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Top 3 Best Thailand eSIM Providers for Tourists Compared

If you are planning to take a trip to Thailand, have you prepared all the necessary things in your luggage? 

Personal items, plane ticket, visa, and an important thing – internet connection. Using eSIM for Thailand travel is one of the most convenient ways to stay connected in Thailand (and many other countries).

Did you find where to buy eSIM for Thailand travel? If not, you should not miss this post. Here we uncover the top 3 best Thailand eSIM providers compared and their plans for tourists.

Top best Thailand eSIM providers for tourists

I. Overview about eSIM market in Thailand

Does Thailand have eSIM for tourists?

Yes. In addition to traditional travel SIM cards, travelers to Thailand now can use eSIM to stay connected during their trip without hassles. 

The use of eSIMs among travelers in Thailand is becoming increasingly popular because of its affordability and convenience.

What is eSIM for tourists in Thailand?

An eSIM is a virtual/digital SIM card embedded into the motherboard of a smartphone or other mobile device. It can be activated online and used for both mobile data and voice services. 

While a traditional SIM uses a plastic card, an eSIM is remotely programmable. It means you can change your carriers, buy data plans using software only. It normally is activated by scanning a QR code or managed through an app. 

Where to buy travel eSIM for Thailand?

You can either buy a travel Thailand eSIM plan online from local mobile operators, eSIM providers or buy it offline at airports or local stores in Thailand. 

There, you can choose from a variety of eSIM plans based on your needs and budget. The plans are varied by validity, data volume and other features like voice calls or SMS. 

Some providers also offer eSIMs with unlimited data usage for a particular period of time, but you should be aware of its speed throttling.

The eSIM market in Thailand is dominated by 3 major mobile operators, namely AIS, DTAC,  TrueMove H. These companies provide eSIMs with varying benefits, like free local calls and text messages, international roaming and discounts on many popular tourist destinations. 

Thailand esim vs physical sim - quick comparison
Thailand eSIM vs physical SIM

eSIM vs Physical SIM cards: Quick comparison

Here is the quick comparison between eSIM and traditional physical SIM cards:

The main advantages of using an eSIM for traveling in Thailand are:

  • It removes the need to swap physical SIM cards, which can be associated with the risk of being lost, stolen or damaged. 
  • It is more convenient for tourists who frequently move around and visit many destinations
  • eSIM can be activated and managed through an app, so tourists can monitor their data usage and buy additional plans if necessary.
  • You can switch between networks with a few taps

The disadvantages of using an eSIM are:

  • It only works on eSIM-supported devices, most of them are newly published. They are iPhone 13 series 
  • Its price is more expensive than the traditional.
  • It is hard to switch devices
  • Network operators may not support your device

II. How to choose the best Thailand eSIM providers and plans for travel? Key criterias

What do you need to consider when choosing eSIMs for Thailand?

There are a number of factors to consider to make sure you get the most suitable plan for your needs and the best value for your money. 

1. Coverage

Coverage is a main factor when choosing the best Thailand eSIM plans for a Thailand trip. Make sure that the plan you choose covers the areas that you are going to visit in Thailand. To do it, check the coverage maps provided by the eSIM provider. 

2. Speed

Faster data speeds will (often) warrant for a better user experience and allow you to access online services more quickly. 

Thailand has a well-developed 4G LTE network. The speed and quality of the network in Thailand vary by mobile operators and destinations. While data speed is faster in most urban areas, slower speeds often appear in some remote or rural areas. So, you should check with eSIM providers before purchase.

Besides, some providers also offer plans that prioritize speed for certain activities like gaming or video streaming, which can be useful for those who are going to use mobile data on these activities. 

3. Data packages and pricing

You should choose data plans that cover the amount of data you want to have. So, carefully consider your data usage needs to avoid overspending on unused data or running out of data prior to the end of your trip. Find out the expiry of the data plan as well.

Pricing is an important factor to consider upon choosing a data plan for Thailand travel. Each eSIM provider offers specific pricing models, so the price of data plans can vary widely. 

It is recommended to compare the pricing of different plans from eSIM providers to find the most suitable for your needs. 

4. Activation process

The eSIM installation and activation process should be taken into account when choosing the best Thailand eSIM plan for your needs. Why? Depending on the eSIM provider, the activating process can vary in terms of speed and ease. Some providers offer a user-friendly activation process that can be completed in minutes, while others may require more steps that can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Instant activation can be very useful if you need mobile data instantly upon arrival in Thailand.

5. Customer support

While eSIM providers offer user-friendly and reliable services, unexpected problems like technical issues can still happen during your trip. In such cases, it is essential to access responsive customer support so you can resolve any problems as fast as possible. 

It is recommended to choose eSIM providers being available 24/7 and offering many support channels, such as chat, hotline, email,…

You should also look for an eSIM provider that offers support in your native language or a language that you can communicate in comfortably. 

The advice is to check customer reviews and ratings on Google Reviews or Trustpilot of your chosen eSIM providers to assess their overall reputation. 

