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Thailand: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

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 and up to 99 USD from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offering between 1 GB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

Buying an eSIM for Thailand Guide (logos of Truemove H, Dtac, Holafly, Airalo, AIS, Nomad, SimOptions, Asialink & Alosim)

Original publication: 28th of February 2023. Last updated: 8th of March 2024.


Table of Contents

An Introduction to eSIMs for Thailand (+Discount Codes)

Thailand is lucky because it has numerous eSIM providers that have eSIMs for Thailand specifically, regional Asia eSIMs that cover Thailand & global eSIMs that cover the country and at least 100 more across multiple continents.

The eSIM providers I have used extensively and have eSIMs for Thailand are Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad.

Airalo Logo
© Airalo

Airalo has three types of eSIMs for Thailand:

  • Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist (Infinite) eSIM for Thailand: two eSIMs with 50 GB (ten days @ 9.90 USD) and unlimited data (15 days @ 19.95 USD)
  • Airalo Asialink eSIM for Thailand and 13 other East- and Southeast Asian countries: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 5 USD) and 100 GB (180 days @ 185 USD)
  • Airalo Discover(+) eSIM for Thailand and 125+ other countries: 12 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 9 USD/15 USD (+10 minutes/10 SMS)) and 20 GB (1 year @ 69 USD/89 USD (+200 minutes/200 SMS))

Discount code APR15 is available for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. Existing Airalo customers can use code APR10 instead for 10% off (both codes are valid until the 31st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).

Alosim Logo
© Alosim

Alosim has competitively priced eSIMs for Asian destinations, including Thailand. It also has 5G NR access in countries where Airalo eSIMs do not have such access (with roughly the same prices). Alosim has two eSIMs for Thailand:

  • Alosim Thailand eSIM: four eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 5 USD) and 10 GB (30 days @ 34 USD)
  • Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIM for Thailand and four other East- and Southeast Asian countries: four eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 5 USD) and 10 GB (30 days @ 27 USD)

You can use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Holafly Logo
© Holafly

Holafly is known for having unlimited data plans. This is also the case for many Asian countries, including Thailand. It has two eSIMs for Thailand:

  • Holafly Thailand eSIM: eight eSIMs with unlimited data for five days (19 USD) to unlimited data for 90 days (99 USD)
  • Holafly Asia eSIM for Thailand and ten other Asian countries: six eSIMs with unlimited data for five days (27 USD) to unlimited data for 30 days (79 USD)

Pro tip: if you plan on visiting two or more Asian countries supported by the Holafly Asia eSIM, go for the Asian because it will be cost-effective.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ to get 5% off your order (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Nomad often has the lowest-priced eSIMs ($:GB ratio) for (popular) Asian destinations, which also applies to Thailand. It has three types of eSIMs for Thailand:

  • Nomad Thailand eSIM: 11 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 4 USD) and 50 GB (30 days @ 125 USD (on sale)) + five eSIMs with unlimited data for one day (7 USD) to unlimited data for 10 days (30 USD)
  • Nomad APAC eSIM for Thailand and 14/19 other Asian and Oceanian countries: 11 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 8 USD/10 USD) and 20 GB (30 days @ 29 USD (on sale)/62 USD)
  • Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM for Thailand and seven other Southeast Asian and Oceanian countries: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 6 USD) and 30 GB (60 days @ 60 USD)
  • Nomad Global eSIM for Thailand and 108/138 other countries: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 19/25 USD) and 5 GB (30 days @ 45 USD/57 USD)

You can use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad order.

Now that you have an overview of the eSIM providers I will write about, we will go through them alphabetically and cover all their options for Taiwan.

But if you already have an eSIM store in mind, click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad.


