AIS (Advanced Info Service)
Known for widest nationwide coverage and strong rural reach. Great all-rounder if youâll explore cities + offbeat places.
4G / 5GRural coverageTourist SIM/eSIM
đšđHandy Traveler Guide
Thailand Cellular Data for Tourists
Major networks, typical prices, how to get SIM/eSIM, and practical tips on when, where, and how travelers actually use mobile data across Thailand.
Why choose an eSIM in Thailand
- No physical SIM swap: scan a QR code or download the profile and youâre live.
- Great for keeping your home SIM active for calls/texts while using local data on eSIM.
- Tourist-friendly eSIM plans are available from both AIS and TrueMove H.
- Device compatibility matters: your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM (check your model on carrier lists).
Network providers: AIS vs TrueMove H
Thailandâs big three operators dominate the market and cover nearly all destinations travelers visit. Hereâs a closer look at the two most common choices for tourists.
AIS (Advanced Info Service)
- Thailandâs largest network with excellent nationwide coverage including rural areas.
- Offers eSIM services for locals and tourists; online eSIM purchase and immediate use are supported.
- Tourist SIM/eSIM plans include high data and 5G access (e.g., 25 GB/8 days, 35 GB/15 days, 50 GB/30 days, unlimited 30 days).
TrueMove H
- Major network under True Corporation with strong performance in cities and popular areas.
- eSIM supported (switch from physical to eSIM and certain online purchases available).
- Tourist eSIM availability online can be limited; some purchases may require an in-store visit. Offers both unlimited and volume plans.
TrueMove H (True)
Often excellent speeds (especially 5G) in Bangkok and major hubs. Solid along highways and popular coasts.
Fast in cities4G / 5GTourist SIM/eSIM
DTAC
Good value and strong in cities & popular islands. Rural coverage is improving but can trail AIS in remote zones.
Budget-friendly4G / 5GTourist SIM/eSIM
Typical Tourist Prices & Plans
Indicative packages youâll commonly see. Airport counters are convenient, while city shops or apps may have small discounts. âUnlimitedâ plans usually include fair-use throttling.
Rate used for display: ฿36.5 â $1
Quick picks: 8â15 day trips â AIS 15 GB / DTAC 30 GB / True âUnlimitedâ (FUP). eSIM-only travelers can use dataâonly eSIMs and keep their home SIM active for calls.
| Provider | Data / Notes | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIS | 25 GB (Tourist eSIM option) | 8 days | ฿399 |
| AIS | 35 GB | 15 days | ฿599 |
| AIS | 50 GB | 30 days | ฿899 |
| AIS | Unlimited data (FUP may apply) | 30 days | ฿1699 |
| TrueMove H | 15 GB (volume plan) | 8 days | ฿299 |
| TrueMove H | Unlimited data (Tourist) | 8 days | ฿449 |
| TrueMove H | Unlimited data (Tourist) | 15 days | ฿699 |
| DTAC | â 30 GB | 15 days | ฿399 |
| AIS / True / DTAC | Various tourist bundles | 1â30 days | ฿49-999 |
| Travel eSIM | Dataâonly (e.g., 1â20 GB) | 7â30 days | ฿180-730 |
Prices vary by promo; check the carrier or eSIM app for latest offers.
How Tourists Buy & Activate the eSIM
For AIS
- Confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked (check AIS device list).
- Use an AIS Shop or official online portal; AIS supports online eSIM purchase and immediate use.
- Buy a tourist eSIM package (choose data + validity).
- Receive a QR code/activation link and install the eSIM: Settings â Mobile Data â Add eSIM.
- On arrival in Thailand, switch mobile data to the AIS eSIM profile and enable data roaming if needed.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls/texts if desired.
For TrueMove H
- Ensure device eSIM compatibility and that itâs unlocked (True/DTAC confirm eSIM support).
- Visit a True Shop or use the True App (e.g., âSwitch to True eSIMâ). Some tourist eSIMs may require an inâstore visit.
- Select the tourist eSIM package and obtain the QR/profile.
- Install and activate after arrival; switch data to the new plan.
- Use as dataâonly or with local voice/SMS depending on package.
General Tips
- Make sure your device is unlocked; if eSIM setup fails, a physical SIM at airport/city stores is a quick fallback.
- Keep your home SIM active for reachability; use eSIM primarily for data.
- Install before you arrive (if buying online) so you just activate when you land.
- Validity usually starts on first use; time activation with your arrival.
- Check coverage for remote areas; AIS often has stronger rural reach.
Airport Kiosks
Fastest route: buy at BKK/DMK/HKT/CNX arrivals. Staff activate & set up your SIM/eSIM with passport registration. Online within minutes.
7âEleven & Malls
Pick up a SIM almost anywhere. Bring your passport for quick registration. City stores sometimes have better prices than airports.
Online eSIM (Dataâonly)
Buy before you fly. Scan a QR code, autoâconnect on landing. Perfect if you donât need a local number (use WhatsApp/LINE instead).
How, When & Where Youâll Use Data
Navigation & Transport
Google/Apple Maps for walking & transit; Grab/Bolt for rideâhailing and food. Download offline maps before remote trips.
Messaging & Calls
WhatsApp and LINE are ubiquitous. Tourist SIMs include cheap local calls or use VoIP/video calls over data.
Social & Cloud
Share reels, stories, and back up photos on the go. Hotels/cafĂŠs offer WiâFi for heavy uploads and app updates.
Coverage Across Thailand
- Cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket): 4G everywhere, 5G common. True often fastest; AIS very consistent.
- Highways & Trains: Generally steady 4G/5G; brief rural dead zones possible.
- Islands & Coasts: Popular islands have solid 4G/5G. AIS tends to reach the farthest; all three work well where tourists stay.
- Remote Areas: Expect patchy spots in mountains/parks. Grab offline maps and a power bank.
Smart Tips
- Bring your passport for SIM registration (legal requirement).
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports Thai 4G/5G bands.
- Mind fairâuse rules on âunlimitedâ plans (speed may throttle after high usage).
- Topâups are easy: buy at 7âEleven or via carrier apps to extend data/validity.
- Battery life: Maps + camera drain fast. Carry a power bank for big sightseeing days.
FAQ
Is eSIM widely supported?
Yes. AIS, True, and DTAC all support eSIM for compatible phones. Airport counters and major stores can help activate local eSIMs; thirdâparty travel eSIMs are dataâonly and quickest to set up.
Do I need a Thai phone number?
Dataâonly eSIMs are fine for most travelers. If you need local calls or SMS (e.g., for OTP), choose a tourist SIM/eSIM from a Thai carrier which includes a number and some call credit.
Airport vs city prices?
Airports are ultraâconvenient and usually only slightly pricier. If youâre budgetâminded and not in a rush, compare plans in a carrier shop or 7âEleven in town.
Summary & Recommendations
- If your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, eSIM is the most convenient way to connect and keep your home SIM active.
- Pick AIS for strong overall and rural coverage, generous data, and a widely trusted brand.
- Pick TrueMove H for short stays and competitive pricing with good city/island coverage; verify eSIM purchasing steps in advance.
- Match plan validity to your trip length (8/15/30 days) and pick data amounts accordingly (25â50 GB suits most 1â2 week trips).
- Unlimited plans are convenient but often subject to fairâuse policies; check terms if heavy usage is expected.
- Activate early (before arrival or on landing) to streamline airport transport and logistics.