Getting an eSIM is the most convenient way to stay connected when you’re traveling in Thailand. No need to worry about being overcharged by local vendors, running out of data unexpectedly, or buying the wrong SIM card at a local shop – an eSIM makes it all so much easier.

We found and compared the best eSIM companies for Thailand, including companies we’ve been using for years and even options with unlimited data.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Guide Your Travel free and provide high-quality content for you. Please read the full disclaimer for more information.

Why you can trust this article about the best eSIMs for Thailand

Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for South East Asia travel tips and information. I’ve been traveling to Thailand for more than 25 years, which feels crazy to say, but it’s true.

Needless to say, Thailand has changed a lot over the years, and I’m here to keep you updated on travel information and the best things to do or see. I live in Bali, which is just a short journey from beautiful Thailand, and I end up coming here several times per year for extended trips.

Whether you’re looking for an ultimate island-hopping itinerary, or useful currency tips, I’ve got you covered.

Since I spend quite a lot of time in Thailand every year, I usually grab an eSIM just to make things easier. That way, I can get a grab or gojek right on arrival in Bangkok without having to worry about finding a SIM card first. I’ve tried almost every eSIM on the market, and here are my current favorites.

eSIM vs physical local SIM in Thailand

Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind if you’re deciding whether to get an eSIM or a physical SIM for Thailand. I usually recommend an eSIM for convenience and if you want to save time.

Local prepaid SIM cards are technically more affordable, but many tourist shops mark up the prices significantly, making you overpay even if you’re good at haggling. If you do decide to get a physical SIM, try to buy it at 7-Eleven, which is the most reasonably priced option.

A physical local SIM might be more convenient for longer stays in Thailand, but an eSIM is better for shorter Thailand trips.

Best unlimited eSIM for Thailand

If you know you’ll need a lot of data, I’d highly recommend looking into an unlimited eSIM from Holafly.

1. Holafly – the best eSIM for Thailand

Holafly is by far the best eSIM currently available for Thailand. They offer options for countries all around the world and are one of the only companies that allow you to purchase an unlimited eSIM, so you’ll never run out of data.

I like using Holafly because it’s very easy to customize the duration you need the eSIM for, since you can select anything from one to 90 days. Most other eSIM providers only allow you to choose five, ten, twenty or thirty days, so you’ll always end up with wasted money, or not enough data.

Plus, Holafly’s eSIMs have unlimited data, which I’m always on the lookout for as a digital nomad. They also have an incredible six-month refund policy if you end up not using your eSIM, which is so useful. Travel plans change all the time, so this is one of my favorite features.

Most unlimited SIMs do not let you create a hotspot, but with Holafly, you can share up to 500 MB daily with friends and family.

Finally, Holafly’s customer service is the best out there, in my opinion. It’s 24/7, which is so important for travelers, and whenever I have to get in touch with them, they get back to me extremely quickly and solve any issues almost instantly.

I couldn’t recommend Holaflys eSIMs more for Thailand.

Other eSIMs for Thailand

Here are more of the best eSIMs for Thailand from my personal experience.

2. Jetpac

Jetpac is a reliable eSIM company that I use frequently on my travels. While their eSIMs do not have unlimited data, their prices are quite reasonable, and I can definitely recommend them.

They work with the AIS GSM and True Move networks in Thailand, and I’ve had good connectivity even in remote parts of Thailand with them. Their packages range from just 1 GB to 50 GB, with durations between 4 and 30 days, which can be extended if needed.

They also have South East Asia eSIMs that combine several different countries, which can be useful.

3. Airlo

Airlo is a very well-known eSIM provider, and they aggregate eSIMs from different companies, so they allow you to easily compare prices. For Thailand, they allow you to purchase eSIMs from the popular Thai provider dtac, which I sometimes purchase as a physical SIM card as well.

I like dtac and have had good experiences with them, but sometimes found it hard to find the correct SIM in physical stores, and also recharge the data. That’s why an eSIM is a lot more convenient and Airlo even offers an unlimited dtac SIM, although only for 15 days.

I’ve sometimes had issues extending the eSIM though, and the data is slowed down after a certain limit due to their Fair Usage Policy, which is quite quickly in my experience.

4. Nomad

Nomad, in my experience, is generally pretty similar to Airlo when it comes to pricing and offers, and the main difference for Thailand is that Nomad has a lot more plans to choose from.

I find that they sometimes run deals on eSIMs from dtac that can be very affordable, but their regular prices aren’t the lowest. Still, they’re a good company, and their plans are worth looking into, especially for shorter Thailand trips around the islands.

5. eSIM Thailand

eSIM Thailand is a local company and they have a lot of different plans to choose from. I usually have my trusted eSIM companies that I’ve used time and again all over the world, so I was a bit suspicious when I tried eSIM Thailand for the first time.

I was pleasantly surprised and the eSIM worked really well, but their customer service was not quite as good as some of the companies I usually like to use. That’s just something to keep in mind.

But, eSIM Thailand definitely has the biggest selection of eSIM plans and what I love is that they also offer options with unlimited calls and text messages, which most others do not. If you need to make calls or send messages and have a Thai phone number during your time in Thailand, they’re very useful.

Note that there is another company called Thailand eSIM, which I haven’t tried, don’t get the two confused.

6. Simify

Simify (formerly SIMsDirect) is a company that is recommended by quite a few big websites, and many travelers swear by it. Honestly, it’s not my favorite eSIM company for Thailand, and while there’s nothing wrong with their service, I think others have a better selection of plans and lower prices.

They are very reliable, though, and often have great discounts, so keep an eye out for those.

Their SIMs are often valid for more than one country in South East Asia, which is very practical for longer trips where you don’t want to get a new SIM constantly.

What’s the cheapest eSIM for Thailand?

Jetpac offers the cheapest eSIMs for Thailand at the moment, with plans starting at as little as US $1 for 1GB. They have great customer service and are overall highly recommended if you’re looking for the best value for money.

Where can you buy an eSIM for Thailand?

You can purchase your eSIM online before you depart on your trip. Since most eSIMs are sent out via email in only a few hours or less and are valid for up to a year, you can decide for yourself how far in advance you want to purchase a card.

Does an eSIM for Thailand have a phone number?

The majority of eSIMs do not have a phone number attached to them as they are purely designed for data use. You will not be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages during your time in Thailand. For messaging apps like WhatsApp, you will keep your regular phone number.

eSIM Thailand cards come with a local phone number, so consider getting one of these instead if you need to make local calls.

Can I keep my phone number with an eSIM for Thailand?

Whenever you purchase and activate an eSIM, you’re keeping your own phone number and will still be able to receive calls or texts from that. Just keep in mind that you’ll likely be charged roaming charges from your home provider. You can still use WhatsApp with your usual phone number without any issues.

Most eSIMs do not come with a phone number and will not replace your old phone number during your time in Thailand.

Best eSIMS for Thailand FAQ

Before you go…

You’re ready to stay connected during your Thailand trip, and we think you might like our other guides as well.

Read about the best things to do in Bangkok on your birthday, our Thai currency guide, the best group tours, and our complete island-hopping itinerary.

You might also like our transport guides for places like Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Sok, Koh Tao, and Koh Lanta.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.