Airalo eSIMs for Thailand (Dtac Happy Tourist (Infinite), Asialink & Discover+)

Airalo Logo
© Airalo

Airalo has three types of eSIMs that can be used in Thailand only or include Thailand:

  • Dtac Happy Tourist (Infinite) – Thailand only with 5G NR access
  • Asialink – Thailand and 13 other East- and Southeast Asian countries
  • Discover(+) – Thailand and 129 other countries worldwide with 5G NR access in Thailand (+calls and SMS (up to 200 minutes/SMS) for global use if you choose the “+” variant, regardless of the selected eSIM)
Airalo Thailand Dtac Happy Tourist Infinite eSIM
© Airalo
Asialink Asia eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Remember that discount code APR15 is available for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. Existing Airalo customers can use code APR10 instead for 10% off (both codes are valid until the 31st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).

Airalo does not need an introduction because it is the largest eSIM store out there.

It also claims to be the first store, which is probably true but not something I could confirm (but it does not matter anyway).

With eSIMs for almost all countries and territories, Airalo practically has a global reach with its offering.

In the case of Thailand, Airalo has three eSIMs covering the country: Dtac Happy Tourist (Infinite), Asialink & Discover(+).

Dtac Happy Tourist (Infinite) is Airalo's Thailand-only eSIM, resold from Dtac directly (a Thai Mobile operator).

Airalo Thailand Dtac Happy Tourist Infinite eSIM
© Airalo

Whereas Asialink can be used in Thailand and 13 other East- and Southeast Asian countries.

Get the Asialink eSIM if you visit two or more destinations supported by the eSIM – it will be more cost-effective.

Asialink Asia eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, we have the Discover and Discover+ eSIMs, which support 125+ countries worldwide, including Thailand (and the Discover+ variants offer a phone number, something the Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM does not have, and up to 200 minutes and 200 SMS).

Airalo Discover eSIM
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Let's go over the two Airalo Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM options we have:

  1. Thailand/Dtac Happy Tourist 50 GB 1 (with 100 minutes, 15 THB (international) credit 2) eSIM for 10 days (increased data allowance & validity), costing 9.90 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Thailand/Dtac Happy Tourist Infinite unlimited data (with unlimited minutes, 15 THB (international) credit & unlimited local minutes) eSIM for 15 days (updated eSIM), costing 19.95 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

1 +unlimited data @ 384 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow)
2 +30 international minutes to India, South Korea & Vietnam when using the 00400 prefix

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Airalo Thailand dtac eSIM with Prices

These eSIMs have seen quite some changes in the past year.

First, you had these two “unlimited” eSIMs, giving you 15 GB or 30 GB high-speed data before your speeds got throttled for the same prices as the ones mentioned above.

Thailand Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM Airalo (with Prices)
Note: these are old plans

Then, the 15 GB eSIM became the 50 GB eSIM as it is right now.

Airalo Thailand Dtac Happy Tourist eSIM
© Airalo

This was followed by the 30 GB eSIM, increasing the data allowance to 1000 GB before turning it into a truly unlimited data eSIM.

Airalo Thailand Dtac Happy Tourist Infinite eSIM
© Airalo

Remember the screenshot that showed the “old” Dtac Happy Tourist eSIMs?

While Airalo no longer sells them, Dtac Thailand still sells them within the country (including airports such as Bangkok, Don Mueang, Koh Samui & Phuket).

Buying a SIM Card at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide
Buying a SIM Card at Bangkok-Don Mueang International Airport Guide
Buying a SIM Card at Phuket International Airport Guide

Moreover, Airalo charges slightly more than 1.30 USD than what Dtac Thailand would sell you the first eSIM for.

But unlike Dtac Thailand, which gives you only 15 GB of high-speed data for eight days, Airalo's version will provide you with 50 GB of high-speed data for ten days.

The same counts for the second eSIM – Airalo charges about 3 USD more than Dtac Thailand would charge you, but you get unlimited data instead of 30 GB of high-speed data.

Furthermore, you do not have to deal with Thailand's SIM card registration requirements if you purchase your Dtac Happy Tourist (Infinite) eSIM from Airalo – an Airalo-exclusive perk.

Check out my Thailand SIM card buying guide for more information on how Thai mobile operators perform.

Buying a SIM Card in Thailand Guide (logos of AIS, TrueMove H & Dtac)

Next, we have the Airalo Asialink eSIM, which can be used in 14 East- and Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand.

Asialink Asia eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

It is Airalo's second-most popular regional eSIM (behind Europe (review) – it has seven regional eSIM, including Asia), based on what Phone Travel Wiz readers use.

This makes sense, as flights within East- and Southeast Asia can be incredibly cheap with the rise of low-cost carriers and relatively favorable visa policies.

The old version of Airalo's Asia eSIM came with unlimited data, although you only got 4 GB of high-speed data before your speeds got reduced to 128 Kbps (embarrassingly slow).

Asia Unicom eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Worry not; the new offering is significantly better. Let's go over the Airalo Asialink eSIM options now:

  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 December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Airalo Asialink Asia eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

You can use the following Thai network with the Asialink eSIM:

Airalo Asia Asialink eSIM Supported Networks in Thailand (AIS Thailand)

As mentioned earlier, the Airalo Asialink can be used in 14 countries, which includes Thailand and (some) neighboring countries.

You can find a country breakdown in my ongoing Airalo Asialink review or the map below.

Airalo Asialink Asia eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version).png

I aim to use the Asialink eSIM in all supported countries by the end of 2025 (perhaps 2024, but I want to explore other continents in 2024), giving you insights into how the eSIM performs in each destination.

I have tested the eSIM in eight countries so far – you should check my Airalo Asialink eSIM review if you are interested in getting it for yourself.

Airalo Asialink eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Finally, we have Airalo's Discover and Discover+ eSIMs.

Airalo Discover eSIM
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Its global offering used to be called Discover Global, to be used in 84 countries (87 was its peak).

    Discover Global eSIM Airalo
    © Airalo

I have had decent to good experiences with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.

Such as extending the validity of most plans (the maximum used to be 180 days) and having 5G NR access in popular destinations.

Well, my concerns were heard (which is why I love working with Airalo) because Airalo revamped its global eSIM to Discover(+), covering 125+ countries (including Thailand), having 5G NR access in 30+ countries & giving you the option to purchase plans with minutes and SMS.

You get an Austrian (+43) phone number if you buy any Airalo Discover+ eSIMs, so you do not have to deal with excessive international call rates with your primary/home SIM card or eSIM (this does not apply to the normal Discover eSIM).

Although Airalo improved its global eSIM significantly, it did not increase the prices for its eSIM.

In fact, you get a “discount” of up to 20 USD if you use the Discover eSIM (the one without a phone number, minutes, & texts).

Anyway, 12 variants of the Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs are available:

  1. Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
  2. Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
  3. Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
  4. Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
  5. Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
  6. Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  8. Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
  9. Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
  10. Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
  11. Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  12. Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

The image below shows you the Thai mobile networks that can be used with the Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM Supported Networks in Thailand (TrueMove H, AWN, NT & Dtac)

For a full country list of where the eSIM can be used, you should check out my ongoing Airalo Discover+ eSIM review.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Although the map below may be useful if you know your world map well.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version)

In every country I visit where I test country-specific Airalo eSIMs, I also try out its Discover+ eSIM (if it can be used there).

So you better check it out every now and then to see if I wrote about the country/countries you plan to visit and read about the eSIM's performance in said country, as it is not always perfect.

Before Airalo updated its global eSIM, I used the old version (Discover Global) in 15+ countries. From August 2023, I will only test the Discover+ eSIM. This is why some country-specific reviews (like Japan) still refer to Discover Global and show the old eSIM image instead of Discover+.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

So to recap: get the Dtac Happy Tourist (Infinite) eSIM if you only stay in Thailand, the Asialink eSIM in two or more supported countries to save $$$, or the Discover(+) eSIM if you visit multiple countries on multiple continents within a year and do not wish to install multiple eSIMs.

Airalo Thailand Dtac Happy Tourist Infinite eSIM
© Airalo
Asialink Asia eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Whatever Airalo eSIM you choose, you will have a smooth experience with any in Thailand.


