Chiang Mai SIM Cards and eSIM: Which is the Best?

Planning a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand? Buying a prepaid Chiang Mai SIM cards or eSIM with data plan to keep you get connected during your Chiang Mai vacation is highly recommended.

Chiang Mai is a famous destination in Northern Thailand, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery. The city welcomes a large number of tourists annually. 

One important thing to consider when traveling to Chiang Mai is your communication needs. 

Getting a Thai SIM card can be a great option for tourists, providing access to affordable and high-speed data plans that allow them to make calls, send messages, and access the internet on the go.

In this article, we will discuss everything about getting a Thailand SIM card and eSIM for tourists in Chiang Mai, including which type to choose, where to buy, what to look for in a plan, and useful tips to stay connected during your trip. 

Now, we will go into details to see why we give these advice:

In terms of forms, there are 02 types of Chiang Mai SIM cards types, which are:

• Physical SIM card, and
• eSIM profile (digital SIM) – the increasingly popular choice for 2025

Let’s see in details:

I. Overall about Chiang Mai SIM Cards for Tourists

1. Types of Thailand SIM cards for Chiang Mai

Thailand offers a range of SIM card options to suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you pick the best value and convenience for your Chiang Mai trip:

• Tourist SIM Cards (Most Popular)
  • Specifically for short-term visitors.
  • Normally come with generous or unlimited data, local calls, and easy activation.
  • Available at the airport, malls, and online (including eSIM).
• Data-Only SIM Cards
  • Ideal for those who just want fast internet for maps, chats, and apps.
  • Usually cheaper than full-feature SIMs.
  • Great for digital nomads and frequent online users.
• Prepaid Local SIM Cards
  • Flexible option for budget travelers.
  • Easy to top up anywhere (convenience stores, mobile shops).
  • Good for longer stays or repeat top-ups.
• Multi-Country SIM Cards
  • Useful if traveling around Southeast Asia.
  • Offers roaming but may be pricier and less optimized for local Thai networks.

Consider your specific needs and travel plans before buying a SIM card to make sure that you have the right plan for your trip.

2. What to prepare when buying a SIM card for Chiang Mai as a tourist?

When buying a SIM card in Chiang Mai, you need to provide evidence of your identification when buying a Thai SIM card: your passport, especially if you buy it from official resellers. Always bring it because the seller will take a copy of your passport in the store or take its photo for their administration.

Your Thai SIM card will be registered on your passport and your name. You can only buy 1 prepaid SIM card per passport. 

3. How much does Chiang Mai SIM Card price?

The price of a Chiang Mai SIM card for tourists varies by provider and plan type. Updated 2025 pricing ranges from 299-1,199 THB ($8.90-$36 USD) for tourist plans with unlimited or high-data allowances.

Current tourist SIM pricing (2025) from local Thailand network carriers:

• AIS tourist plans: $8.90-$26.90 USD for 8-30 days with 15-50GB + social media
• DTAC tourist plans: $15.08-$36.23 USD for 8-30 days with unlimited 5G data
• True Corporation plans: $15.08-$36.20 USD for 8-30 days with unlimited data

4. Which SIM card is the best in Chiang Mai?

The mobile landscape in Chiang Mai changed significantly in 2025. Following the True-DTAC merger, there are now two main network groups: AIS and True Corporation (combining DTAC and TrueMove H networks). Both provide excellent 4G/5G coverage, with AIS achieving 95% population coverage and True Corporation reaching 93% nationwide coverage, including 99% in major cities like Bangkok.

Network recommendations for Chiang Mai (2025):

• AIS: Best for rural areas, islands, and mountain regions around Chiang Mai with superior coverage and fastest speeds.
• True Corporation (DTAC/TrueMove brands): Excellent for urban areas with competitive pricing and strong 5G performance.

Which SIM card in Chiang Mai for tourists to choose in terms of type?

Data-only SIM (either physical or digital SIM): this ideal for tourists, especially for those who just need internet access without the need of calling or texting SMS.

Which Chiang Mai SIM cards/eSIM for tourists to choose in terms of provider?

For tourists visiting Chiang Mai in 2025, we recommend eSIM plans from thailandesim.com, which offers competitive pricing and excellent coverage through both DTAC and True networks. Their unlimited 5G eSIM plans start from $10.90 for 10 days with features like local phone numbers, free calls, and 24/7 customer support.

