappy Tourist 8 DaysHappy Tourist 15 Days30-Day Pass APAC 4GB30-Day Pass APAC 8GB
TypesPrepaid data & voicePrepaid data & voiceData onlyPrepaid data & voice
DataUnlimited (15GB at MAX Speed)Unlimited (30GB at MAX Speed)4GB8GB
Validity8 days15 days30 days30 days
Price$9.90$17.90$24.90$34.90
Network operatorDTACDTACThree HKThree HK
CoverageThailandThailandThailand and 24 other countriesThailand and 24 other countries
Speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed3G/4G + 128kbps max speed3G/4G + 128kbps max speed
Phone numberYesYesNoNo
Calls & Messages15 Baht credit + Unlimited calls among DTAC network15 Baht credit + Unlimited calls among DTAC networkNoNo
Top upNoNoNoNo
HotspotYesYesYesYes
ActivationWhen connecting to Thailand networksWhen connecting to Thailand networksAfter installationAfter installation
Waiting validity after payment*12 months12 months12 months12 months
Thailand eSIM plans on SIMoptions

* Updated May 2023

IV. Which One is The Best eSIM Provider for Thailand Travel

The quick comparison below will help you choose the best Thailand eSIM provider for your trip to Thailand.

PlansThailandeSIM.comHolafly eSIMAiraloSIM2FlySIMoptions
TypesPrepaid data & voicePrepaid data onlyPrepaid data & voicePrepaid data & voicePrepaid data & voice
Data– Unlimited (15GB – 30GB at MAX Speed)
– 1GB-3GB daily
– 3GB-50GB total
UnlimitedUnlimited (15GB – 30GB at MAX Speed)Unlimited (6GB-30GB at max speed)– Unlimited (15GB – 30GB at MAX Speed)
– 4GB-8GB
Validity3-30 days5-90 days8 and 15 days8 and 15 days8-30 days
Price$5 – $89$19 – $99$24.90$9.8 – $33$9.9 – $34.9
Network operatorDTAC and moreTrueMove / DTACDTACAIS / DTACDTAC / Three HK
CoverageThailand and other 7 countriesThailandThailandThailand and 140 countriesThailand and 24 other countries
SpeedLTE/4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G / LTE4G/5G + 384kbps after max speed4G/5G3G/4G + 128kbps max speed
Top upAvailable for some plansNoNoNoNo
HotspotYesNoYesYesYes
Customer support5 minutes – 1 hours5 minutes – 2 hours1 – 2 hours1 – 2 hours1 – 2 hours
Thailand eSIM comparison

There are also some pros and cons of each Thailand eSIM providers that you may need to know:

ThailandeSIM.com pros and cons:

ProsCons
– Compared to other provviders, it offers the largest variety of eSIM plans (13 packages), including packages just for Thailand and packages for the entire area that include Thailand.
– Each eSIM package comes with a variety of options for clients, ranging from data volume to the number of days of usage, making it appropriate for most customer requirements.
– Utilizes the DTAC network, one of Thailand’s top 3 networks, and offers competitive pricing compared to other service providers in the market. 
– Installation and activation are quick and simple, taking only a few minutes. 
– Allowing tethering and hotspot Top up. 
– English, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese are among the numerous languages in which local phone numbers 24/7 customer assistance is offered.
– A new brand that hasn’t gained any traction in the marketplace (since 2022) 
– Offers only bundles for Thailand and a few other Asian nations.
ThailandeSIM.com pros and cons

Holafly pros and cons:

ProsCons
– Unlimited data, but only a limited quantity at high speed (384 kbps is the left’s speed cap). 
– A well-known company with a lot of market experience (since 2018).
– Stable connections in Thailand’s most well-known locations. 
– Uses many network providers; therefore it is more important to be connected while visiting Thailand constantly. 
– Bilingual customer service.
– Higher prices than Thailandesim and Airalo
– No hotspot/tethering and top-up
– Support seems to be the slowest in compared with Airalo and Thailandesim.com
– Lack of a local phone number 
Holafly pros and cons

Airalo pros and cons:

ProsCons
– A respectable company with several years of industry experience (as of 2019). 
– Steady speed in Thailand’s most well-known locations. 
– With Airalo’s eSIM packages available solely in Thailand, calling credits are included. 
– Utilizes DTAC’s network, a leading service provider in Thailand. 
– Convenient app with easy use.
– There are few alternatives available to clients because the majority of programs are long-term. 
– Pricey compared to Holafly, but less expensive than Thailandesim. 
– No top-up, no tethering or hotspot. 
– Customer support and slow response.
Airalo pros and cons

SIM2Fly pros and cons:

ProsCons
– Provide eSIM plans with high access speed and a large amount of data.
– Used both eSIM and physical SIM at the same time. Both SIMs can make and receive calls.
– Limited data plan options
SIM2Fly pros and cons

SIMoptions pros and cons:

ProsCons
– Prepaid traditional SIM cards and eSIM packages are available for every need.
– Offers eSIM plans from different service providers, giving you more choices.
– Good price, suitable for short trips.
– Global eSIM packages are not available.
– Roaming plans are quite expensive
SIMoptions pros and cons

Based on these comparisons, hope you can choose the right eSIM plans for your Thailand trip. To summarize, you can refer to some advice below:

  • If you prefer cheaper prices: ThailandeSIM.com, SIM2Fly
  • If you’re a heavy-data user, and prefer unlimited data: Holafly, SIM2Fly, ThailandeSIM.com
  • If you need long validity: Holafly
  • If you need advanced features like calls, SMS, top-up: ThailandeSIM.com
  • If you need fast support for your trip: ThailandeSIM.com
  • If you’re looking for reputable brands: Airalo, Holafly
  • If you need regional eSIM plans: ThailandeSIM.com, SIMoptions, SIM2Fly

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, staying connected while traveling in Thailand is essential, and eSIMs offer a convenient and flexible solution for doing so. From network coverage to speed, data packages, pricing, activation process, and customer support, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right eSIM provider for your travel needs. 

We have reviewed the top 5 eSIM options for Thailand tourists. Each eSIM provider offers unique features and benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your specific requirements. Considering the factors mentioned, you can select the best eSIM provider to stay connected and make the most of your travels in Thailand.

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