Alosim eSIMs for Thailand

Alosim Logo
© Alosim

Alosim has two eSIMs that can be used in Thailand only or includes Thailand:

  • Thailand – local use only with 5G NR access
  • Asia Five Pack – Thailand and four other East- and Southeast Asian countries with 5G NR access in Thailand

Alosim promised me that it plans to expand the coverage of its Asia eSIM. For now, it can also be used in Hong Kong (5G), Malaysia, South Korea (5G), Taiwan (5G) & Thailand (5G).

Remember to use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Alosim, backed by AffinityClick, is an eSIM provider gaining ground in 2023.

AffinityClick Logo
© AffinityClick

Mostly because it has been expanding its eSIM coverage in a good direction.

You probably have never heard of AffinityClick, but you may have heard of the Hushed app with more than 8 000 000 (8 million) downloads: Temporary & Second Phone Number App for Wifi, Data Calling & Texting.

Hushed Screenshot

Because of this, you may get a phone number for calls and SMS with any Alosim eSIM in the near future… as that is the logical step right, AffinityClick? 😏.

At the moment, you have two eSIM options for Thailand with Alosim: one for Thailand only and one for Asia, including Thailand.

You have the following four Alosim Thailand eSIMs:

  1. Thailand 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Thailand 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Thailand 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 19 USD
  4. Thailand 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 34 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Alosim Thailand eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated

You can use the following Thai mobile networks with your Alosim Thailand eSIM:

Alosim Thailand eSIM Supported Networks (AIS, TrueMove & Dtac)

For more information on how these mobile operators perform, check out my Thailand SIM card buying guide, where I discuss the performance of each SIM card (in terms of coverage and speed).

Buying a SIM Card in Thailand Guide (logos of AIS, TrueMove H & Dtac)

Next, we have the Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIM, which… can be used in five Asian countries.

Who would have guessed 🗿.

It can be used in Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan & Thailand, and the eSIM has 5G NR access in all of them (except Malaysia).

It is the least covered Asia eSIM in this guide, as all the others cover at least six Asian countries + Australia and New Zealand.

But unlike some other regional eSIMs, 5G NR is not as widely available as with Alosim's Asia Five Pack – so that is something to keep in mind.

Let's see how much each of the five Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIMs cost:

  1. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD
  4. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 27.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

Go with the Alosim Thailand eSIM if you only stay in Thailand and the Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIM if you go to Hong Kong (5G), Malaysia, South Korea (5G), Taiwan (5G), and/or Thailand (5G) within 30 days to save some money.


Holafly eSIMs for Thailand

Holafly Logo
© Holafly

Holafly has two eSIMs that can be used in Thailand only or include Thailand:

  • Thailand – local use only with 5G NR access
  • Asia – Thailand and ten other Asian countries with 5G NR access

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off any Holafly purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Holafly is, together with Airalo, one of the most popular eSIM providers.

Holafly made a name for itself by introducing unlimited data plans in June 2022, which was uncommon back then.

While more eSIM providers have unlimited data eSIMs nowadays, Holafly has been expanding its unlimited data offering from the initial 45 countries to about 100 nations in 2023 (and still counting in October 2023).

To prevent abuse, you cannot tether (mobile hotspot) with any Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.

Initially, its Asia eSIM sucked, giving you 6 GB for 15 days (44 USD) and 10 GB for 30 days (54 USD).

That does not sound too bad… until you realize you could use a maximum of 500 MB daily.

Holafly Asia eSIMs

After numerous complaints (from me, Phone Travel Wiz readers & its customers), Holafly also introduced unlimited data for its Asia eSIM.

I love seeing eSIM providers taking my and their customers' feedback into account AND doing something about it 😎.

First, let's start with the Holafly Thailand eSIM, which gives you unlimited data between five days and 30 days:

  1. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD
  3. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD
  4. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD
  6. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD
  8. Thailand unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Holafly Thailand eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

Compared to Airalo's and Alosim's eSIMs (and Nomad mentioned later), these eSIMs are pricey.

But unlike them, Holafly gives you unlimited data for up to 90 days.

