Top 5 Thailand eSIM Providers for Tourists

Nguyen Anh Thu06/07/2023

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. As you prepare for your trip, it’s important to consider how you’ll stay connected while you’re here. One option that is gaining popularity among travelers is the use of eSIMs. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top xx eSIM for tourists visiting Thailand. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, these eSIMs will help ensure that you stay connected and informed during your stay.

I. Overview of eSIM Market in Thailand

The rising number of visitors to Thailand has led to a major increase in the eSIM market in recent years. Without a physical SIM card, eSIMs provide travelers with a simple and quick way to stay connected while on the road.

The main Thai telecom companies, such as AIS, TrueMove H, and dtac, provide eSIM cards made exclusively for travelers. These eSIMs may be rapidly and simply enabled using mobile apps and offer broadband, phone, and text messaging capabilities.

The eSIM market in Thailand has several new competitors in addition to these established telecom providers, including iTrueTravel and Nomad. These service providers provide flexible data plans at affordable pricing and eSIMs that may be used in several nations, including Thailand.

The seamless connectivity that eSIMs can provide across several networks is one of its key benefits, making them the perfect choice for travelers who move between various parts of the nation. Also, because they do away with the necessity for real SIM cards, eSIMs are environmentally beneficial.

In conclusion, Thailand’s eSIM industry is flourishing, and travelers have many eSIM provider alternatives. As eSIMs gain in popularity, more providers are anticipated to enter the market, enhancing competition and the benefits available to passengers.

II. Can I Use eSIM When Traveling to Thailand?

Yes, you can use eSIMs when traveling to Thailand. eSIMs offer a convenient and flexible solution for travelers who want to stay connected while on the go, without needing a physical SIM card.

There are several benefits of using eSIMs for tourists when traveling:

• Convenient: With an eSIM, you don’t have to worry about carrying or losing a physical SIM card. Instead, you can activate your eSIM digitally, saving time and effort.
• Flexible: eSIMs allow you to choose the data plans that best suit your needs without committing to a long-term contract. 
• Cost-effective: eSIMs can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional roaming plans or purchasing local SIM cards in each country you visit. Many eSIM providers offer competitive pricing and data plans.
• Seamless connectivity: With an eSIM, you can stay connected seamlessly, even traveling across different regions or countries. You won’t have to worry about switching SIM cards or dealing with connectivity issues.
• Eco-friendly: eSIMs are eco-friendly as they eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, reducing plastic waste and carbon footprint.
• Easy activation: You can easily activate your eSIM digitally without going to a store to purchase and set up a physical SIM card. This is especially beneficial if you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language or aren’t familiar with the process.

Notes: If you choose eSIM as a SIM card alternative, you should consider the eSIM compatibility of the device. Check out Thailand eSIM compatible devices list.

III. How to Choose a Thailand eSIM for Travel 

To choose the best eSIM plans for your Thailand trips, you may need to consider many factors. These factors are often mentioned in the product descriptions.  

1. Network coverage

Look for an eSIM provider offering good network coverage in the areas you’ll visit. This will ensure you have a reliable connection for making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet.

2. Speed

Consider the speed of the eSIM provider’s network, particularly if you’ll be using data-intensive applications such as video streaming or online gaming. 

Tips: The speed may depend on the network coverage. You may need to check your destination and coverage map before purchasing an eSIM. 

3. Data packages and pricing

Look for an eSIM provider that offers data packages that meet your needs, and compare pricing to find the best value for money. Be sure to check whether the data packages include unlimited data or whether there are restrictions on usage.

4. Activation process

Check how easy it is to activate the eSIM and whether there are any additional fees or requirements. Look for an eSIM provider that offers a straightforward and hassle-free activation process. 

5. Customer support

Look for an eSIM provider that offers good customer support, particularly if you’ll be using the eSIM for an extended period. Consider factors such as availability, response time, and the quality of support provided.

6. Check Price of Thailand eSIM

Check price of Thailand eSIM

IV. Top 5 Thailand eSIMs for Travelers: Detailed Comparisons

eSIM seems to be the best option for travelers to stay connected when visiting Thailand. You can refer to some eSIM plans from different providers to get the best plans for your trip. 

1. ThailandeSIM.com

ThailandeSIM.com is one of the leading eSIM providers offering tourist eSIM for travelers to Thailand. 

It’s one of the projects of GIGAGO, the top eSIM service provider in Vietnam. As a digital service provider, they offer eSIM to travelers visiting Thailand, providing a hassle-free and convenient way to stay connected during their trip to the Land of Smiles.

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok, discovering the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, or lounging on the picturesque beaches of Phuket, you’ll want to stay connected throughout your trip. And that’s where Thailand eSIM comes in – they’ve got you covered.

Below are some eSIM plans from ThailandeSIM that you can refer to:

Notes: 

(1) The multi countries plans are divided into several plans like Singapore-Thailand, Malaysia – Thailand, Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand, Thailand – Vietnam – Cambodia, Singapore – Malaysia – Indonesia – Thailand, Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand- Indonesia – Cambodia,…

(2) Network by country: Celcom/Digi (Malaysia), Starhub (Singapore), DTAC (Thailand), Excelcom (Indonesia), Viettel (Vietnam), Smart/Metfone(Campuchia), Telenor (Hongkong), and SKT (Seoul).