III. Top 3 best Thailand eSIM providers and Best eSIM plans for travelers to Thailand – Compared

We pick 3 of the top Thailand eSIM providers in the market. They all offer plans that fit different users’ needs and budgets.

First, we give you a preview of the table comparing eSIM Thailand plans from these eSIM providers.

ProvidereSIM plansFeaturesValidityNetworkPrice (USD)
Thailandesim.comTHAI 15GB – 8D UltdUnlimited (15GB high speed data)8 daysDTAC$8.9
Thailandesim.comTHAI 30GB – 15D UltdUnlimited (30GB high speed data)15 daysDTAC$19.9
Thailandesim.comTHAI 3 days3GB – 50GB3 daysDTAC$4.90 – 62.90
Thailandesim.comTHAI 5 days3GB – 50GB5 daysDTAC$5.00 – $67.50
Thailandesim.comTHAI 7 daysDaily 1GB/day – 50GB7 daysDTAC$5.50 – $70.00
Thailandesim.comSING – THAIDaily 1GB/day – 50GB5/7/10/15/30 daysSingapore (Singtel, M1, StarHub), Thailand (DTAC)$5.00 – $89.50
Thailandesim.comMALAY – THAIDaily 1GB – 50GB5/7/10/15/30 daysMalaysia (Celcom, DiGi), Thailand (DTAC)$5.00 – $89.50
Thailandesim.comSING – MALAY – THAIDaily 1GB – 50GB5/7/10/15/30 daysSingapore (Singtel, M1, StarHub), Malaysia (Celcom, DiGi), Thailand (DTAC)$5.00 – $89.50
Thailandesim.comTHAI – VIET – CAMDaily 1GB – 50GB5/7/10/15/30 daysThailand (DTAC), Vietnam (Viettel, Vinaphone), Cambodia (Smart, Metfone)$5.00 – $89.50
Thailandesim.comSING – MALAY – INDO – THAIDaily 1GB – 50GB5/7/10/15/30 daysVary by destination$5.00 – $89.50
Thailandesim.comSING – MALAY – THAI – INDO – CAMDaily 1GB – 50GB5/7/10/15/30 daysVary by destination$5.00 – $89.50
Thailandesim.comASIA 8 countriesDaily 500MB – 50GB1/5/7/15/30 daysvary by destination$2.00 – $89.50
Thailandesim.comGO INTER 6GB – 8D Ultd6GB high speed data8 daysvary by destination$24.9
AiraloUnlimited8 daysDTAC$9.9
AiraloUnlimited15 daysDTAC$19.9
HolaflyUnlimited5 daysTrueMove / DTAC$19
HolaflyUnlimited7 daysTrueMove / DTAC$27
HolaflyUnlimited10 daysTrueMove / DTAC$34
HolaflyUnlimited15 daysTrueMove / DTAC$47
HolaflyUnlimited20 daysTrueMove / DTAC$54
HolaflyUnlimited30 daysTrueMove / DTAC$64
Holafly
Unlimited60 daysTrueMove / DTAC$84
HolaflyUnlimited90 daysTrueMove / DTAC$99

Below we review features, pros and cons of each provider:

1. Thailandesim.com

Thailandesim.com is a specialized eSIM provider for the Thailand travel market. This is an advantage because when specializing in a specific market, prices, diversity, and service quality will be more focused than other providers.

The provider offers the most diverse eSIM packages on the market. Depending on individual needs and travel features, you can choose an eSIM package exclusively for Thailand or a regional package that includes Thailand and the countries you will visit on your trip. Check out Thailandesim Store for more detailed about such plans.

5 packages exclusively for Thailand:

  • THAI 15GB – 8D Ultd: Unlimited data (with 15GB high speed data), for $8.9
  • THAI 30GB – 15D Ultd: Unlimited data (with 30GB high speed data), for $19.9
  • THAI 3 days: 3GB – 50GB total, valid for 3 days, for $4.90 – 62.90
  • THAI 5 days: 3GB – 50GB total, valid for 5 days, for $5.00 – 67.50
  • THAI 7 days: 3GB – 50GB total, valid for 7 days, for $5.50 – 70.00

8 packages that cover Thailand:

  • SING – THAI: Daily 1GB – 50GB total, valid for 5/7/10/15/30 days, for $5.00 – 89.50
  • MALAY – THAI: Daily 1GB – 50GB, valid for 5/7/10/15/30 days, for $5.00 – $89.50
  • SING – MALAY – THAI: Daily 1GB – 50GB, valid for 5/7/10/15/30 days, for $5.00 – $89.50
  • THAI – VIET – CAM: Daily 1GB – 50GB, valid for 5/7/10/15/30 days, for $5.00 – $89.50
  • SING – MALAY – INDO – THAI: Daily 1GB – 50GB, valid for 5/7/10/15/30 days, for $5.00 – $89.50
  • SING – MALAY – THAI – INDO – CAM: Daily 1GB – 50GB, valid for 5- 30 days, for $5.00 – $89.50
  • ASIA 8 countries: Daily 1GB – 50GB, valid for 5/7/10/15/30 days, for $5.00 – $89.50
  • GO INTER 6GB – 8D Ultd: 6GB high speed data, valid for 8 days, for $24.9

