✅ Article updated on May 30, 2025so you'll always have the latest news!
Finding the perfect SIM card for your stay in Thailand is a bit like finding the best tom yum soup: there are lots of options and you'll have to choose. each has its advantages.
After several trips (and a few problems with Wifi in rickety guesthouses), I can assure you that a good SIM or eSIM card is a must. changes the game.
Here's my complete guide, drawn from my own experience, to help you choose the best mobile operator in Thailand in 2025.
🇹🇭 Why buy a SIM card in Thailand?
Do you want to travel in peace and quiet and enjoy Thailand without having to think about it?
A local SIM card means indispensable.
Here's why:
Save money (and avoid unpleasant surprises)
Your European operator may have promised you the world, but it's mostly sending you hefty bills.
A local SIM card lets you call, surf and chat without breaking the bank.
Cell phone package prices in Thailand are downright exorbitant. affordable and often far more generous than what you'll find in Europe.
Benefit from a fast, reliable network
I tested the 3 giants of the sector: AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC.
The good news is that even in remote areas (such as the islands of the Andaman Sea), I had a network.
Practicality first
Having a Thai number means more flexibility when booking a massage, a hotel or using certain services. local apps.
📱 Which operator to choose?
AIS, TrueMove H or DTAC: it's a bit like choosing between pad thai, green curry or mango sticky rice.
Everyone has their own thing. AIS is the maximum coverage (even in open country).
TrueMove H is the easiest to find (thanks to 7-Eleven).
And DTAC is the cool option if you're trips throughout Asia.
👉 For me, the most practical option is eSIM (I've been able to use eSIMTHAILAND several times in recent years).
I'll tell you about it right after.
📲 SIM card or eSIM?
If you're hesitating between a classic SIM card and an eSIM, here's a guide to help you make the right choice:
The benefits of eSIM (tried and tested)
✅ Activation as soon as you step off the plane
✅ No passport required (unlike conventional SIM cards)
✅ No risk of overspending
✅ Valid in 148 countries (ideal if you're continuing your trip to Asia)
✅ You can keep your European SIM card to receive calls/SMS
💬 My feedback
Having tested both the classic SIM and the eSIM, I can tell you that the eSIM is a real winner for me. makes life easier.
No more running to the stores or pulling out my passport every time I change SIMs.
And what about the network?
Very good, even on the beaches of Koh Phayam or in the rice paddies of the north (and I wasn't able to test 5G because I didn't have a compatible phone).
🛍️ Where can you buy your SIM card (or eSIM)?
✈️ At the airport: convenient, but often more expensive. Prices are generally swollen for tourists.
🏪 In the 7-Eleven : practical for TrueMove H (but not necessarily the best deal).
🏬 In town: in official operator boutiques (often the best prices and promos).
💻 Online: for eSIM, I recommend eSIMTHAILAND.
❓ FAQ - All you need to know (answers to your questions)
Do I have to buy my SIM card at the airport?
It's fast, but often more expensive. In town, you'll find better packages and special offers.
Do I need to show my passport to buy a SIM card?
Yes, for physical SIMs. No, for eSIM.
What's the best SIM card for 15 days?
Unlimited data eSIM or Thailand Tourist SIM (AIS) at 699฿.
How do I call France from Thailand?
Dial 007, 008 or 009 + 33 + your number without the first 0.
What are the emergency numbers?
Tourist police: 1155
Regular policy: 191
Firefighters: 199
Ambulance: 1669
TAT: 1672
French Embassy: +66 (0)81 994 4901.
Want to keep exploring the land of smiles? Here are a few not-to-be-missed reads:
💰 Change your money in Bangkok (without getting fleeced)
🚉 How do I book a train ticket in Thailand?
😎 When to go to Thailand
English 
cedricg06
Hello Flo
Thank you for this article, I've been looking for several days for information on an eSim for my phone to use during my trip to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand in February 2023.
5 years ago I took a Dtac package bought locally in Bangkok, which made my stay much easier, internet everywhere and all the time, Google maps was my best friend, as was the voice translator which got me out of a few misunderstandings...
In my opinion, eSim Thailand offers better value for money than Dtac's happy tourist package, with 16 days 30GB for 9.99$+1$ VAT (€11) versus 15 days 30GB for 599THB (€17).
Question ? Can I get a Thai phone number with this eSim?
I'll be sure to post a comment when I get back to give you an update on this solution.
Flo
Hello Cedric,
Yes, you'll get a Thai number.
I look forward to your return, you should not be disappointed.
Flo
Isabelle
Thanks for the esim deal. It worked very well for my son (a few cold sweats when we tried to order it via the phone but no problem when we did it via the computer). The 4g works well when the wifi is weak. Thanks for this great deal.
Flo
Hi Isabelle, thanks for your feedback. Enjoy your vacation!
greg
Hi Flo and thanks for all the valuable info you share!!!!