But there is a catch: as of August 2023, Holafly eSIMs are throttled @ 18 Mbps (even if you have 5G NR access), except for its Europe eSIMs (review).

This was not the case before that month (I even extensively used the Europe eSIM in July 2023, where I had normal/fast speeds until I headed to North America in August 2023 and noticed that its speeds were throttled in every country I visited after that).

While 18 Mbps is not terrible, it is also not amazing – especially knowing I have had download speeds of up to 160 Mbps before in various European countries.

But if you do not care about the fastest speeds, you do not have to worry about this speed restriction.

Next, we have the Holafly Asia eSIM, which can be used in 32 European countries, including Thailand.

Just like the Holafly Thailand eSIM, this eSIM is speed-restricted @ 18 Mbps.

And unlike the Holafly Europe eSIM (review), the Holafly Asia eSIMs are more expensive than the country-specific Holafly eSIMs.

For example, the Holafly Italy eSIM (review) and the Holafly Europe eSIM have the same options and prices as the images below.

Holafly Italy eSIMs
Holafly Europe eSIMs

The Holafly Asia eSIM can be used for up to 30 days, costing a maximum of 79 USD (up from 64 USD in August 2023), which only costs 64 USD in Europe).

I have been told that Holafly is actively trying to decrease the price and offer more options, but it may take a bit.

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

  1. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 27 USD
  2. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 34 USD
  3. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 37 USD
  4. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 79 USD (priced increased) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Holafly Asia eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

If you visited multiple supported countries during your trip, getting the Holafly Asia eSIM will be more affordable than buying multiple country-specific eSIMs.

The eSIMs are the same, except for the country-specific ones being geo-restricted (but the same roaming partners are used).

To discover which countries the Holafly Asia eSIM can be used in, check out my Holafly Asia review or the map below.

Holafly Asia eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version)

I never tried out the old version of the Holafly Asia eSIM (the one with 6 GB for 15 days and 10 GB for 30 days) because I thought it was of lousy value (and while I actively discouraged Phone Travel Wiz readers from using it, some did and had good experiences with it).

But since it was turned into an unlimited data eSIM, the speeds have been restricted to 18 Mbps like the country-specific Asian eSIMs, even in countries where speeds are incredibly fast.

As a result, I will not use the eSIM in every Asian country I visit anymore (unlike other regional Holafly eSIMs, like the European one) because I know the results will be the same.

But if things improve, I will pick the eSIM up again – you know I love testing eSIMs 🤪.

Anyway, go with the Holafly Thailand eSIM if you only stay in Thailand and the Holafly Asia eSIM if you go to two or more supported countries to save some money.

And remember, your speeds will be throttled @ 18 Mbps at all times (even on 5G NR) + you cannot tether (to prevent abuse).


Nomad eSIMs for Thailand

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Nomad has four types of eSIMs that can be used in Thailand only or include Thailand:

  • Thailand – local use only
  • APAC – Thailand and 14 or 19 other countries, depending on the eSIM, in Asia and Oceania
  • SEA-Oceania – Thailand and seven other Southeast Asian and Oceanian countries
  • Global – Thailand and 109 or 138 other countries, depending on the eSIM, worldwide

Be sure to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad order (new customers only).

Nomad, on average, has the cheapest eSIMs for Asian countries.

It also often has the most generous data allowances (up to 50 GB and even up to 100 GB at a time).

And some destinations even have unlimited data plans.

Yeah… I really recommend Nomad eSIMs for most Asian destinations.

In Thailand's case, you have the Nomad Thailand eSIM.

The Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in Asia Pacific (Oceania), including Thailand.

The Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM can be used in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Oceania, including Thailand.

Finally, the Nomad Global eSIM can be used in more than 100 countries, including Thailand.

