The Best eSIM for Travelling to Thailand in 2025

Travelling to Thailand in 2025 promises to be an exciting experience filled with vibrant cities, stunning beaches, rich culture, and delicious street food. However, staying connected is crucial for navigating unfamiliar places, booking transport, sharing experiences on social media, and keeping in touch with family and friends. Instead of relying on costly international roaming or the hassle of buying a local SIM card upon arrival, eSIM technology provides a seamless solution for travellers.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. This makes it perfect for frequent travellers, as you can set it up before arriving and switch between plans effortlessly. If you’re wondering which eSIM is best for Thailand in 2025, here are some of the top choices based on coverage, pricing, data plans, and overall reliability.

1. DTAC Happy Tourist eSIM

DTAC is one of the largest mobile network providers in Thailand, offering extensive 5G coverage across the country. Their Happy Tourist eSIM is designed specifically for visitors and comes with a range of flexible plans that cater to different travel needs.

Pricing & Plans:

• 10 Days: 50GB of high-speed data + 100 minutes of local calls for $9.90 USD.
• 15 Days: Unlimited data, local calls, and SMS for $19.90 USD.
• 30 Days: Unlimited data with additional international calling credit for $34.95 USD.

Benefits:

• Strong nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage, even in remote areas.
• Comes with a Thai phone number for local calls.
• Free incoming calls and SMS.
• Ideal for travellers needing both data and calling capabilities.

Downsides:

• Requires activation via DTAC’s app or website.
• Some users have reported slower speeds in rural areas.

2. Smartroam eSIM

Smartroam uses the AIS/AWN mobile network, one of Thailand’s most reliable networks, providing strong 4G and LTE connectivity. This makes it an excellent choice for travellers who want uninterrupted mobile data without worrying about network congestion.

Pricing & Plans:

• 7 Days: Unlimited data for $29.00 USD.
• 30 Days: Various plans ranging from £7.50 to £17 depending on data needs.

Benefits:

• Uses AIS’s robust network, ensuring reliable service.
• Multiple plan durations to match different travel lengths.
• Competitive pricing for long-term travellers.

Downsides:

• Data-only plans; no local phone number included.
• No access to traditional SMS or call services.

3.Holafly eSIM

Holafly is well-known for offering unlimited data eSIMs, which is ideal for those who rely heavily on internet services for streaming, navigation, and communication.

Pricing & Plans:

• 5 Days: Unlimited data for $19.90 USD.
• 7 Days: Unlimited data for $29.90 USD.
• 15 Days: Unlimited data for $47.00 USD.
• 30 Days: Unlimited data for $69.00 USD.

Benefits:

• No need to track data usage since all plans offer unlimited data.
• Simple activation process via the Holafly app.
• Best for digital nomads or travellers who need constant high-speed internet access.

Downsides:

• No local Thai phone number or SMS capability.
• A fair usage policy applies, meaning speeds may slow down after excessive usage.

4. Airalo eSIM

Airalo is one of the most popular global eSIM providers, offering cost-effective data plans for Thailand. If you’re looking for affordable short-term plans, Airalo is a great choice.

Pricing & Plans:

• 7 Days: 3GB of data for $7.50 USD.
• 15 Days: 5GB of data for $12.00 USD.
• 30 Days: 10GB of data for $20.00 USD.

Benefits:

• Budget-friendly compared to other providers.
• Supports 5G connectivity where available.
• Easy top-up options if more data is needed.

Downsides:

• Data-only plans, meaning no phone number or calls.
• Lower data limits compared to unlimited plans from other providers.

5. aloSIM eSIM

aloSIM provides eSIM plans in over 200 countries, including Thailand, making it a versatile option for those travelling beyond Thailand to other destinations in Asia.

Pricing & Plans:

• 1GB for 7 Days: $5.00 USD.
• 3GB for 30 Days: $15.00 USD.
• 5GB for 30 Days: $20.00 USD.
• 10GB for 30 Days: $34.00 USD.

Benefits:

• Low-cost short-term data plans.
• A free international phone number is included.
• Easy activation through their app.

Downsides:

• No unlimited data options.
• Speeds may be slower during peak hours.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for Thailand

When selecting an eSIM for Thailand, consider the following factors:

1. Device Compatibility: Ensure your phone supports eSIM technology and is unlocked for international use.
2. Data Needs: If you stream a lot or use heavy data applications, unlimited data plans (like Holafly) may be best. If you use minimal data, a smaller plan from Airalo or aloSIM might suffice.
3. Plan Duration: Short-term visitors (under 10 days) can opt for DTAC’s Happy TouristeSIM, while long-term travellers may find Holafly or Smartroam better suited.
4. Local Number: If you need to make local calls or receive messages, DTAC is one of the few providers that offer a Thai phone number.
5. Coverage: While all eSIM providers mentioned work well in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, some may have slower speeds in rural areas.
6. Budget: Compare cost-effective options like Airalo and aloSIM if you’re on a budget.

My Recommendation

My recommendation is the DTAC’s Happy Tourist eSIM – through Airalo! It provides excellent 5G and 4G LTE coverage across Thailand, making it a reliable choice for both city and rural travellers. The inclusion of a Thai phone number, free incoming calls, and a variety of flexible plans ensures that visitors stay connected effortlessly. Additionally, its affordable pricing and easy activation process make it a top pick for solo travellers, digital nomads, and vacationers alike.

Whichever eSIM you choose, make sure to purchase and activate it before you travel so you can start using data as soon as you land in Thailand. The best eSIM for travelling to Thailand in 2025 depends on your specific needs. DTAC’s Happy Tourist eSIM is excellent for those needing a local phone number and calls, Holafly is ideal for unlimited data users, while Airalo and aloSIM provide budget-friendly data-only options. If you prioritise strong network coverage and longer plans, Smartroam is a reliable choice.

Whichever eSIM you choose, make sure to purchase and activate it before you travel so you can start using data as soon as you land in Thailand.