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Planning a trip to Thailand? Buying a prepaid Thailand SIM card or eSIM with data plan and phone number to keep you get connected during your Thailand vacation is highly recommended.
Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. When visiting Thailand, staying connected with family and friends, accessing maps and navigation apps, and using social media platforms can be necessary for a comfortable and convenient trip.
You can ensure this by buying a Thailand SIM card or eSIM. While SIM cards have been the standard choice for tourists, eSIM are now getting more and more popular thanks to its convenience and ease of use.
So, which one is the best for travelers to Thailand? Let’s find out the most suitable one for your trip to the Land of Smiles.
Table of Contents
I. Should You Get a Thailand SIM Card When Traveling to Thailand?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. While roaming also allows you to connect to the internet in Thailand, its price is often too high. Thus, when traveling to Thailand, getting a local SIM card is the best option if you want to access local mobile networks and use your current phone to make calls, send text messages, or surf the Internet.
By buying a new SIM card for Thailand, you can reap some benefits as follows:
- Taking advantage of Thailand’s 4G/5G networks to have better coverage. AIS now covers 95% of the population with 5G, and True Corporation (after the dtac merger) reports 93% nationwide 5G coverage as of 2025.
- High-speed connection. Thailand ranks 13th globally for fixed broadband speeds (237.05 Mbps average) and 39th for mobile speeds (101.56 Mbps average) as of 2025.
- The price of using a local SIM card will be much cheaper than internal roaming fees.
- Data-only SIM cards will help you save much money in case you do not need to use calls/texts.
Which place/city in Thailand will you go in your trip? Check out useful guides on buying SIM cards or eSIM by destination!
- How to buy SIM cards in Bangkok?
- How to buy SIM cards in Phuket?
- How to buy SIM cards in Chiang Mai?
II. Types of Thailand SIM Cards for Tourists
Note:
Before buying a Thailand SIM card, make sure that your phone is carrier-unlocked so it can receive the signals of cellular operators in Thailand. All SIM cards in Thailand, including tourist SIMs, must be registered with a valid passport for security purposes
In terms of forms, Thailand SIM cards for tourists are now available in the following types:
- Physical SIM card
- eSIM
1. Physical Thailand SIM Card (mini-SIM, micro SIM, nano SIM)
This type of SIM cards in Thailand include:
- Prepaid local Thailand SIM cards
Prepaid Thailand SIM cards are popular among tourists. You can buy it at the airport and many convenience stores. This type of SIM offers a certain amount of data, calling and texting credits that could be used during your trip.
Where to buy: At the Thailand airport, in official stores of mobile network operators, or in convenience stores in Thailand.
Requirements: Passport and probably personal information like ID card.
- Tourist SIM cards
Tourist Thailand SIM cards are specifically designed for those traveling to Thailand and offer special rates for data or even calls/texts. These SIM cards are readily available at the Thailand airport and many convenience stores.
Where to buy: Buy online, at Thailand airport, in mobile carriers’ official stores, in convenience stores.
Requirement: Probably personal information or some ID document like passport or ID card.
2. Thailand Tourist eSIM
eSIM (embedded SIM) is so popular now with any new phone model. With Thailand tourist eSIM, you can buy online, instant installation, and stay connected in Thailand almost wherever and whenever you are. It has the same function as a traditional tourist SIM card.
Oftentimes, tourists will choose data-only tourist eSIM for their trip to save money while still maintaining contact with others via apps. Thailand eSIM plans with phone number are also available for customers.
It is recommended to compare the plans and rates offered by different mobile network providers to find the best option for your needs.
Where to buy: Buy at online stores of Thailand mobile operators or other eSIM providers like Gigago, thailandesim.com.
Requirement: An unlocked and eSIM-compatible device. Check out eSIM compatible device list.
Check out Thailand tourist eSIM plans for your trip!
III. Thailand SIM Cards vs Thailand eSIM: Which One Is Better for Tourists?
eSIM is one of the alternatives of Thailand SIM cards. Is it better than SIM card? In fact, eSIM comes with some advantages and conveniences for travelers compared to SIM cards.
Here is a brief comparison between Thailand eSIM vs physical SIM card. Let’s see how similar and different they are!
| Factors | Thailand eSIM | Thailand SIM cards |
| Similarities | They are both have SIM functions - Ability to connect to the mobile network in Thailand and keep them get connected everywhere in Thailand. | |
| Form | Embedded SIM on the device that allows users to activate a mobile data plan from the network provider without a SIM card. | A SIM card with a chip which is physically inserted or removed on the device. |
| Where to buy | Online | Picked up at a store or shipped to you |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Take away: Which type of SIM to choose when traveling to Thailand?
>>> Based on the comparison table above, Thailand eSIM seems to be a better option for your trip due to its convenience and ease of use.
Don’t miss out: Find eSIM plans for your Thailand trip today!
IV. Top Thailand SIM Cards and Thailand eSIM for Tourists: Plans and Prices
There are several SIM cards and eSIM plans specialized for tourists. It will include various data and validity that fits to your trip. Let’s refer to some best Thailand SIM cards and eSIM plans below:
1. Thailand SIM Cards for Tourists
SIM cards in Thailand vary based on each Thailand mobile operator. You can check out the SIM card plans on their official websites. Then, the prices of each Thailand SIM card provider will be just slightly different.
Some SIM card options from mobile operators that you can refer to:
| Mobile operators | Data | Validity | Prices |
| dtac (True Corporation) | Unlimited data and calls | 8 days | 449 THB – (~$13 USD) |
| dtac (True Corporation) | Unlimited data and calls | 15 days | 699 THB – (~$20 USD) |
| dtac (True Corporation) | Unlimited data and calls | 30 days | 1,199 THB – (~$35 USD) |
| AIS | 15GB data + free social media + 50THB calling credit | 8 days | 299 THB (~$8.9 USD) |
| AIS | 30GB data + free social media | 15 days | 599 THB (~$17.9 USD) |
| AIS | 50GB data + free social media | 30 day | 899 THB (~$26.9 USD) |
For details, you can check out at AIS online store and dtac online store!
2. Top Thailand eSIM for Tourists
The cost of eSIM in Thailand can vary depending on different factors like the service provider, type of device and data plan.
The following eSIM data plans are currently available for tourists to Thailand which can give you a quick overview of the eSIM cost.
| Network | Data plan | Validity | Price | Where to buy |
| dtac | Unlimited 5G at Max speed + Unlimited call to all networks in Thailand | 8 days | $12.90 | https://thailandesim.com/esim/dtac/ |
| dtac | Unlimited 5G at Max speed + Unlimited call to all networks in Thailand | 15 days | $19.90 | https://thailandesim.com/esim/dtac/ |
| dtac | Unlimited (50GB at MAX Speed, the speed for the rest down to 384 kbps) | 10 days | $12.90 | https://thailandesim.com/esim/dtac/ |
| dtac | Unlimited 5G at Max speed + Unlimited call to all networks in Thailand | 30 days | $34.90 | https://thailandesim.com/esim/dtac/ |
| TRUE | 50GB at MAX Speed, and Unlimited at 384kbps | 10 days | $10.90 | https://thailandesim.com/esim/true/ |
For more options, you can refer to thailandesim.com online store!
Note: Before choosing an eSIM plan for your Thailand trip. Please ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with eSIM.
How much data does a tourist need when traveling in Thailand?
- Based on 2025 data consumption patterns, tourists typically use 2-3GB per day for outdoor activities and 1-2GB per day when combined with WiFi access indoors. For a week-long trip, 15-30GB is sufficient for regular users.
- For heavy-data users with purpose of streaming or watching videos, it’s recommended to choose the Unlimited data plans.
- Thailand’s widespread public WiFi infrastructure makes data conservation easier, so you can make use of free WiFi hotspots to save on mobile data usage.
Read more: Mobile internet in Thailand for tourists
V. Best Mobile Network Operators Offer Thailand SIM Card and eSIM
In Thailand, there are 3 main mobile operators (dtac, AIS, TruemoveH) provide Thailand SIM card and support eSIM services to prepaid customers:
Note: Thailand's mobile market has been transformed by a major consolidation. Following the completion of the True Corporation and dtac merger in March 2023, Thailand now effectively operates as a duopoly between AIS and True Corporation, with state-owned National Telecom (NT) holding a minor share
The merger created the largest mobile operator in Thailand with approximately 55 million subscribers, compared to AIS’s 45.8 million customers. The combined entity will continue serving customers under both True Move and dtac brands for at least three years as required by regulatory conditions
1. AIS (Advanced Info Service)
AIS (Advanced Info Service) is Thailand’s second-largest mobile network operator in Thailand, providing 4G/5G mobile services to customers. According to the latest Opensignal report, AIS delivers the fastest mobile speeds with 5G download speeds averaging 105.3 Mbps and upload speeds of 22.4 Mbps as of 2025. AIS covers 95% of Thailand’s population with 5G and leads in 5G availability, with users connected to 5G 38.8% of the time.
Read more about AIS SIM cards for tourists!
When choosing AIS, you will not only have options for Thailand SIM cards, but also various options for tourist eSIM plans at affordable prices. It will include unlimited data and free on-net calls for customers:
2. True Corporation (True Move H + dtac)
True Corporation, formed from the merger of True Move H and dtac completed in March 2023, is now Thailand’s largest mobile operator with 55 million subscribers. The combined entity serves customers under both True Move and dtac brands and aims to cover 98% of Thailand’s population with 5G by 2026.
True Corporation reported 93% nationwide 5G coverage as of February 2025, including over 99% coverage in Bangkok and major cities. The company has allocated a 28-30 billion baht budget for network expansion in 2025.
You can find out more information about dtac via dtac official website or dtac SIM cards guide for tourists.
Update: dtac was merged with True to form a new True Corporation. After this merge, the mobile services are still provided under 2 names: dtac 5G and TRUE 5G. You can find dtac, TRUE, or True corporation for mobile services.
dtac also has both SIM card options and eSIM plans with unlimited data. You can refer some eSIM plans from thailandesim.com below:
3. TrueMove H (True Corporation)
TrueMove H is now True Corporation after the merger with dtac. You will still find True 5G services in Thailand.
4. National Telecom (NT)
National Telecom (NT) is Thailand’s state-owned telecom operator with a small market share. NT currently faces challenges as its spectrum licenses for 850MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands expire in August 2025, which will significantly impact MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that rely on NT’s network.
Note that: The availability and support of eSIM technology may vary depending on the device and plan, so it’s always best to check with the carrier for the most up-to-date information.
Here is a quick summary of those mobile operators in Thailand for 2025:
| Factor | AIS Mobile | True Corporation | National Telecom (NT) |
| Coverage | Excellent (95% 5G coverage) | Excellent (93% 5G coverage) | Limited |
| Speed | Fastest (105.3 Mbps 5G) | Fast | Slower |
| Price | Competitive | Competitive | Budget |
| Market Share | ~45% | ~52% | ~3% |
The quick brief above shows that:
- True Corporation (formed from the True-dtac merger) is now Thailand’s largest mobile operator by subscribers, serving over 55 million customers with extensive 5G coverage nationwide.
- AIS is the mobile operator with the fastest Internet speeds and best 5G performance, leading in 5G download speeds (105.3 Mbps), upload speeds (22.4 Mbps), and 5G availability.
Thailand’s telecom regulator (NBTC) is planning spectrum auctions in the 2.1GHz and 2.3GHz bands for Q1 2025 to support 5G-Advanced and prepare for 6G deployment. Additionally, the government is encouraging MVNO development with a goal to establish four new regional MVNOs by 2026.
VI. FAQs about Thailand SIM Cards and eSIM
Do I need to unlock my phone to use SIM cards in Thailand?
Yes. Your device need to be unlocked to use Thailand SIM card or eSIM.
Is it cheaper to use eSIM in Thailand compared to a Thailand SIM card?
It depends on the plan and carrier you choose. Some eSIM plans may offer cheaper rates compared to traditional SIM cards, but it’s best to compare the different options available to determine which one is the best for your needs.
Is there any unlimited Thailand SIM cards?
Yes. Many network carriers offer unlimited Thailand SIM card plans for tourists. However, you should note that some unlimited SIM card plans will include only specific high-speed data, then it may slow down.
What is the best SIM card in Thailand?
It’s based on your trip and your data usage. For example, if your trip is in 7 days and you want to livestream your journey, a Thailand SIM card with unlimited data in 8 days is the best option.
Can foreigners buy SIM cards in Thailand?
Yes. However, they may need to provide some ID documents like passport or ID card.
How much does a SIM card cost in Thailand?
It’s from $8.9 to $40 based on the data and validity.
Can you buy a Thailand SIM card at 7-Eleven?
Yes. You can buy a Thailand SIM card at 7-Eleven. However, you should prepare some local cash and may get some language barrier.
Can I buy SIM card at Thailand airport?
Yes. Any international Thailand airport offer SIM cards for tourists. For details, check out guides on getting SIM card at Thailand airports!