Thailand: 14 Best eSIMs Compared + Discounts (2023)

Thailand – known for its stunning nature, beaches & temples.

The country has been in the top 10 most visited countries lists for many years.

And it is the second-most visited country in Asia (behind China).

But that is understandable; Thailand has a lot to offer and is affordable.

So affordable that it got close to 40 million visitors back in 2019.

What can you do in Thailand? A lot.

The Grand Palace and Wat Arun Ratchawararam are must-sees.

If you want to leave the city, head to Railay Beach and enjoy crystal-clear water.

And if you love national parks, you should visit Khao Sok National Park.

As you can see, there is no reason to be bored in Thailand – there are plenty of things to do.

What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Thailand.

International roaming can be expensive, which is why using local and travel eSIMs is recommended to save money.

And if you get a travel eSIM, you do not have to deal with the SIM card registration bureaucracy and skip the queues in Thailand.

How much will a (travel) eSIM for Thailand cost you?

You can get an eSIM for Thailand for as low as 4 USD up to 99 USD from Airalo, Holafly & Nomad offering between 1 GB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

Those are some generous data allowances, right?

And you can even get unlimited data if you want.

See how much it would cost you to use 10 GB while roaming – much more than what Holafly would charge you for unlimited data for 90 days!

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Thai mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Holafly & Nomad. Let's do this.

Original publication: 28th of February 2023. Last updated: 3rd of June 2023.

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Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about 14 eSIM options in Thailand (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Thailand without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

• Thai mobile operators (three offer eSIMs to prepaid customers – read more in my Thailand SIM card buying guide)
• Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM with 5G NR access with unlimited data for 8 to 15 days (no registration needed if bought from Airalo – unlike directly from Dtac)
• Holafly Thailand eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 90 days (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad Thailand eSIM with seventeen choices between 1 GB and unlimited data (best value for money)
• Airalo Asialink eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 100 GB (best value for money for 13 East- and Southeast Asian countries)
• Holafly Asia eSIM with two choices between 6 GB and 10 GB (reasonably prices eSIMs for 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries, but Phone Travel Wiz readers like the eSIM somehow)
• Nomad APAC eSIM with seven choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for up to 16 Asian and Oceanian countries)
• Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 30 GB (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance again but for up to eight Asian and Oceanian countries (can be cheaper than Nomad's APAC eSIM)
• Ubigi Asia Plans (extensive Asia coverage (24 countries)
• Airalo Discover Global eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover Global eSIM review too!
• Nomad Global eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)(extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
• Ubigi World Plan (most extensive global coverage (175+ countries) at the highest prices)

The eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Thailand-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Thailand 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

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eSIMs offered by Thai Mobile Operators

To get the best service available, in terms of reception and speeds, you want to go with the local mobile operators directly instead of with a travel eSIM.

That is because you will have a higher priority on the network in case of network congestion.

However, that does not mean travel eSIMs will always be slow.

In fact, some mobile operators throttle (prepaid) on select plans or all plans for “optimization” reasons (read: we cannot be bothered to invest in our network).

Anyway, which Thai mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers?

Currently, AIS, TrueMove H & Dtac Thailand offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

But you have to deal with Thailand's SIM card registration scheme, which is mandatory for anyone using Thai SIM cards and eSIMs – it can be a time-consuming affair.

(Why does this matter? Because hackers can steal your (critical) personal data if the mobile operator does not secure your data properly, like what happened in Australia (10 million Optus customers were affected, where info, like passport numbers, were stolen (including mine – luckily not my passport number but my boyfriend was not as lucky) or Indonesia (1.3 billion SIM card-related data was hacked)).

While mobile data is already affordable in Thailand, getting any of the travel eSIMs mentioned in this guide will not break the bank – not at all.

Travel eSIM providers Airalo, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi offer attractive eSIMs for Thailand – some allow their eSIMs to be set up before arriving in Thailand and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's see what these travel eSIM providers have to offer in Thailand, right?

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Airalo eSIMs for Thailand (Dtac Happy Tourist with 5G NR Access)

If I could only get one travel eSIM during my trip because I do not have the time or opportunity to buy a local SIM card or eSIM, I would always get an eSIM from Airalo, like its Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM for Thailand.

Not only does Airalo have eSIMs for more than 200 countries and territories, which is an insane number on its own, I almost always have the best network performance with its eSIMs.

Additionally, its eSIMs are frequently one of the cheapest compared to its competition, including the ones mentioned in this guide, which is remarkable on its own.

If you have no idea who or what Airalo is and are confused right now, worry not – I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Basically, what Airalo does is partner up with local mobile operators to sell plans through its eSIMs in a convenient way on its platform.

In Thailand's case, it partnered directly with Dtac – Thailand's smallest mobile operator.

You can get the Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM from them with 5G NR access.

So why would you buy the eSIM from Airalo and not Dtac directly upon arriving in Thailand?

It is because you do not have to deal with Thailand's SIM card registration requirements if you buy the eSIM from Airalo, whereas you would if you got it from Dtac.

The only downside is that you cannot top-up this eSIM after it expires (regardless if you get it from Airalo or Dtac).

Anyway, you have two Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM options:

1. Thailand/Dtac Happy Tourist “unlimited” data (15 GB + 15 THB credit) eSIM for 8 days, costing 9.90 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Thailand/Dtac Happy Tourist “unlimited” data (30 GB + 15 THB credit) eSIM for 15 days, costing 19.95 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

Promo update: until the 3rd of May 2023, the 9.90 USD Dtac eSIM gives you 30 GB of high-speed data (instead of 15 GB) and is valid for 16 days (instead of 8 days). The 19.95 USD Dtac eSIM gives you 60 GB of high-speed data (previously 30 GB) for 30 days (previously 15 days).

So better get your eSIM fast before this promotion ends!

Anyway, after using your 15 GB (now 30 GB) and 30 GB (now 60 GB) high-speed data allowance, you get unlimited data @ 384 Kbps (super slow!)

Warning: unlike most Airalo eSIMs, do not install the Dtac eSIM UNTIL you are in Thailand, because the validity period starts upon activation, not when you connect to the Dtac network for the first time.

Honestly, the Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM is fantastic and loved by many Phone Travel Wiz readers, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me highlight some strengths and weaknesses of the Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM before you make your purchase decision (but we still have plenty of Thai travel eSIMs to cover, so do not be too quick!).

Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Dtac Happy Tourist eSIMs?

• You can call or text with the Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM unlike most Airalo eSIMs (or can you receive them – you get a Thai phone number)
• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can purchase your Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM before arriving in Thailand (but do not install it yet)
• You can skip Thailand's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 5G NR) access to the Dtac network
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances

Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Airalo's Dtac Happy Tourist eSIMs?

• The Thai mobile operators, including Dtac itself, have much more generous data allowances with their non-tourist options (although they are challenging to get as a tourist)
• Dtac has the slowest speeds in the country – even on 5G NR (but they are still reasonable)
• Dtac is not recommended if you plan to visit remote areas, especially adjecent islands of Koh Samui and Phuket
• You must remember not to install the eSIM until the day of arrival to Thailand because the validity starts upon activation (whihc is different from almost all other Airalo eSIMs)

Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM Overall Thoughts

I have been a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in years, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM.

It offers reasonable data plans for low prices, especially compared to international roaming.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in Thailand without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, you cannot call or text with the Thailand eSIM, as it is a data-only eSIM.

But if you wish to make actual calls, not through VoIP apps like WhatsApp, consider buying a Thai SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Holafly eSIMs for Thailand (with 5G NR Access)

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

In June 2022, Holafly introduced something that no other travel eSIM provider had done by that time.

You can now get unlimited data plans for Thailand, several other Asian countries, all European Union member states & a handful of other countries.

Wait… there is an eSIM provider offering unlimited data plans, and I (you reading this) have never heard of it? Who is Holafly? 🤔

I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

Okay, back to unlimited data eSIMs – is it truly unlimited?

Yes… at least that was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors (an eSIM reseller) tried to hit a daily fair-use limit.

It realized that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Interesting, is it not? 🤔.

Anyway, Holafly's unlimited data plans for Thailand are the most expensive ones mentioned in this guide.

But they are not prohibitively expensive (luckily) – that is the price you pay for unlimited data for up to 90 days.

The Holafly Thailand eSIM uses the TrueMove H and Dtac Thailand networks.

(Based on my experience, you are mostly on the TrueMove H network, which is better… I can ensure you that! Plus, you get 5G NR access as per March 2023… Holafly is not even aware of this it seems!)

You have the following eight Holafly Thailand eSIM options:

• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/34 CAD
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/55 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD
• Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP/144 AUD/129 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

Holafly Thailand eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's Thailand eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Thailand's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE 5G NR as per March 2023 – I am currently using it!) access to the TrueMove H and Dtac Thailand networks
• You do not have to deal with hard data caps because you get unlimited data (72 GB – here I come!)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly Thailand eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's Thailand eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly Thailand eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Thai) phone number either)
• While you get access to the TrueMove H and Dtac Thailand networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with them themselves because you will be roaming on their network (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in Thailand
  • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
• While you get “unlimited” data, the soft cap seems to be 2.5-3 GB/day and 90 GB per month (if you get the 30-, 60-, or 90-day eSIM)
  • I have not experienced this soft cap myself
• You cannot use your phone as a hotspot (tether) with any Holafly unlimited data eSIM
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM there is 5G NR access as of March 2023 (although not mentioned on the
• You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in Thailand for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for Thailand-only eSIMs

Holafly Thailand eSIM Overall Thoughts

I love that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

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Nomad eSIMs for Thailand

Nomad, not to be confused with the (Digital) Nomad lifestyle, has been an eSIM provider I have seen grow significantly over the years.

It has added eSIMs for way more countries than before (improving availability), added more data options (up to 100 GB of data) & DROPPED its prices for many countries.

Incredible, I have to say 🥹 – which is why I have used its eSIMs in more than 25 countries in the past two years.

Remember when I said that 100 GB eSIMs are available? Thailand is one of those countries.

Recently, Nomad started working with JoyTelecom for most APAC (Asia-Pacific) destinations, including Thailand).

This allowed Nomad to offer more and cheaper plans than those on the Truphone network.

Not that its Truphone plans are bad… but they can be pricey in some countries (even in Asia – luckily not for Thailand anymore).

And unlike Truphone, JoyTelecom is transparent with what local partner it works with.

That is Truphone in the case of Thailand.

You have the following 16 Nomad Thailand eSIM options:

1. Thailand 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (AIS), costing 4 USD/4 EUR/3.50 GBP/5.50 CAD
2. Thailand 3 GB eSIM for 15 days (AIS), costing 9 USD/8.50 EUR/7.50 GBP/12.50 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Thailand 5 GB eSIM for 15 days (AIS), costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/11 GBP/18 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Thailand 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (AIS), costing 22 USD/21 EUR/18 GBP/30 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Thailand 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (AIS), costing 28 USD/26.50 EUR/23 GBP/38.50 CAD
6. Thailand 15 GB eSIM for 8 days (AIS), costing 9 USD/8.50 EUR/7.50 GBP/12.50 CAD
7. Thailand 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 32 USD/30 EUR/26 GBP/44 CAD
8. Thailand 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (AIS – new), costing 34 USD/32 EUR/28 GBP/46.50 CAD
9. Thailand 30 GB eSIM for 30 days (DTAC – new), costing 80 USD/75 EUR/65 GBP/109 CAD
10. Thailand 40 GB eSIM for 30 days (AIS – new), costing 110 USD/103 EUR/89.50 GBP/150 CAD
11. Thailand 50 GB eSIM for 30 days (AIS – new), costing 125 USD/117 EUR/101.50 GBP/170 CAD
12. Thailand Unlimited eSIM for 1 day (AIS – new), costing 10 USD/7 EUR/6 GBP/10 CAD
13. Thailand Unlimited eSIM for 3 days (AIS – new), costing 20.50 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/20.50 CAD
14. Thailand Unlimited eSIM for 5 days (AIS – new), costing 27.50 USD/19 EUR/16.50 GBP/27.50 CAD
15. Thailand Unlimited eSIM for 7 days (AIS – new), costing 34 USD/23.50 EUR/20.50 GBP/34 CAD
16. Thailand Unlimited eSIM for 10 days (AIS – new), costing 41 USD/28.50 EUR/24.50 GBP/41 CAD

And you know that I have a lovely deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

Nomad Thailand eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Nomad's Thailand eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Thailand's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to (an) undisclosed Thai network(s)
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Nomad website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Nomad's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad Thailand eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Nomad's Thailand eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Nomad Thailand eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Thai) phone number either)
• While you get access to the (an) undisclosed Thai network(s), your speeds will not be as fast as going with the mobile operators itself because you will be roaming on its network (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity starts after 30 days of purchase, not upon using it in Thailand
  • During select promotions, this gets extended (up to six months I have seen), but do not buy your eSIM too early, else it will self-activate after 30 days and simply expire
• There are no unlimited data plans (although this may or may be coming soon… I know of nothing 🤫)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad Thailand eSIM

Nomad Thailand eSIM Overall Thoughts

Generally, I am happy to have seen Nomad grow and become much better over the years.

