Overview of eSIMs and their prices for Thailand
A regular SIM card is a plastic pass into the mobile world, but a bit “old-school.” Nowadays, eSIMs are being introduced everywhere — invisible, yet much more convenient. Essentially, an eSIM is a chip built into the smartphone that replaces a physical SIM card.
eSIMs are the perfect option for traveling: you don’t need to look for a SIM-tool, swap cards, or worry about losing a tiny piece of plastic somewhere in a backpack full of swimsuits and mangoes.
Below is an overview of eSIMs that you can use in Thailand.
The best eSIM services for Thailand
Here we’ve gathered and tested the best eSIM services that work in Thailand.
A service that provides eSIM and SIM cards for 140+ countries.
Connection process: launch the Travel Mobile Bot → click “Thailand” → choose a plan → pay → activate the eSIM.
Prices:
- 50 GB for 10 days – $12.35
- 5 GB for 4 days – $9.10
- 15 GB for 12 days – $16.90
- 20 GB for 15 days – $21.45
- 30 GB for 30 days – $30.55
- 50 GB for 30 days – $40.95
- 100 GB for 30 days – $61.75
A local Thai number is included only in the first package (for 10 days); the rest do not include a number and are for internet use only.
Key features:
- Very easy activation via a Telegram bot — convenient for inexperienced users.
- Large data packages for a low price (especially 50 GB/950 ₽).
- Often recommended for those going to Thailand for a long period (from 2 weeks to a month).
- Only one plan comes with a local number, the rest are internet-only.
Buy an eSIM in the Travel Mobile Bot:
A mobile internet operator offering eSIM coverage in 190+ countries. They provide real live support. You can purchase both a regional SIM and an international one.
Connection process: follow the link → choose to purchase on the website or launch the Telegram bot → click “Buy eSIM” (or “Select eSIM” on the website) → choose “Popular destinations” → “Thailand” → select a plan → pay → activate the eSIM.
Prices:
- 1 GB for 7 days – $4
- 3 GB for 15 days – $7.5
- 5 GB for 30 days – $11
- 10 GB for 30 days – $18
- 20 GB for 30 days – $30
- 50 GB for 60 days – $75
- Unlimited data for 1 day – $9
- Unlimited data for 7 days – $57
Only internet data is available on the eSIM, and it works in the selected country. The validity period of the eSIM starts from the moment it is activated on the device. Activation must be done within 180 days after purchase.
Key features:
- Wide selection — from small packages to 50 GB.
- Short unlimited plans available (1 and 7 days) — convenient for transit trips.
- Option to buy regional SIMs (Asia/Europe).
- Activation period — up to 180 days after purchase.
Buy an eSIM on fedafone:
A service that provides eSIMs in 20+ countries. There is a referral system — you can invite friends and earn 15% from their purchases, withdrawing the funds to a bank card or a USDT wallet.
Connection process: launch the AIRSIM bot → click “Rates” → choose “Thailand” → select a plan → pay → activate the eSIM.
Prices:
- 1 GB for 3 days – $5.03
- 3 GB for 5 days – $6.97
- 5 GB for 10 days – $8.90
- 5 GB for 15 days – $11.49
- 10 GB for 15 days – $15.35
- 10 GB for 30 days – $16.64
There is also a suitable “Asia” package that includes 11 countries, as well as a “Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand” package.
Key features:
- Attractive low-cost packages of 1–5–10 GB.
- Regional solutions available for Asia.
- Works on a “set it up and forget it” basis.
Buy an eSIM at AIRSIM:
An eSIM operator that works in 170+ countries.
Connection process: go to the Unisim website → click “Get it for free” → enter the amount and your email → pay → activate the eSIM.
The service also has a mobile app, which can be downloaded from the AppStore and Google Play.
Prices:
- DTAC – $1.92/GB
- AIS – $2.08/GB
- True – $9.05/GB
Key features:
- Pay-per-GB plans from major Thai operators (Dtac, AIS, True).
- Flexible configuration — you can buy even just 1 GB.
- There is an app in the App Store and Google Play.
Buy an eSIM at Unisim:
One of the most well-known eSIM operators that offers local, regional, and international plans for 200+ destinations, including Thailand.
Connection process: go to the Airalo website → click “eSIM store” → select “Thailand” → choose a plan → pay → activate the eSIM.
Prices. Mobile operator Maew:
- Prices. Mobile operator Maew:
- 1 GB for 3 days – €4
- 3 GB for 3 days – €5
- 3 GB for 7 days – €5.5
- 5 GB for 7 days – €6.5
- 10 GB for 7 days – €9
- 5 GB for 15 days – €7.5
- 10 GB for 15 days – €9.5
- 20 GB for 15 days – €16
- 5 GB for 30 days – €7.5
- 10 GB for 30 days – €10
- 20 GB for 30 days – €16.5
- 50 GB for 30 days – €24.5
Mobile operator dtac:
- 50 GB, 100 minutes for 10 days – €9
Key features:
- The most well-known global eSIM marketplace.
- Many inexpensive small packages (1–5 GB).
- Convenient app with balance tracking, auto-renewal, and support.
Buy an eSIM at Airalo:
FAQ: Most common questions about eSIM
Which devices support eSIM?
Most modern smartphones already support eSIM: all iPhone models starting from XS and XR, almost the entire current Android lineup, and many Xiaomi flagships. If your device was released within the last few years, the chance is almost 100%.
It’s easy to check whether your smartphone supports eSIM — just look for the corresponding button in your settings:
iPhone: Settings → Cellular
Android: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager
There should be a button like “Add eSIM”, “Add mobile plan”, or “Add mobile number”.
Also, the services we mentioned above offer a compatibility check to see whether your device supports eSIM.
How does eSIM work?
Essentially, an eSIM is a programmable module inside your phone. You download an operator profile (like a small “firmware package”), and your device activates the plan without physically replacing a SIM card.
How do I activate an eSIM?
The process includes just a few steps:
- Buy an eSIM from an operator.
- Receive a QR code and scan it with your phone.
- Confirm the installation of the profile.
What is the main advantage compared to a physical SIM card?
A physical SIM must be inserted into the slot — meaning you need to remove the old one and keep the new one safe. eSIM has no physical form: it’s built into your smartphone and activated via software. It’s faster, safer, and more reliable. Plus, you can store multiple profiles at the same time.
Another important advantage is that you can install the eSIM in advance, and the internet will activate automatically on the day you first connect to the network in your destination country.
You’ll easily be able to call a taxi to your hotel or send a “We’ve arrived!” message in the family chat. And you won’t need to go to a 7/11 or waste time at the airport after landing.
How much does a physical SIM card cost in Phuket?
You can buy a regular SIM card in Phuket — for example, in 7/11 or Tops supermarkets. On one hand, it’s convenient, but on the other hand, there are some obvious downsides:
- you’ll be without mobile service upon arrival in Phuket;
- you’ll have to go to a supermarket and buy a SIM card — and the needed plan isn’t always available;
- compared to most eSIM services, physical SIM cards are more expensive.
Sample prices from 7/11 stores (True operator):
- 8 days – 399 THB
- 15 days – 699 THB
- 30 days – 999 THB
Travel becomes easier when technology works for you. eSIM is like an invisible assistant that meets you the moment you land and gives you internet access effortlessly, without queues or overpaying. All you need is to choose the right plan.
And Phuket Insider will help you create the best itinerary for your vacation! On our website, you’ll find:
