Best eSIM for Thailand: networks, data and islands

How to pick the best eSIM for Thailand: which network to look for, coverage on the islands, how much data you need and how to set it up before you land.

The best eSIM for Thailand connects to one of the big Thai networks and covers the length of your trip. For most travellers, about 1 GB per day is enough. Install it at home on Wi-Fi and switch it on when you land in Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai. You skip the SIM counter queue at the airport and keep your own number on your home SIM.

Which network should a Thailand eSIM use?

Thailand has three main mobile networks: AIS, TrueMove H and NT. AIS and True cover nearly all towns, main roads and tourist islands. 5G is common in Bangkok and other big cities. Each plan page shows the networks the plan connects to.

Coverage on the islands and in the north

Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi have good coverage in towns and on the main beaches. Signal can be weak on boats between islands, in national parks and on remote beaches. In the north, coverage is good in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai but thinner in the mountains around Pai. Download offline maps and your bookings before boat trips and treks.

How much data do you need?

Light use (about 0.5 GB a day): maps, messaging, ride apps and some browsing.

Normal use (about 1 GB a day): the above plus social media, photo uploads and a few video calls.

Heavy use (2 GB or more a day): streaming, many video calls, or sharing your connection with a laptop.

A one-week beach trip with normal use needs about 7 GB. Travellers who work remotely from Bangkok or Chiang Mai often prefer an unlimited plan; check the plan for any fair-use speed limit.

Do you need a Thai phone number?

Most travel eSIMs are data only. Grab, Bolt and LINE work over data, and so do WhatsApp and FaceTime. Some hotels and tour operators prefer to message you on LINE, so it is worth installing before you go. Your home SIM can stay on for bank codes, with its data roaming off.

How to set up your Thailand eSIM

Buy your plan on ViraSIM and open the email or the My eSIMs page.

At home, on Wi-Fi, scan the QR code or tap the install button. It takes about two minutes.

Name the new line "Thailand" and leave it off until you travel, if the plan's days start on first connection.

When you arrive, turn on the Thailand line, choose it for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it.

Keep your home line on for calls and texts, with its data roaming off.

Tips for using data in Thailand

Install Grab or Bolt before you land. Both need data to book rides from the airport.

Thai QR payments use local bank apps, which visitors usually cannot open. Carry cash and a card as well.

Heavy rain can slow the network for a while. Download what you need before a storm sets in.

Keep a power bank on island-hopping days. Boats rarely have places to charge.

Bottom line

Pick a plan on AIS or True that covers your trip length, at about 1 GB per day, and install it before you fly. See all Thailand eSIM plans, with prices updated live. Travelling on to Vietnam, Cambodia or Malaysia? An Asia eSIM covers several countries with one plan.

eSIM plans for Thailand