With a Thailand eSIM, you can roam like a local and avoid costly network charges. Choosing the best Thailand eSIM can be tricky as there are a number of great options, for example Revolut, which offers you a sign-up bonus of £20. Here’s who provides them and how to get one.
Much like a physical SIM, to get an eSIM for Thailand, you’ll need to purchase one from a provider. This is usually done online or via your chosen provider’s app; you just need to make sure that you have a device that is eSIM compatible. Remember, when researching eSIMs, you’ll need to estimate how much data you think you’ll use in Thailand, as most providers will offer different data plans that you can choose from.
You can do all this before you arrive in Thailand, so you can use your data immediately after you land.
| Provider | Key features | Data options | Coverage duration | Price range | Can you buy in the UK? | Offers/bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | Data-only plans. £20 cashback bonus when you sign-up. | 1 GB – 100 GB | 7 – 60 day plans | £3 – £35 | Yes, can buy in-app quickly and easily. | £20 sign-up bonus |
| Holafly | Data-only, customisable plans. | Unlimited | 1 – 90 day plans | £3.79 – £120 | Yes, can buy in-app or online. | No bonus |
| Nomad | Offers both data-only eSIMs and plans with calls. Free trial eSIM for new users. | 1 GB – Unlimited | 7 – 30 day plans | £3.71 – £24.49 | Yes, can buy in-app or online. | No bonus |
| Saily | Data-only plans. New security features and 115+ virtual locations you can choose from. | 1 GB – Unlimited | 7 – 30 day plans | £2.23 – £53.65 | Yes, can buy in-app or online. | No bonus |
| Maya Mobile | Data-only plans. Offers plans up to 180 days, plus a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work. | 5 GB – Unlimited | 5 – 180 day plans | £4.99 – £53.99 | Yes, only through website. | No bonus |
| Jetpac | Data-only plans. Free access to Whatsapp Chat, Uber, Grab and Google Maps when your data runs out. | 1 GB – Unlimited | 1 – 30 day plans | £3.50 – £49.18 | Yes, can buy in-app or online. | No bonus |
| Airalo | Offers both data-only eSIMs and plans with calls and texts. | 1 GB – Unlimited | 7 – 30 day plans | £3.50 – £27 | Yes, can buy in-app or online. | No bonus |
Revolut is an app that works as your handy financial travel companion. Not only can you spend abroad fee-free using your Revolut card, but you can also get yourself an eSIM plan for Thailand. Revolut has a range of data plans ranging from 1GB for 7 days up to 100GB for 60 days.
All plans can be bought in-app from the UK before you go, or during your travels, so you can mix and match or top up as you go. You can also track your usage to make sure there’s no surprises, and even use your existing RevPoints balance to redeem against your data plan.
Revolut eSIMs use the 1GLOBAL network in Thailand.
If you’re a new Revolut customer, you can get access to a £20 welcome bonus which is a great extra perk that sets it apart from other eSIMs.
eSIM specialist, Holafly, offers unlimited data plans for over 160 destinations, including Thailand. You can install and activate your eSIM in the UK before you leave, and then connect to speeds of 3G/4G/5G as you travel around. You can also control your plan through your app or at the Holafly Center, a portal designed to manage your eSIM.
Holafly eSIMs use the AIS and True networks in Thailand.
Nomad’s eSIM options in Thailand range from 7 days to 30 days, with unlimited data available on some. You can choose data only or get a plan that also allows calls and texts, and you can purchase it whilst still in the UK. Some plans will work in other countries as well as Thailand, which could be handy if you’re travelling around. It’s worth noting that Nomad eSIMs won’t work in parts of southern Thailand because there is an ongoing insurgency there, but the UK government advises against non-essential travel to those regions anyway.
Nomad eSIMs use the AIS and True networks in Thailand.
Saily’s plans range from 7 days to 30 days, which you can purchase in the UK, so you can get the right one for your needs. Options include just Thailand, Asia and Oceania (which is Asian countries plus Australia and New Zealand) or global (over 110 countries). Saily’s main USP is their various security features, If you’re regularly travelling around the world and want more, you can also buy Saily Ultra, which provides unlimited data in more than 110 countries and comes with a range of other benefits.
Saily eSIMs use the True network in Thailand.
Maya Mobile offers offers data-only eSIM plans for Thailand, ranging from small fixed‑data packages (1 GB–40+ GB) to Unlimited daily‑high‑speed plans. Plans range from 5 days to 180 days with the option to extend it, so if you’re looking for an eSIM that will last a few months, this could be your best option. You’ll get connected to one of Thailand’s top tier networks, AIS, and personal hotspot shairing is included, meaning if you have a travel group you can share it with them.
