Mobile data access is essential for travelers to these beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritages in Thailand. For that, an eSIM is necessary for a more convenient and cost-effective way to get in touch. Now, in this post, we’ll introduce you to the 6 best eSIMs for Thailand – that’ll be quite seamless for any traveling experience.
What You Should Know Before Buying the Best eSIM for Thailand
Before we dive into details to get you the best one, let’s understand what an eSIM is and how to make the most out of it on your adventure.
What is eSIM and Its Advantages
An eSIM is just like an embedded SIM, which enables a traveler to activate any cellular plan without a physical SIM card. It’s primarily useful for people traveling to Thailand and comes with several advantages:
- Easy Carrier Switching: Change carriers through your device’s menu; no SIM swapping is needed.
- Multi-device compatibility: You’ll stay connected on every smartphone, tab, and smartwatch on the go, thanks to eSIMs(you should note it can only be active on one device at a time).
- Space-Saving: There is no physical slot for SIMS in the device, thus allowing them to be more compact, solid, waterproof/dustproof, and entirely fitting for Thailand’s beaches, jungles, and water activities in cities.
- Improved Security: eSIM data is more complex to steal and replicate than its physical SIM counterpart. In the instance of card theft or loss, the risk of losing connectivity abroad is reduced.
- Eco-Friendly: eSIMs reduce plastic and electronic waste, thus staying true to Thailand’s beautiful natural landscapes and sustaining environmental efforts.
Confirm eSIM Compatible Devices
Not all phone models support eSIM, so you need to check for compatibility in advance. The following are some tips:
- Manufacturer Info: You can find model-specific eSIM compatibility details in your Series user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Using the #06# Shortcut: Enter *#06# on your dial pad and press call. If you see an EID number, which is the Embedded SIM Identifier, your device supports eSIM.
- Regional Differences Consideration: This difference in standards for a network and policies would make their compatibility vary from region to region. Check before your trip to Thailand.
- Contact Support: Reach out to your carrier or device manufacturer in case of any doubt to obtain correct information on eSIM support.
1. MicroEsim
Want different choices in stay length time and prices? Then, MicroEsim is your best choice. It belongs to the best eSIMs for international travel, offering multiple plans. If visiting Thailand, you have options of 1 to 60 days with up to unlimited data plans. With an affordable price of as low as $1.55 USD, you can connect to the 5G/4G/LTE Networks in Thailand under wide coverage, including Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and other major cities and famous tourist destinations. Also, it works together with the biggest local telecommunication companies so that you can stay connected at all times with strong signals.
Let’s have a quick look at its highlighted features:
- High-Speed Connectivity: Stable and fast data connections up to 5G. Always online in Thailand.
- Flexible Plans: You can opt for daily, total, and unlimited data plans from 1 to 60 days. After the bundled high-speed data has been consumed, unlimited data will be offered at a speed of 128kbps with no complete disconnection.
- Local Network Partner: Partners with top local carriers like DTAC and AIS to ensure stable signal and high-speed connectivity.
- Convenient Setup: Purchase online, activate through the e-mailed QR code, and require no eKYC. Simple enough.
- Hotspot Capability: Share with other devices to save on roaming charges.
2. Asian eSIM
As the name suggests, Asian eSIM is an appropriate eSIM for Asia trips. It offers various plans for trips to Thailand that include 7, 8, 10, 15, and 30 days bundles with a total of data packages. Unlimited data is available, and the speed includes 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G, with extensive coverage across the main cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and popular beaches, including Koh Samui and Phuket, but might be slightly slow in the countryside. Activation via emailed QR code. Easy to use as well.
But in comparison to MicroEsim, it was a bit more expensive, with its lowest price starting at $6.98. The amount of data is less and the service will be cut off once you’ve used your data (you need to repurchase it).
3. Airalo
Airalo is a well-known eSIM provider. It offers two different plans for trips in Thailand: 50GB total data for $9.90 USD for 10 days and an unlimited data plan for $19.95 USD for 15 days. The former provides 100 minutes of voice calls as well. Partners with local carrier DTAC to ensure reliable signal strengths, Airalo also supports 5G.
However, compared with MicroEsim, Airalo does require eKYC verification. Another downside is that you have to download their app to activate the eSIM, which is a little bit more inconvenient. While it is cheap, there are limited options. Still and all, through the years of its good reputation, Airalo remains a good alternative.
4. Nomad
Nomad is a global service that provides data in over 200 countries. For your trip to Thailand, it provides plans of 1GB – 50GB for durations of 7 days, 10 days, 30 days, and 45 days, starting at $8 USD (discount price, nonrefundable). It cooperates with AIS and DTAC to provide reliable signal strength and speed for 4G/5G. Hotspot functionality is available, too.
However, Nomad does not have unlimited data plans and requires an app download to activate. You will be warned when your data is low or about to expire with a plan. But you can purchase more of it in the app. If you run out and haven’t bought more, you risk being disconnected. Compared to the other eSIMs featured in this post, Nomad prices are higher, and the data allocation within the plans is not reasonable.
5. SimOptions
SimOptions, established in 2014, has been widely spoken of for its fine after-sales service and thus appears as a strong option for your trip to Thailand. It has 5 eSIM plans that contain 1GB to unlimited data, with 7-day, 10-day, 15-day, and 30-day length choices, some of them including call and text services. With speeds up to 5G and partnerships with major Thai carriers like AIS and DTAC, you can rely on strong signal coverage.
While the price is within the affordable range, the data is rather low for the duration of the plans. Moreover, SimOptions does not support hotspot functionality, and it could be a hassle for travelers who need to connect several devices at a time.
6. eTravelSIM
eTravelSIM, based in Singapore and founded by PSHPL, is also an eSIM service provider. Its plans for traveling to Thailand include the following: 50GB for 10 days at $8.49 USD, unlimited data for 7 days at $19.99 USD, and 80GB for 10 days at $15.99 USD. The service enables 5G and LTE speeds, with tethering/ hotspot features available only on limited data plans. In addition, it has teamed up with Dtac to provide reliable connectivity. Like MicroEsim, identity verification is not required in eTravelSIM. Also, activation can be easily performed using a QR code. However, usage lengths are available only in 7 or 10 days, and users on very short stays of less than 7 days or extended stays may need more flexible options.
Comparison of the 6 Best eSIM for Thailand
Before you make a decision, let’s compare the key points of each eSIM to help you find the best fit for your travel needs.
| Brand | Speed | Optional Service Days | Additional Features | Pricing Starts from |
| MicroEsim | 4G/LTE/5G | 1-60 days | No eKYC Required, Unlimited 128kbps After Data Cap | $1.40 |
| Asian eSIM | 3G/4G/LTE/5G | 7, 8, 10, 15, 30 days | NO | $6.98 |
| Airalo | 4G/LTE/5G | 10, 15 days | 100 min voice calls on 50GB plan | $9.90 |
| Nomad | 4G/LTE/5G | 7, 10, 30, 45 days | NO | $8.00 |
| SimOptions | 4G/LTE/5G | 7, 10, 15, 30 days | Call and text services on some plans | $4.50 |
| eTravelSIM | 5G/LTE | 7, 10 days | NO | $8.49 |
Final Verdict
Each eSIM has its merits. MicroEsim can offer the best mix of affordability, flexibility, and user-friendliness, perfect for most travelers who want reliable connections. You can also turn to the reputable Asian eSIM or Airalo. Nomad is another strong contender. SimOptions deserves its reputation in after-sales support, and eTravelSIM with short-term traveling. Overall, MicroEsim is the top choice for most travelers.