Let's start with the Nomad Thailand eSIM with 11 options:

  1. Thailand 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Joytel), costing 4 USD
  2. Thailand 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Joytel), costing 6 USD
  3. Thailand 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 11 USD
  4. Thailand 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 14 USD
  5. Thailand 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 20 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Thailand 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 26 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Thailand 15 GB eSIM for 8 days (Dtac Thailand), costing 9 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  8. Thailand 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 30 USD
  9. Thailand 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 34 USD
  10. Thailand 30 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 80 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  11. Thailand 40 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 110 USD
  12. Thailand 50 GB eSIM for 10 days (Joytel), costing 12 8 USD (on sale)
  13. Thailand 50 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 125 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Nomad Thailand eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

But you are lucky in Thailand.

Unlimited data eSIMs are available for the country 🥳.

Well… not really – because there is a fair-use limit of 2 GB per day with Nomad's unlimited data eSIMs 🙄.

But at least it is upfront about it, unlike some other eSIM providers out there.

Nomad Unlimited Data Fair Use Policy

Anyway, the following five unlimited data eSIMs are available:

  1. Thailand unlimited eSIM for 1 day, costing 7 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Thailand unlimited eSIM for 3 days, costing 15 USD
  3. Thailand unlimited eSIM for 5 days, costing 20 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Thailand unlimited eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD
  5. Thailand unlimited eSIM for 10 days, costing 30 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

The Nomad Thailand eSIM uses the AIS Thailand network.

If you want to know whether this network is any good or not, check out my Thailand SIM card buying guide, where I go much more in-depth about Thai mobile operators.

Buying a SIM Card in Thailand Guide (logos of AIS, TrueMove H & Dtac)

You should know that the Nomad Thailand eSIM is powered by JoyTelecom (a sub-brand of Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) and CSL Mobile).

That is not an interesting fact (except for nerds like me 🤓), but eSIMs powered by JoyTelecom are throttled @ 42 Mbps or @82 Mbps, depending on the country (even on 5G NR).

While this is significantly faster than Holafly's eSIMs (@ 18 Mbps), I still wanted you to know about this speed restriction.

Some speed devils like myself do care 🐆.

If you plan to visit neighboring countries, you may be interested in Nomad's regional eSIM covering Thailand: Nomad APAC eSIM and Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM.

By getting the Nomad SEA-Oceania or Nomad APAC eSIM, you only have to purchase one eSIM instead of multiple country-specific ones, saving you money.

Let's start with the Nomad APAC eSIMs, you have two variants: the 15 Countries Plan and the 20 Countries Plan.

JoyTelecom powers the 15 Countries Plan (and is also speed-restricted), while the 20 Countries Plan is powered by eSIM Go (which we remember from Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs, right)?

JoyTelecom eSIMs, while covering more countries (20), are consistently cheaper than eSIM Go eSIMs (15 countries).

I go much more in-depth about the difference between the two providers in my ongoing Nomad APAC eSIM review, but this is what you need to know for now.

Nomad APAC eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Both the 15 Countries Plan and 20 Countries Plan eSIMs work in Thailand.

And you have these 11 Nomad APAC eSIMs:

  1. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD
  2. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 10 USD
  3. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 13 USD
  4. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD
  5. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 23 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 28 23 USD (on sale) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  8. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  9. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 45 days, costing 38 29 USD (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  10. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 62 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  11. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 30 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 65 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Nomad APAC 15 Countries eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.
Nomad APAC 20 Countries eSIM with Prices

As I said earlier, getting a Nomad APAC eSIM or a Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM will be the cheapest way to stay connected in the APAC region if you plan to visit two or more supported destinations.

Finally, we have Nomad's Global eSIM, which can be used in Thailand.

Personally, I have never been a fan of this eSIM because of how expensive it is.

Sure, I understand an eSIM covering more than 100 countries will be expensive, but cheaper alternatives exist (especially Airalo's Global eSIMs).

This is why I do not use this eSIM at all – it is too pricey.

But why do I even include it in this guide?

Because some Phone Travel Wiz readers do love this eSIM and actively purchase/use it.

This was mostly when Airalo's global offering covered 84 countries, while Nomad's global eSIM covered 110 countries instead.

Since June (Nomad) and July (Airalo) partnered with eSIM Go for their global offering, both cover 130+ countries with their eSIMs – but Airalo's is somehow (significantly) cheaper than Nomad's… AND had the call and text feature.