Can I also make calls with the eSim card? Can we buy credit cards at 7/11 like the other AIS sims, DTAC ...
Kind regards
Greg
Flo
Hi Greg,
Yes, you'll be able to make calls and send SMS if you credit your esim via the DTAC app 🙂
Greg
Thanks Flo!
Bonne continuation
Lisa
What's the point of an e-sim (another SIM) if you can't at least make calls!!!!
Blanc Manon
Hello Flo,
Thank you for these articles, I have a small question about the E Sim for Thailand, so you have to buy it before leaving and scan the QR Code once you get there is that it?
So you have it on paper if you don't travel with a computer?
Thanks for your reply.
Have a nice day!
Flo
Hello Manon,
That's right! You'll have to :
Good day to you too 🙂
Blanc Manon
Thank you so much for your reply! And for your tips/articles, very useful to prepare your trip ????
Flo
With pleasure 🙂
Julie
Hello,
Thanks for all the information!
If I understand correctly this esim gives internet access but to get phone minutes, you have to credit an account in addition? Is this necessary or do you just make watsapp calls?
Thank you ????
Flo
Hello Julie,
Yes, you've got it right. For most of us, having a sim with internet is more than enough, as we can call for free via WhatsApp, Messenger, LINE... 🙂
SANDRAM
Hi, Can I use whatsApp with this type of card? Thanks
SANDRAM
Hello, Is it possible to continue using WhatsApp and instagram with this esim? How do you deactivate your basic plan and avoid charges since the physical sim card remains in the phone? Thanks
Flo
Hello,
Yes, it is possible to continue using WhatsApp and all other applications as before with this eSim.
When you activate your eSim, your smartphone will ask you to choose your default network, then simply select your eSim (so that calls/sms/internet are routed via the eSim).
At the end of your stay, all you have to do is switch back to your traditional operator (e.g. Orange), and in a matter of seconds you'll be back on the same service as before.
Serge
Hello Flo, it's almost time for us to leave and I'd like to thank you very much for all your excellent explanations, by far the best.
Great esim plan!
Question: we are not vaccinated against COVID, does this currently pose a problem for entering Thailand? Because on the site that you advised us about insurance, it seems that you have to be? What do you think?
Flo
Hello Serge,
As of July 1, 2022, COVID insurance is no longer compulsory for travel to Thailand, but I still recommend having travel insurance, useful in case of a problem!
Bon voyage!
JIJI 59
Hi Flo, on the subject of eSIM, you should know that not all phones are compatible with this Sim mode. So it would be nice to talk about the best "normal" Sims when you come to Thailand (tourist and expat). Thanks and good luck Flo.
Flo
Hi, there,
You're right. There are already several compatible models, but clearly not all of them are yet.
I'll take your comment into account when I next update this article, which I'll do very soon.
Thank you 🙂
Will
Hello,
I discovered the site and your quality sharing. Many thanks to you.
The ergonomics of the site are very original. Congratulations.
A question that may seem "naive" about the prices indicated on the esimthailand.com website: the prices are in $. Is this in US Dollars?
Also, what do you recommend for my 15-day stay, including 5 in Cambodia and 10 in Thailand? What choice do I have for Internet access in these two countries?
Thank you.
Flo
Hello Will,
Thanks for your message!
All prices are in US dollars.
For a stay in several Asian countries, I recommend "eSIM Asia Unlimited", which lets you use your eSIM in 13 Asian countries (including Cambodia).
You can find out more here: https://esimth.pxf.io/nLvrko
Franck
Hello, to use crab, you say you have to use a Thai SIM card to get a number. I am with the operator free with 35go of data in Thailand so am I obliged to take an eSIM or the races ordered by crab will pass with my free package? Thanks in advance
Flo
Hello Franck,
Things have changed now and you can use your French number for Grab.
Isabelle
Hello,
Thank you for all this information.
Can a phone with an e-sim share its connection with another?
We're staying 2 days in Bangkok before leaving for Laos. Is the card valid in both countries? Do we need to carry out an additional operation?
Thank you!
Flo
Hello Isabelle,
Yes, a phone with eSim can share its connection just like a classic sim card.
A multi-country eSim is required for use in Laos and 12 other countries: https://esimth.pxf.io/21q5QD
bompis
Hello, I need a clarification...if I take an esim, ok for the connection in tahilande, with a thai number, but I won't be able to make or receive calls from France, on my SFR phone line? thank you very much for these precious advices.
Flo
Hello,
You will be able to use your eSIM to have internet in Thailand and to make/receive calls with your French sim, be careful to check the cost of the calls 🙂
Massuir Didier
Bonjour Flo, Excellent site! I'm returning to Thailand for the third time to show it to my family, who have never been. We're staying 18 days in Thailand (bangkok, kanchanaburi, ayutthaya, chiang mai and phuket) and I'd like to go for a 20-day esim. Do you think it's a good choice? What would you recommend? And can I already order it and print out the paper that I'll scan when I get off the plane?