Let’s review the advantages and disadvantages of Thailandesim.com below:

Advantages:

  • Offers the most diverse eSIM plans compared to other providers (13 packages), including packages exclusively for Thailand and packages for the region covering Thailand.
  • Each eSIM package offers many options for customers, from data volume to number of days of use, making it suitable for most customer needs.
  • Competitive rates compared to other providers in the market
  • Uses the DTAC network – one of the top 3 networks in Thailand
  • Quick and easy installation and activation, only takes a few minutes
  • Allow hotspot/tethering and Top up
  • Local phone number
  • 24/7 customer support is available in many languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese

Disadvantages:

  • A new brand that is not well known in the market (since 2022)
  • Only offers packages for Thailand and some Asian countries.
Thailand eSIM plans of Thailandesim.com
Thailand eSIM plans of Thailandesim.com

2. Airalo

Airalo is a reputable eSIM provider for travelers on the market. This provider offers eSIM packages for tourists to over 200 countries and regions worldwide, including Thailand. Currently, Airalo only has 2 eSIM packages for travelers to Thailand and 6 regional packages that include Thailand. The packages are not diverse in terms of usage days, so there are not many choices for travelers compared to Thailandesim.com.

The eSIM packages for Thailand from Airalo include:

  • Unlimited data, valid for 8 days, $19.9
  • Unlimited data, valid for 15 days, $19.95

The eSIM packages for 13 countries in Asia include:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days, $5
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days, $13
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days, $20
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days, $37
  • 50GB, valid for 90 days, $100
  • 100GB, valid for 180 days, $185

Let’s review the advantages and disadvantages of Thailandesim.com below:

The advantages of Airalo’s Thailand eSIM packages are:

  • A reputable provider with many years of experience on the market (since 2019)
  • Stable speed at most famous destinations in Thailand
  • There are calling credits with Airalo’s Thailand-only eSIM packages
  • Uses the network of DTAC – a top provider in Thailand
  • User-friendly app for convenience

The disadvantages are:

  • Mainly long-term packages, so there are not many options for customers
  • Higher prices than Thailandesim, but more affordable than Holafly
  • No top-up, no hotspot/tethering
  • Slow response and customer support than Thailandesim, but faster than Holafly
Thailand only eSIM plans from Airalo
Thailand only eSIM plans from Airalo
Asialink eSIM plans from Airalo - include Thailand
Asialink eSIM plans from Airalo – include Thailand

3. Holafly

Holafly is an eSIM provider that offers mobile data plans with a good reputation. In Thailand, it works almost everywhere, including some pretty remote areas. It is because the eSIM switches carriers based on whichever has the best signal.

So, instead of only using one carrier – like Airalo or Thailandesim or physical SIM locally, your Holafly Thailand eSIM gets coverage from multiple carriers. 

08 eSIM packages for Thailand from Holafly include:

  • Unlimited data, valid for 5 days, $19.00
  • Unlimited data, valid for 7 days, $27.00
  • Unlimited data, valid for 10 days, $34.00
  • Unlimited data, valid for 15 days, $47.00
  • Unlimited data, valid for 20 days, $54.00
  • Unlimited data, valid for 30 days, $64.00
  • Unlimited data, valid for 60 days, $84.00
  • Unlimited data, valid for 90 days, $99.00

02 eSIM packages for more than 12 countries in Holafly include:

  • 6GB, valid for 15 days, $44
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days, $54

Let’s review the advantages and disadvantages of Thailandesim.com below:

The advantages of Holafly’s Thailand eSIM packages are:

  • Unlimited data (but just a specific amount of data at high speed, the left is throttled to 384kbps)
  • A reputable provider with many years of experience on the market (since 2018)
  • Stable connection at most famous destinations in Thailand
  • No local phone number
  • Uses more than one network carriers, so it is more warranted to always stay connected during your trip in Thailand 
  • Multi-language customer support

The disadvantages are:

  • Higher prices than Thailandesim and Airalo
  • No hotspot/tethering and top-up
  • Support seems to be the slowest in compared with Airalo and Thailandesim.com
Thailand eSIM plans from Holafly
Thailand eSIM plans from Holafly

Thailandesim.com vs. Airalo vs. Holafly – which one is better?

I believe that, for Thailand travel, Thailandesim.com is better than Airalo and Holafly, because of the following reasons:

  • They offer more plans (including Thailand local and regional)
  • They have more plans for short trips and for people with low data usage
  • Their plans are usually cheaper than Airalo and Holafly
  • Their support is enthusiastic and quick
  • The website is easier to use and requires fewer steps when buying an eSIM

Hope you have all the information about the best Thailand eSIM providers you need for deciding the best eSIM for Thailand travel you need to pick. 

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