Especially for its offering in many Asian countries.

This resulted in me using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries so far (and I share my experience in my Nomad review).

From becoming a mediocre option to one of the leading eSIM providers (especially for many Asian eSIMs) within a year is quite an achievement.

And to celebrate, use code ADU123 to get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase… like the Thai one!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

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Best eSIMs for Asia & the World (including Thailand)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring Asian country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Holafly or, Nomad, or Ubigi eSIMs in any country than Thailand.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Asia.

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Asia and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Asia or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple Asian countries to save money!

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Airalo Asialink eSIM

Following Airalo's popular Eurolink eSIM, which can be used in 39 European countries, Airalo introduced the Asialink eSIM, which can be used in 14 East- and Southeast Asian countries ¹.

¹ currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

Previously, you got unlimited data with the Asia Unicom eSIM (which was actually only 4 GB of high-speed data and unlimited @ snail speeds).

So I am happy that the old Asia eSIM is gone 🗿.

Anyway, this Asialink eSIM has become very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers – mostly because these eSIMs give you up to 100 GB of data for 180 days.

Currently, the most data you can get with the majority of Airalo eSIMs for Asian countries is up to 20 GB of data, so it is a significant upgrade.

This is amazing for travelers like me who do use a lot of data (you would be surprised how much data I use in some countries, lmao).

The Airalo Asialink eSIM can be used in the following 13 countries:

¹ currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

Below is an overview of how much each Airalo Asialink eSIM costs:

1. Asia/Asialink 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD
2. Asia/Asialink 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Asia/Asialink 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 20 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Asia/Asialink 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Asia/Asialink 50 GB eSIM for 90 days, costing 100 USD
6. Asia/Asialink 100 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 185 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

I aim to use the Asialink eSIM in all supported countries in 2023 (and probably 2024 too), giving you insights into how the eSIM performs in each nation.

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Holafly Asia eSIM

Holafly also has an eSIM for Asia.

Well… a very narrow definition of Asia because it only covers 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries.

But there is another problem with this eSIM: you can use up to 500 MB per day with the Holafly Asia eSIM, even though your total data allowance is 6 GB or 10 GB.

Yeah, you do not get unlimited data with the eSIM, even though the European variant does 🥲.

As you can tell, I am not a huge fan of such limits because I know I use much more data on a daily basis, but Holafly may change this for the better in the (near) future.

For example, you used to have only one variant – now, you have two.

100% choice increase 🥳🗿.

The Holafly Asia eSIM can be used in the following 11 countries:

Below is an overview of how much each Holafly Asia eSIM costs:

1. Asia 6 GB (500 MB/day) eSIM for 15 days, costing 44 USD/47 EUR/34 GBP/67 AUD/59 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Asia 10 GB (500 MB/day) eSIM for 30 days, costing 54 USD/59 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/77 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

And, of course, you can get 5% off by using code PHONETRAVELWIZ!

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Nomad APAC eSIM

Another affordable eSIM for Asia is Nomad's APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM.

One thing to be aware of is that the APAC eSIM is split into three plans: 7 Countries Plan, 12 Countries Plan & 15 Countries Plan.

All plans can be used in Thailand.

Previously, Nomad's APAC plans covered only eight countries, including the ones above, at not the lowest prices.

But this has, fortunately, changed as of late 2022.

The Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in the following 7, 12, or 15 countries:

¹ 7 Countries Plan
² 12 Countries Plan
³ 15 Countries Plan

Below is an overview of how much each Nomad APAC eSIM costs:

1. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 3 days, costing 8 USD/8 EUR/7 GBP/11 CAD
2. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 5 days, costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/11 GBP/18 CAD
3. APAC (7 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/11 GBP/18 CAD
4. APAC (12 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/11 GBP/18 CAD
5. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 10 days, costing 19 USD/18 EUR/16 GBP/26 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. APAC (7 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/20.50 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. APAC (12 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/20.50 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 29 USD/27.50 EUR/24.50 GBP/39.50 CAD
9. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD/42.50 EUR/37.50 GBP/61.50 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Remember to use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

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Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM

Nomad has another eSIM that can be used in Asia (SEA – Southeast Asia) and Oceania.

This is Nomad's newest regional eSIM and the one with the most generous data allowances.

