Enjoy Thailand eSIM: Tips for great travel value

I'm Flora, a global travel enthusiast and celebrity travel blogger from Canada. During my recent trip to Thailand, I spent 12 days in this beautiful country exploring the rich culture, beautiful landscapes and delicious food. During this trip, I chose to use an eSIM in order to stay connected in different areas. Below are my detailed experiences and insights, designed to help you make better choices on future trips.

1. Which eSIM is the best in Thailand?

DTAC

DTAC (Total Access Communication) is the second largest telecom operator in Thailand, offering extensive network coverage and a wide range of package options.

• Wide network coverage: DTAC has good network coverage in major cities and tourist spots in Thailand. When I traveled around Bangkok and Phuket, DTAC's signal was very stable and ensured that I was always online.

• Diverse packages: DTAC offers a wide range of eSIM packages to suit different types of users. Whether you are a short-term traveler or a long-term resident, you can find the right option. For example, I chose a data package for short-term use in Chiang Mai that suited my needs perfectly.

• High price: Compared to other carriers, some of DTAC's packages are more expensive and may not be suitable for travelers on a budget.

AIS

AIS (Advanced Info Service) is the largest telecom operator in Thailand, known for its high-speed 4G and 5G networks.

• High Speed Internet: AIS's internet speed is second to none in Thailand. When I visit shopping centers in Bangkok, using AIS's eSIM allows me to quickly download large files and watch videos smoothly.

• Extensive customer support: AIS has multiple service centers in major cities, making it easy for users to get help at any time. I had some network problems in Phuket, and the AIS staff was very friendly and quickly solved the problem for me.

• Complexity of packages: AIS's packages are relatively complex, and taking time to compare them carefully when choosing one may be confusing for some users.

PhoneSIMGo

PhoneSIMGo is an eSIM service provider designed for international travelers, offering a convenient purchase and activation experience.

• Quality Customer Service: PhoneSIMGo offers 7x24 customer support. When I encountered internet issues during my visit to Chiang Mai, their customer service responded quickly and provided a solution that allowed me to seamlessly continue my trip.
• Affordable : Compared to DTAC and AIS, PhoneSIMGo's packages are more competitively priced for travelers on a budget. PhoneSIMGo's network performance was also very stable in several cities I visited.

2. Does eSIM support all areas in Thailand?

• Coverage
  • In the major cities I visited such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, the network coverage of PhoneSIMGo was very extensive and the signal was stable. When I used my cell phone on the beach in Phuket for a video call, the signal remained good with little interruption.
  • I also traveled to some remote areas, such as the mountain villages of Chiang Mai, and PhoneSIMGo was still able to maintain a good connection, ensuring that I was always able to access information and share moments from my travels.

3. What is the difference between eSIM and data roaming?

• Cost Transparency
  • Using eSIM allows me to avoid high roaming charges. Before traveling, I chose a data package that suited my needs and made sure I wouldn't be worried about going over budget with my data usage.
  • For example, at the night market in Chiang Mai, I can always use my phone to look up food recommendations without worrying about exceeding data traffic charges.
• Instant activation
  • Another benefit of the eSIM is that I can activate the network as soon as I arrive in Thailand without having to wait for roaming services. I easily scanned the QR code when I was at Bangkok airport and was connected to the network within minutes.

4. When is the best time for me to activate my eSIM?

• Activate on arrival
  • I recommend purchasing and activating an eSIM before arriving in Thailand. while at Bangkok International Airport, I took advantage of the free Wi-Fi connection and completed the activation by quickly scanning the QR code from PhoneSIMGo. This allowed my phone to connect to the internet while I was picking up my luggage, avoiding the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi.
• Prepare ahead of time
  • Purchasing and confirming the activation time in advance can make the trip go smoother. I easily purchased my eSIM through the official website of PhoneSIMGo before my trip, ensuring that I could activate it quickly upon arrival.

5. How do I purchase an eSIM in Thailand?

5.1 How to purchase

Official channels of DTAC and AIS

Both DTAC and AIS, the major telecom operators in Thailand, offer eSIM services. You can buy it from their official stores or online platforms. However, using these official channels usually the package price may be high and the customer service response is too slow, which may cause inconvenience to many travelers.

Advantages of PhoneSIMGo

Unlike DTAC and AIS, PhoneSIMGo offers a more convenient and privacy-friendly buying experience. I don't need to register my real name here, which makes me feel more at ease when traveling, especially when it comes to protecting my privacy.