II. Thailand eSIM for Tourists Visiting Chiang Mai (virtual/digital SIM)

1. What is Chiang Mai eSIM?

An eSIM refers to a digital SIM card that is integrated into a mobile device. It is a practical choice for tourists visiting Chiang Mai since it eliminates the need to insert a physical SIM card to activate mobile services.

Several mobile network providers in Thailand cater to tourists by providing eSIM services that enable them to use their phones for calls, texts, and Internet access during their trip.

2. Types and features of Chiang Mai eSIM

In terms of functionality, Thailand eSIM is divided into two types:

• Data eSIM (for internet access only), and
• Voice, text and data eSIM (for analog calls, SMS, and internet access).

Here are some main features of Thailand’s data eSIMs in Chiang Mai:

• Most data eSIMs in Thailand do not include a Thai phone number.
• The eSIM data plan will automatically connect to a supported mobile network, giving you instant access to the Internet.
• The eSIM can only be installed once, so if it’s removed, it cannot be set up again on any mobile device.
• Multiple eSIM profiles can be added to a phone depending on its memory storage.
• The top-up ability varies depending on the eSIM provider. When data is used up, a new data plan must be purchased or the option to top-up may be available.

III. Where to Buy Thailand SIM for Chiang Mai as a Tourist?

You can easily find and buy a Thailand SIM in Chiang Mai, consisting of:

• Buying upon arrival at the airport,
• Buying online, and
• Buying at convenience stores in the city.

Getting a Thailand SIM in Chiang Mai is straightforward. You can obtain a SIM card for Chiang Mai at numerous locations throughout the city.

Here are 3 popular ways to find Thailand SIM in Chiang Mai:

1. Buy at Chiang Mai International Airport

Buying SIM cards for tourists at Chiang Mai international airport (CNX) is the traditional way to stay connected during your trip to the destination.

Remember that Chiang Mai airport is the largest in Northern Thailand, near the city center. 

There are counters providing SIM cards of all Thailand mobile network providers at Chiang Mai airport. If you want to save money,

Steps to buy Thailand SIM cards for tourists at the airport:

► Step 1: Research to choose the mobile operator you want

It is best to research the packages and prices of the main mobile network groups (AIS and True Corporation) in advance before deciding which one to choose.

► Step 2: Choose the package that fits your needs

The packages offered by mobile network operators vary from data-only to voice and data bundles. Select the one that suits your needs based on the length of your stay and the amount of data you need. Note that some operators offer unlimited data plans for a certain period, which may be useful if you plan to use your device frequently. 

► Step 3: Buy and register at the airport

 Buy from the kiosks located near the exit gates. Then, you can register the SIM online or in-store. Remember to provide your passport and local address where you will stay in Chiang Mai. Some providers even require additional info like photos.

► Step 4: Top up your SIM card

After registering, you need to top up your SIM card with credit to activate the chosen package. Do it at the kiosks located at the airport or at any convenience store or mobile shop in the city. 

Pros:

• Easy and convenient since you have your passport ready on hand.
• Service-oriented staff can speak English and guide you through the installation process.
• You have access to the internet right after landing.

Cons:

• It’s more expensive than other places.
• The data plans are not varied.

► See a full guide on buying tourist SIM cards / eSIM at Chiang Mai airport (CNX)

2. Buy online – Recommended for 2025

For the best value and convenience in 2025, buying Thailand eSIM online is highly recommended. You can save money, compare plans easily, and receive instant delivery via email within 5-15 minutes.

The most convenient option is purchasing an eSIM online for instant activation. Thailand eSIM plans from thailandesim.com start from $9.90 USD with unlimited data options, perfect for Chiang Mai trips.

When buying online, Thailand eSIM is the preferred choice for 2025. You can purchase and activate Thailand eSIM before your departure from anywhere. Top-rated providers include thailandesim.com (highly recommended for local networks), Airalo, Saily, Holafly, and other international providers.

Steps to buy eSIM for Chiang Mai travel are:

• Visit the website of provider, be it Thailandesim.com
• Select the package that suits your needs and pay
• Receive eSIM details and installation guide in your registered email
• Set up the eSIM before departure and make sure to activate it right after landing
• Enjoy Internet connection

Here are some highly recommended eSIM plans for a Thailand trip:

3. Buy at convenience stores: 7Eleven, Tesco, Family Mart

In Thailand, in general, and Chiang Mai, in particular, you can buy a SIM card for tourists at mostly well-known convenience stores, namely 7Eleven, Tesco, Family Mart.