Previously, the countries covered by this eSIM were the same as Nomad's old APAC eSIM (the one that was semi-expensive and got updated).

Well, Nomad brought the eSIM back, changed its name, dropped the prices & added way more data options.

Honestly, I would love for Nomad to add these data options to all of its eSIMs for roughly the same prices.

It would become one of the, if not the, best eSIM provider in terms of price:data ratios.

The SEA-Oceania eSIM can be used in the following eight Southeast Asian and Oceanian countries:

• Australia
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Remember to use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

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Ubigi Asia Plan

Ubigi is a relatively new player for me, but it has been selling eSIM plans for years.

And what I say new player, it means I did not start using its plans since I started Phone Travel Wiz – just later.

Unlike any eSIM provider mentioned in this guide, you only have to download a free Ubigi eSIM profile once, and can add plans to it (on its app – its webshop is coming soon).

Most eSIM providers require you to buy a new eSIM per country or region, which is somewhat unique to Ubigi.

The provider is backed by NTT DoCoMo from Japan, the largest mobile operator in the country.

As a result, Ubigi can leverage NTT DoComo's extensive roaming agreement library without going through a middleman (like most eSIM providers in this guide).

In return, you get free 5G NR access in many Asian countries (but not in Thailand, unfortunately 😔).

For Asia, Ubigi has two plans:

• Best Asia Plan (12 countries)
• Asia Plan (24 countries)

Only the Best Asia Plan (12 countries) listed above can be used in Thailand.

So it really depends on your travel plans to determine which Ubigi Asia Plan will be useful for you.

The Ubigi Asian plans can be used in the following 12 or 24 countries:

¹ Best Asia Plan (12 countries)
² Asia Plan (24 countries)
³ on 3G only
⁴ with 5G NR access (in Vietnam, select the Viettel network instead of the Vinaphone (VNPT) network for 5G NR access)

Because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

You are welcome 😜.

• Check out my Ubigi eSIM reviews

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Airalo Discover Global eSIM

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM, called Discover Global.

This eSIM can be used in 85+ countries, including Thailand, often offering up to 5G NR reception and speeds (also in Thailand).

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM can be used in the following 85+ countries:

You have these five Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

1. Discover Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover Global 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 24 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Discover Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Discover Global 10 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 59 USD
5. Discover Global 20 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 89 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz reader

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

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Nomad Global eSIM

Besides Nomad's eSIM for Thailand, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in Thailand and a total of 110 countries (including many Asian ones).

Nomad's Global eSIM covers more countries than Airalo's Discover Global eSIM (110 vs. 85).

But it is also significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it.

Anyway, you have these three Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/20.50 GBP/34 CAD
2. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD/37.5 EUR/32.50 GBP/54.50 CAD
3. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD/42.50 EUR/36.50 GBP/61.50 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in April based on data up to the 20^th of April .

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 110 countries:

Remember to use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

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Ubigi World Plan

Just as Ubigi has its Thailand plans, it has a plan for the world too, covering 175+ countries – including Thailand.

Yes, Ubigi has the most extensive global plan out there.

However, it also has the most expensive global plans 🗿.

You have these three Ubigi World plans:

• World 500 MB plan for 1 days, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP
• World 500 MB plan for 30 days, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/25 GBP
• World 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 68 USD/68 EUR/59 GBP/month

¹ this plan requires a commitment of at least three months. After the first three months, the plan can be stopped at any time

The Ubigi World Plan can be used in the following 175+ countries:

¹ on 3G only
² with 5G NR access

Remember, because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Thailand

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in Thailand.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly and Nomad – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM with 5G NR access (no registration needed if bought from Airalo – unlike directly from Dtac)
• Holafly Thailand eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad Thailand eSIM (best value for money)
• Airalo Asialink eSIM (best value for money for 13 East- and Southeast Asian countries)
• Holafly Asia eSIM (reasonably prices eSIMs for 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries, but Phone Travel Wiz readers like the eSIM somehow)
• Nomad APAC eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for up to 16 Asian and Oceanian countries)
• Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance again but for up to eight Asian and Oceanian countries (can be cheaper than Nomad's APAC eSIM))
• Ubigi Asia Plans (extensive Asia coverage (24 countries)
• Airalo Discover Global eSIM (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
• Ubigi World Plan (most extensive global coverage (175+ countries) at the highest prices)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad) or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others).

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

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Buying a SIM Card in Thailand

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Thai SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.