5.2 Premium Customer Service

• 7x24 hour support
  • During my trip in Thailand, I had some internet connection problems. At this time, PhoneSIMGo's customer service is especially important. They provide 7x24 hour support to ensure that I can get help at any time. Whether I was in the busy streets of Bangkok or on the beach in Phuket, their customer service team was always able to solve my problems quickly.
• Professional tech support
  • I encountered some minor problems in a cafe in Chiang Mai, and customer service not only responded quickly, but also provided detailed steps to solve the problem and helped me restore my internet connection without any problems. This efficient service made me feel very relieved during my trip.

5.3 Privacy

• No real-name registration required
  • One of the biggest advantages of purchasing an eSIM with PhoneSIMGo is that there is no need to register your real name. This not only reduces the risk of personal information being compromised, but also allows me to use my data more freely while traveling. For many travelers who like to keep a low profile, this is certainly an important consideration.
• Data security
  • PhoneSIMGo also does a great job of privacy protection, ensuring that users' personal information is not misused. I didn't encounter any privacy issues during my usage, which gave me great trust in their service.

5.4 Price advantage

• Value for money
  • After I compared the packages from DTAC, AIS and PhoneSIMGo, I found that PhoneSIMGo's price is more competitive. While DTAC and AIS packages may be more sophisticated in some aspects, the price advantage of PhoneSIMGo allowed me to save money on my trip without sacrificing network quality.
• Flexible package options
  • PhoneSIMGo offers a wide range of flexible data packages for different types of travelers. As I travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I can always adjust the packages according to my usage to ensure that I don't waste too much or too little data.

5.5 Network Stability

• Multi-country compatible
  • PhoneSIMGo's eSIM is not only available in Thailand but also compatible with multiple other countries. This is very convenient for me as I plan to travel to other countries after my trip and simply continue to use the same eSIM without having to change it frequently.
• Good Network Coverage
  • On the beach in Phuket, I used the eSIM from PhoneSIMGo for social media sharing and video calling with a stable signal and fast speed. In the remote areas I explored, the internet connection was equally satisfactory, ensuring I stayed online wherever I went.

5.6 eSIM services designed for traveling

• Tailored for travelers
  • The eSIM service from PhoneSIMGo is designed for international travelers, taking into account the needs of travelers in different countries. In Thailand, I can easily use their service and enjoy a seamless internet experience.
• Convenient activation process
  • With a simple QR code scan, I was able to activate my eSIM within minutes of arriving in Thailand, avoiding the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi at the airport or purchasing a traditional SIM card. This convenient activation process allowed me to easily access the Internet at the beginning of my trip.

6. Convenience of eSIM

6.1 Quick activation and seamless connectivity

Convenience on Arrival

Activating the eSIM immediately upon my arrival at Bangkok International Airport was one of my favorite parts of the trip. With a simple QR code scan, I was activated within minutes and could connect to the network as I went. This quick activation process meant I didn't have to waste time at the airport looking for Wi-Fi or buying a traditional SIM card, ensuring I stayed online early in my trip.

Real-time information access

Being able to be online at all times was incredibly convenient for me as I explored Bangkok. I can instantly find information on attractions, restaurant reviews and transportation routes to make sure I'm on the right track. For example, when visiting the Grand Palace, I was able to find opening hours and ticket information on my cell phone, avoiding unnecessary waits.

6.2 Affordable

Avoid high roaming charges

Using eSIM has significantly reduced my travel costs. Before traveling to Thailand, I chose a suitable data package to avoid high data roaming charges. On the beach in Phuket, I can use as much data as I want without worrying about going over budget.

Flexible package options

PhoneSIMGo's eSIM packages offer a wide range of options to suit the needs of different travelers. In Chiang Mai, I adjusted my data package according to my usage to ensure that I didn't waste excess traffic. This flexibility made me more comfortable while traveling.

6.3 No need to change SIM cards

Managing multiple devices

During my travels, I used my phone, tablet and laptop. Using eSIM allowed me to easily manage the network connections of these devices without having to change SIM cards frequently. This was especially handy when I traveled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, where I could quickly switch data packages in my phone's settings to seamlessly connect to the network.

Convenient cross-border use

Another advantage of eSIM is its cross-border compatibility. I don't need to worry about changing SIM cards frequently when I plan to travel to other countries. eSIM from PhoneSIMGo can be used in multiple countries. In this way, I can continue to enjoy a stable network connection and avoid inconvenience while traveling.

6.4 Privacy

No real name registration required

Using an eSIM from PhoneSIMGo eliminates the need for me to provide personal information, which is essential for my privacy while traveling. Compared to SIM card purchases from local carriers, which usually require real-name registration, eSIM's privacy protection gives me peace of mind.

Secure Online Payment

During my travels in Thailand, I felt very comfortable using my eSIM for online payments and banking matters. Whether I was at a market in Chiang Mai or a restaurant in Bangkok, I was able to complete my transactions smoothly without worrying about information leakage.