But, some notes are:

• 7Eleven only sells TrueMove and DTAC
• Family Mart andTesco sells AIS, DTAC and TrueMove H (but it is not convenient as it may seem)

 Pros:

• Cheaper price
• Various data plans

Cons:

• Staff may not communicate with you (not speak English)
• Staff have no time to guide you because the line can be quite long

► In case you are going to travel other places in Thailand, check out more useful guide to buying (e)SIM cards in other Thailand city.

IV. Must-know tips for tourists to staying online in Chiang Mai

1. Internet connectivity in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has earned global recognition as the “digital nomad capital of Asia” in 2025. The city offers exceptional internet infrastructure with download speeds typically ranging from 100-300+ Mbps in most cafes and coworking spaces – significantly faster than many Western countries. Top venues like BOB Coffee, LifeSpace coworking, and numerous cafes in the Nimman area consistently deliver speeds exceeding 300 Mbps.

Chiang Mai offers extensive free Wi-Fi coverage throughout the city. Public hotspots are widely available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public parks, and transportation hubs. The city’s commitment to digital infrastructure makes it one of the most connected destinations in Southeast Asia.

To save your data usage, you can take advantage of public WiFi whenever possible. However, be noted that WiFi hotspots are widely available in Chiang Mai, but they are not always secure.

Free Wi-Fi hotspots in Chiang Mai:

Name	Location
Woo Cafe	Charoenrat Road
Rachamankha Hotel	Rachamankha Soi 9
May Kaidee Restaurant and Cooking School	Chang Moi Kao Road
Ristr8to²	Nimmana Haeminda Road
Akha Ama Coffee	Soi Hussadhisewee 3
The Good View Village	Somphot Chiang Mai Ched Roy Pi Road
Namton’s House Bar	Chiang Mai – Lam Phun Road
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa	Charoen Prathet Rd
barefoot	Tha Phae Roadd
Central Chiangmai	Super Highway Rd
SS1254372 Cafe	Nimmana Haeminda
The Larder Cafe and Bar	Sukkasem Rd
David’s Kitchen	Bumruang Rajd Rd
Coffee or Me	Khai Luksuea Soi 5
Oxotel	Wua Lai Road

2. Restrictions on Internet use in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Travelers should be aware of the restrictions before using the internet in Chiang Mai or other destinations in Thailand. For example, the Thai government has implemented strict laws regarding online content deemed offensive to the monarchy or national security.

Accessing such content can result in severe penalties. In addition, websites or social media related to gambling, pornography, and illegal activities are also blocked or restricted.

3. Mobile data in Chiang Mai

Following the 2023 merger, there are now two main network groups in Chiang Mai: AIS and True Corporation (combining DTAC and TrueMove H). Both networks provide excellent coverage:

• AIS: 95% population coverage with 5G, leading in rural areas and fastest speeds
• True Corporation: 93% nationwide 5G coverage (99% in major cities), excellent urban performance
• Both networks offer comprehensive 4G coverage at 99%+ of the population

Whether you’re traveling to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Bangkok, or other major tourist destinations in Thailand, both AIS and True Corporation networks provide excellent 4G/5G cellular internet coverage throughout the country.

Data speeds may vary based on location and time of day. Peak hours typically see reduced speeds compared to off-peak times. However, with Thailand’s advanced mobile infrastructure and ongoing 5G expansion, both networks maintain reliable high-speed connectivity throughout Chiang Mai.

V. Why Choose thailandesim.com for your Chiang Mai Trip?

For the best Thailand eSIM experience in Chiang Mai, we highly recommend thailandesim.com for the following reasons:

✅ Local network expertise: Direct partnerships with Thailand’s top networks (AIS, DTAC, True)
✅ Competitive pricing: Plans starting from $9.90 with unlimited options
✅ Instant delivery: Receive your eSIM within 5-15 minutes via email
✅ 24/7 customer support: Dedicated support team for any assistance needed
✅ True unlimited plans: Genuine unlimited data without speed caps on select plans
✅ Local phone numbers: Many plans include Thai phone numbers for calls and SMS

Visit thailandesim.com to explore the best eSIM plans for your Chiang Mai adventure!

VI. FAQ about Chiang Mai SIM cards and eSIM