If Nomad introduces this (soon), I do not know.

However, I suspect the popularity of Nomad's global eSIM will drop because of Airalo's improved offering.

Enough doomer talk, there are three eSIMs per provider (Truphone – 109 Countries Plan and eSIM Go – 139 Countries Plan):

  1. Global (109 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Global (139 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 19 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Global (109 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Global (139 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Global (109 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Global (139 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Nomad Global eSIM 109 Countries Plan with Prices (Truphone)
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.
Nomad Global eSIM 139 Countries Plan with Prices (eSIM Go)

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

  • Åland Islands 2, 3
  • Albania
  • Algeria 2
  • Andorra 2
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan 2
  • Bahrain 2, 3
  • Bangladesh 2
  • Barbados 1
  • Belarus 2
  • Belgium
  • Bermuda 1
  • Bolivia 2
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina 2
  • Botswana 2
  • Brazil
  • Brunei 2
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon 2
  • Canada 2, 3
  • Central African Republic 2
  • Chad 2
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2
  • Congo, Republic of the
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic 2
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt 2
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini 2, 3
  • Faroe Islands 1
  • Fiji 1
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana 1
  • French Southern Territories 2
  • Gabon 2
  • Georgia 2
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland 2
  • Grenada 1
  • Guadeloupe 1
  • Guam 2
  • Guatemala
  • Guernsey
  • Guinea-Bissau 2
  • Guyana 1
  • Holy See (Vatican City) 1
  • Honduras 1
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India 2
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq 2
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Ivory Coast 2
  • Jamaica 1
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Jordan 2
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya 2
  • Kosovo 2
  • Kuwait 2, 3
  • Kyrgyzstan 2
  • Laos 2
  • Latvia
  • Liberia 2
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau 2
  • Madagascar 2
  • Malawi 2
  • Malaysia
  • Mali 2
  • Malta
  • Martinique 1
  • Mayotte 1
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat 1
  • Morocco 2
  • Mozambique 1
  • Myanmar 2
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger 2
  • Nigeria 2
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman 2
  • Pakistan 2
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico 1
  • Qatar
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia 2
  • Saint Kitts & Nevis 1
  • Saint Lucia 1
  • Samoa 1
  • San Marino 1
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal 2
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles 2
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands 1
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Suriname 1
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan 2
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad & Tobago 1
  • Tunisia 2
  • Turkey
  • Turks & Caicos 1
  • Uganda 2
  • Ukraine 2
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States 2, 3
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan 2
  • Vanuatu 1
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen 2
  • Zambia 2

1 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
2 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
3 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

Nomad Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version).png

To summarize: get the Nomad Thailand eSIM if you only stay in Thailand and the Nomad APAC eSIM or the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM in two or more supported countries to save money (get the eSIM Go variant for 5G NR access in variant countries).

You can get the Nomad Global eSIM, which can be used in at least 108 other countries besides Thailand, but Airalo's updated offering made Nomad's uncompetitive (for now).


Overview of the Best eSIMs for Thailand

That was quite a journey! There are so many eSIM options for Thailand or options that cover it.

And this was not even an exhaustive list! Many more eSIM providers have eSIMs for Thailand.

But the five I listed in this guide have good reviews. Moreover, I have tested them extensively in multiple countries on multiple continents and had (consistently) good experiences with them.

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 (take note of the activation policy of Nomad (Truphone) eSIMs – do not buy those eSIMs too early).

Thailand-only eSIMs:

Asia-wide eSIMs, which include Thailand:

Global eSIMs, which include Thailand:

And do not forget to use one of these discount codes for extra savings:

  • Airalo: APR15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. If you have, use APR10 for 10% off (each code can be used 3000 times among all Airalo customers, so better redeem it quickly!
  • Alosim: PTW for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
  • Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
  • Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD (or your currency's equivalent) if you have never purchased a Nomad eSIM

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.

Buying a SIM Card in Thailand Guide (logos of AIS, TrueMove H & Dtac)