Reliable mobile data makes Thailand travel far easier – Grab rides, maps, translation, restaurant reviews and your TDAC card all need it. The two options are a travel eSIM (set up before you fly) or a local SIM (bought on arrival). Here's how to choose.
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Add it in the trip planner →An eSIM is a digital SIM you buy online and install by scanning a QR code – no physical card, and it works the instant you land, before you've even reached baggage claim. It's ideal if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from XS onward and recent Androids do). Providers like Airalo, Holafly and Saily sell Thailand plans from around 5–20€ depending on data and days. The catch: they run on local networks but you keep your home number for calls/texts only via your original SIM.
A physical local SIM from AIS, TrueMove or dtac is the cheapest option for heavy data users. Tourist SIMs sold at the airport or 7-Eleven run about 200–600 THB for 15–30 days with generous or unlimited data. Buy from an official provider counter, not a random kiosk, and bring your passport (required for registration). The downside is swapping out your home SIM and a little setup at a counter.
For most short-trip travellers, an eSIM is the easy winner.
Coverage is excellent in cities, towns and the main islands – 4G/5G is fast and cheap by European standards. It thins out in remote national parks and on the smaller, more distant islands, but the places most travellers go (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Phangan, Tao) are well served. A 10–15 GB plan comfortably covers a two-week trip of maps, messaging and social media without streaming heavily.
Sort this before you go and read our first-timer tips for the rest.
For most short-trip travellers, an eSIM – it works the moment you land, needs no counter visit and costs 5–20€. A local SIM from AIS or TrueMove is cheaper for heavy or long-term data use, but means swapping your physical SIM and registering with your passport.
Very little. Local tourist SIMs run about 200–600 THB for 15–30 days with large or unlimited data, while travel eSIMs cost roughly 5–20€ depending on the plan. A 10–15 GB allowance comfortably covers two weeks of normal use.
Almost certainly – Thai networks use standard GSM/4G/5G bands compatible with European, UK and US phones. Just make sure your handset is unlocked to use a local SIM or eSIM, and check it supports eSIM if you're going that route (most recent iPhones and flagship Androids do).