(3) Coverage areas: Thailand, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam.

(4) Waiting validity is the validity you can activate the eSIM plan from the time the QR code is generated after the payment. For example, 30 days waiting validity means you have 30 days to scan the QR code and activate eSIM after payment.

(5) 5 Free chat apps include:

• Facebook Messenger
• Line
• WhatsApp
• WeChat
• KakaoTalk

2. Holafly eSIM 

Holafly is also a big name as an eSIM provider. Holafly offers Unlimited data plans with different validity. All Thailand eSIM plans from Holafly include:

• Networks: TrueMove / DTAC
• Speed: 4G / LTE
• Hotspot: No
• Data Packages: Unlimited
• Days of use: 5, 10, 15, 20, 20, 30, 60, 90.
• Phone number: No
• Plan type: Prepaid
• SMS: No
• Analog calls: No, only through apps (VOIP).
• Activation: Automatic, activated when connected to a cellular network.
• Coverage: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Chiang Mail, and other cities and tourist destinations in Thailand.
• ID required: No

And below are the prices of each eSIM plan:

Tips: If you are a heavy-data user, you can choose Holafly for unlimited data plans. Almost all eSIM plans from Holafly are unlimited. 

3. Airalo eSIM 

Airalo is also a reputable eSIM provider that offers Thailand eSIM plans for tourists. 

Currently, Airalo only offers 2 Thailand eSIM plans: dtac 8 days and dtac 15 days. These eSIM plans have the same benefits as 2 eSIM plans from ThailandeSIM.com above, but the price is a bit higher. You can easily see the comparison below:

* Update: May 2023

As you can see, Airalo’s plans have the same benefits as the Thailand eSIM plans on ThailandeSIM.com. However, the prices on ThailandeSIM.com are cheaper than Airalo from $1 to $2.5. So, if you prefer the optimized prices, you can consider ThailandeSIM.com as the alternative.   

4. SIM2Fly

SIM2Fly is a popular brand of travel SIM cards offered by the Thai telecom operator, AIS (Advanced Info Service). SIM2Fly SIM cards and eSIM are designed specifically for travelers visiting Thailand, and offer a range of data, voice, and text messaging packages at affordable prices. 

One of the key benefits of SIM2Fly SIM cards is that they can be easily activated and topped up online, making them a convenient option for tourists who want to stay connected while exploring Thailand. 

For tourists, you can refer to some eSIM plans from SIM2Fly as below:

* Update: May 2023

5. Nomad

Nomad is a popular eSIM provider that offers connectivity solutions for travelers worldwide. Nomad offers eSIMs that can be used in multiple countries, including Thailand, and provides a range of data plans at competitive prices. 

One of the main advantages of Nomad eSIMs is that they can be activated instantly through the company’s app, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. Nomad also offers good network coverage in Thailand and other countries where their eSIMs are available. 

With their convenient activation process and flexible data plans, Nomad eSIMs are a popular choice among travelers who want to stay connected while on the go.

Here’s the general information about Nomad eSIM plans:

• Data only: This plan does not come with a number, so no call and text service will be available.
• Expiry of the plan: Expiry will start after you activate your plan. 
• 30 days to activate: You have 30 days to activate your plan after purchase. Otherwise, your plan will automatically activate on the 30th day, and expiry will start.
• 4G/LTE Speed: This data plan is expected to have 4G/LTE speed. However, network coverage and speed may vary by location and time of day.
• No hidden fees: This plan is prepaid, and taxes are included.
• No top-up option: If you need more data, or wish to extend your unlimited plan by a certain number of days, simply purchase a new data plan. 

Nomad’s eSIM plans are divided into 2 types: UNLIMITED plans and Regular plans

UNILIMITED plans:

* Update: May 2023

Note: Fair Usage Policy (FUP): UNLIMITED plan comes with unlimited data, however our network providers will apply a Fair Usage Policy based on individual consumption. If you consume large amounts of data quickly, you may find that your speed will be throttled to between 128 – 512 kbps. This cap should only last 24 hours before it is reset.

Regular plans:

* Update: May 2023

V. Which One Should You Choose for Thailand Trip?

The quick comparison below will help you choose the best Thailand eSIM provider for your trip to Thailand.

Based on these comparisons, hope you can choose the right eSIM plans for your Thailand trip. To summarize, you can refer to some advice below:

• If you prefer cheaper prices: ThailandeSIM.com, SIM2Fly
• If you’re a heavy-data user, and prefer unlimited data: Holafly, SIM2Fly, ThailandeSIM.com
• If you need long validity: Holafly
• If you need advanced features like calls, SMS, or top-up: ThailandeSIM.com
• If you need fast support for your trip: ThailandeSIM.com
• If you’re looking for reputable brands: Airalo, Holafly
• If you need regional eSIM plans: ThailandeSIM.com, Nomad, SIM2Fly

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, staying connected while traveling in Thailand is essential, and eSIMs offer a convenient and flexible solution. From network coverage to speed, data packages, pricing, activation process, and customer support, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right eSIM provider for your travel needs. 

We have reviewed the top 5 eSIM options for Thailand tourists. Each eSIM provider offers unique features and benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your specific requirements. Considering the factors mentioned, you can select the best eSIM provider to stay connected and make the most of your travels in Thailand.