Maya Mobile eSIMs use the AIS network in Thailand.
Also, if your eSIM doesn’t work or your plans change, Maya Mobile offers a generous 180‑day money‑back guarantee.
Jetpac’s eSIM options in Thailand are a bit more comprehensive than some other providers. Its unlimited plans start from 3 days and go up to 30 days, so you’re able to buy the amount you think you’ll need. It also offers free access to Whatsapp Chat, Uber, Grab and Google Maps even when your data runs out. If you’re travelling in the region, a plan that allows you to use your eSIM in other countries could be handy and Jetpac has options here too.
Jetpac eSIMs use the AIS and True networks in Thailand.
Airalo is another provider that offers an eSIM option in Thailand. Its plans are available from 7 days up to 30 days, so you have plenty of choice depending on the length of your trip. You can buy plans just for use in Thailand or get an eSIM that works in other Asian countries or even a global one. It has plans that offer data, calls and text or you can opt for a data-only plan if you prefer. Unlimited data is available on the more expensive plans.
Airalo eSIMs use the AIS and True networks in Thailand.
"When I went travelling across Thailand, I wanted an eSIM that would be easy to setup and give me access to flexible and affordable data plans. The Airalo eSIM offered me exactly that.
The app gave clear and simple instructions on how to choose and install the eSIM, which I could download in advance and then connect to once I arrived. I used a 30 day 50GB data package which lasted me the entire month at an affordable price, with the option of topping up if necessary.
I went on to use the same eSIM for the following 3 months whilst travelling Southeast Asia and I had no issues at all."
If you’re heading to Thailand for a week or so, it’s likely you’ll be looking for a 7-day Thailand eSIM. Here’s a comparison of the main options:
| Provider | Plan | Price | Data (largest package) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | 7 days | £3 | 1 GB |
| Holafly | 7 days | £24 | Unlimited |
| Nomad | 7 days | £3.71 | 1 GB |
| Saily | 7 days | £2.23 | 1 GB |
| Jetpac | 7 days | £3.72 | 3 GB |
| Airalo | 7 days | £3.50 | 1 GB |
If you’re going to Thailand for a month, you’ll be looking for a 30 day Thailand eSIM. As most providers now offer multiple 30-day plans, we’ve chosen to compare each provider’s largest data package. Check out our comparison of the main options below:
| Provider | Plan | Price | Data (largest package) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | 30 days | £13.50 | 20 GB |
| Holafly | 30 days | £60 | Unlimited |
| Nomad | 30 days | £24.49 | Unlimited |
| Saily | 30 days | £53.65 | Unlimited |
| Maya Mobile | 30 days | £40.99 | Unlimited |
| Jetpac | 30 days | £65.99 | Unlimited |
| Airalo | 30 days | £21.50 | 50 GB |
If you’re looking for an eSIM from a provider based in Thailand, rather than a global eSIM provider like those above, we’d recommend choosing from one of our top two picks: AIS or True.
AIS is regarded as having the best network coverage and speed in Thailand. It offers a tourist eSIM for travellers, with plans ranging from 5 days to 30 days. You can top up your plan if you’re in Thailand for longer. All those plans come with unlimited data, so you’ll be able to stay connected as long as you have reception, which is likely in most places with AIS. AIS also sells eSIMs that work outside of Thailand, so it’s a decent option all round if you’re doing some country hopping.
True completed a merger with DTAC in 2023, which was previously considered the second best provider in Thailand for network and coverage, forming the True Corporation. True offers a slightly more affordable eSIM option for tourists when compared to AIS. It offers plans that range from 8–30 days, unlimited data (but speed is capped if you go over a set limit depending on the plan) and the option for data-only plans or ones that come with calls and texts as well.
If you don’t want to purchase your eSIM online or via an app, then there’s an option to buy it in person. For example, some airports have carrier kiosks, where you can purchase prepaid eSIM plans for your trip. Alternatively, mobile operators also have eSIMs available at their stores, typically located in shopping malls.
If you’re thinking you can pick one up at your local 7-Eleven, you’ll be out of luck. While they sell prepaid physical SIM cards, they’re not likely to have eSIMs just yet.
Before buying yourself an eSIM, check that your device is compatible. Most modern smartphones, such as iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models, support eSIMs. However, if you have an older model handset, you may not have that function.
The benefit of an eSIM is that you can temporarily change to another network, which makes it ideal for travelling around Thailand. It allows you to connect to the local mobile network, which is much cheaper than paying roaming costs to your UK network. Just make sure that you get the right data plan for you. Pick something flexible and easily managed, so you can travel stress-free.
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