6.5 Excellent Customer Service

7x24 hour support

During my travels, I encountered some internet problems. The customer service provided by PhoneSIMGo gave me peace of mind, as their customer service team was online 24/7 and was able to answer my queries quickly. When I was experiencing signal problems while visiting the temples in Chiang Mai, customer service quickly provided me with a solution to ensure that I could continue to browse and share my experience.

Professional Technical Support

When I was using eSIM, customer service not only answered my basic questions, but also provided detailed technical support. For example, when I was experiencing slow network speeds in Phuket, customer service gave optimization suggestions that helped me restore the smoothness of the network.

6.6 Share travel experiences in real time

Convenient social media updates

Being able to use my data to upload photos and videos to social media at any time while visiting beautiful beaches and ancient temples is one of the great joys of my travels. eSIM allows me to quickly share my travel stories and stay in touch with friends and family. I easily share the beautiful moments under the sunset in Phuket.

Real-time access to information

Being able to access information in real time is also crucial when traveling. When I was traveling to the night markets in Bangkok, I used my phone to look up recommendations for local food and activities to make sure I didn't miss any moments.

6.7 Suitable for all kinds of travelers

Backpackers and frequent travelers

For backpackers and frequent travelers, the convenience and affordability of eSIM makes it an ideal choice. In the multiple cities I visited, eSIM allowed me to easily manage my data traffic, stay connected and avoid high roaming charges.

Digital Nomad

Digital nomads who need to work while traveling will also find the eSIM a great fit. It provides a stable internet connection to ensure they can get their work done wherever they are. When I was working in a cafe in Bangkok, the eSIM allowed me to video conference smoothly.

Family Traveler

For family travelers, the convenience of eSIM should not be underestimated. Each family member can be online and stay connected at all times. At the market in Chiang Mai, my family members can use their respective cell phones to find information while I get a quick overview of nearby events and attractions.

7. What if my phone is not eSIM compatible?

• Device Check

  • Before I left, I made sure my phone supported the eSIM feature. Most modern smartphones are compatible with this feature, but if you have an older device, you may need to consider other options.

• Alternate options

  • For those who don't support eSIM, physical SIM cards can be easily purchased in stores in Thailand. At convenience stores in Bangkok, I've seen many tourists opting to purchase traditional SIM cards for travelers who don't want to use an eSIM.

  For further review of compatibility issues, click [“2025 esim compatibility list”]

8. Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Thailand

8.1. Does using eSIM affect your other applications?.

Using eSIM will not affect your other applications and functions, you can use calls, SMS and various applications that require internet as usual to make your traveling experience smoother.

8.2. Where can you find an eSIM that suits your needs?

You can find eSIMs at major international airports and major cities in Thailand through convenience stores, carrier specialty stores, and even some coffee shops, making the choice very convenient.

8.3. Does my phone work with eSIM? How do I confirm?

You can find the “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” option in your phone's settings and check if there is an option to “Add eSIM” to make sure your device is compatible.

8.4. What eSIM packages are available in Thailand?

You can compare the packages from AIS, DTAC and TrueMove, but I would recommend PhoneSIMGo's travel esim packages, as they usually offer the flexibility of per-day or per-traffic billing, making it easier for you to choose the right package according to your travel schedule.

8.5. Do the steps to activate eSIM confuse you?

Not at all! Usually you just need to scan the QR code and follow the instructions to set up, the whole process is simple and clear, especially for those who are not too tech-savvy.

8.6. How much traffic should I choose for my eSIM package?.

This depends on your usage habits. If you plan to use social media or video calling frequently, it's smarter to choose a high traffic package to make sure you're always online.

8.7. What is the approximate cost of an eSIM and is it worth it?

The cost of an eSIM usually ranges from $5 to$30, which is worth it considering you're avoiding tedious SIM card changes while traveling.

8.8. Will the network signal be stable when using eSIM in Thailand?

Network signal is usually good in popular areas such as Bangkok and Phuket, but in some remote islands or mountainous areas, the signal may be limited, so it's important to prepare in advance.

8.9. What should I do if the network is unstable after eSIM activation?

If you encounter problems, you can restart your phone first to make sure the settings are correct. If the problem persists, contact your carrier's customer service or visit their store for help.

Conclusion

All in all, choosing eSIM added a lot of convenience to my trip to Thailand. Whether it's the efficient customer service, privacy protection, price advantage, or quality internet connection, I am very satisfied. If you are also planning to travel to Thailand, I highly recommend using the eSIM service, it will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable! I hope my experience can help you in your journey and I wish you all a pleasant trip!