eSIM for Thailand

eSIM, roaming or a local SIM in Thailand

Here is how the main options compare, so you can decide what suits your trip.

How much data to plan for

Thailand trips often run for several weeks, and travellers use their phones constantly for maps, ride-hailing, bookings and sharing. These rough figures can help you estimate:

• Maps and navigation: a few megabytes per hour of walking, driving or riding.
• Ride-hailing and food delivery: light; each booking uses little data.
• Messaging and email: light, though photos and videos add up.
• Social media: moderate to heavy, especially with beach, temple and street food video.
• Video calls: typically several hundred megabytes per hour.
• Streaming video: heavy, often over a gigabyte per hour in high definition.

Before you travel

Installing an eSIM needs an internet connection, so do it at home on Wi-Fi. First check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.

Then follow the install guide for iPhone, Samsung or Pixel. Label the line "Travel", keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and set the Spidot line for mobile data.

• Install a day or two before departure, not at the gate.
• Keep the QR code email in a safe place.
• Install Grab and Bolt and verify your number while you still have home Wi-Fi.
• Download offline maps for the north and any islands you plan to visit.
• Install a translation app with Thai downloaded for offline use.

Arriving in Thailand

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi, the main international hub, and Don Mueang, used mostly by low-cost airlines. Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Koh Samui also have international flights. Others arrive overland from Malaysia, Laos or Cambodia.

When you land, choose the Spidot line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it, as explained in our data roaming guide. Allow a minute or two for the phone to connect; if needed, switch flight mode on and off.

Coverage in cities, mountains and islands

In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and other cities and resort areas, mobile data generally works well, and main roads and the popular islands are usually covered. Mobile data in Thailand is provided via DTAC and True Move H.

Coverage can be weaker in some places:

• Northern mountains: the winding roads around Pai, Mae Hong Son and Doi Inthanon pass through hills and forests where signal can drop.
• National parks: Khao Sok, Khao Yai and Erawan have signal at the main entrances, but trails, lakes and caves can have none.
• Small islands: islands such as Koh Lipe, Koh Kood and quieter parts of Koh Lanta and Koh Chang can have patchier coverage away from main beaches.
• At sea: ferry and speedboat crossings usually keep signal near the coast, with dips on longer routes.
• Border areas: near the borders with Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, your phone may pick up a neighbouring network.

Data on Skytrain, trains, buses and ferries

Thailand's transport ranges from modern rail to longtail boats. A data connection helps with every kind.

Hotspot for laptops and travel companions

Personal hotspot lets you share your eSIM data with a laptop, tablet or a travel companion's phone. It uses whichever line is set for mobile data, so make sure that is the Spidot line. This is handy in beach bungalows with weak Wi-Fi, for remote workers and for couples or families sharing one plan.

Pause cloud sync, automatic updates and photo backups on laptops before connecting, and choose a larger or unlimited plan if several devices will share your data.

Staying safe on public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is common in Thai cafés, hotels, malls and hostels. It is convenient but not always secure.

• Use your eSIM data for banking, payments and logins.
• Check the network name with staff before connecting.
• Turn off automatic connection to open networks.
• Keep your phone's software up to date before you travel.
• Be wary of unexpected messages about parcels, fines or bookings asking you to click a link or pay.

Practical tips for Thailand

Some local knowledge that makes a data connection more useful:

• Currency: Thailand uses the baht. Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but street food, markets, tuk-tuks and small shops usually need cash.
• Convenience stores: they are everywhere and sell snacks, drinks, phone chargers and power banks.
• Temples: cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes where asked. Be respectful when taking photos.
• Weather: the rainy season brings heavy afternoon downpours, and the timing differs between the Andaman and Gulf coasts. A weather app helps you plan boat trips.
• Water festivals: during Songkran in April, water fights take over streets. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
• Language: English is common in tourist areas but less so elsewhere. Camera translation helps with menus and signs.

Combining Thailand with other countries

Thailand is at the centre of many Southeast Asia routes. Popular combinations include Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Luang Prabang and the Mekong in Laos, Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, and onward flights to Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia or the Philippines.

For trips through several countries, buy one eSIM per country, install them before you leave and switch the active data line when you cross each border. For a trip in Thailand only, a Thailand plan keeps things simple.