How can you access the internet in Thailand? Here are the solutions you absolutely need to know about!

When planning your trip to Thailand, one question inevitably comes up: how can you stay connected once you're there? Let's be honest, traveling without the internet these days is complicated. Whether it's to check your itinerary, translate a sign, order a taxi, or share your photos of temples, you're going to need it all the time.

If you're reading this article, you're doing the right thing by getting informed before you go. Thailand has excellent 4G and 5G coverage, especially in large cities and tourist areas. But be careful: using your French mobile plan while you're there can be expensive due to international roaming charges.

👉 So, I'm going to show you all the possible solutions for getting internet access in Thailand. You can read the whole article to compare them at your leisure, but if you want to get straight to the point: eSIM is clearly the best option. Simple, quick to install, and ideal for travelers.

And if you want to know why, or find out about other alternatives (free Wi-Fi, local SIM card, pocket Wi-Fi, etc.), stick with me and I'll explain everything so you can travel light and stay connected.

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Rony

2025-10-23

7 min read

Connexion internet en Thaïlande avec vue sur Bangkok

How can I access the Internet for free in Thailand?

Good news: free Wi-Fi is very easy to find in Thailand. In hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and even airports, you will often have access to open networks. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are particularly well connected.

There are also public Wi-Fi hotspots in some tourist areas and transportation stations. These are convenient for checking a map or sending a message, but be careful: these connections can sometimes be slow or insecure.

Avoid entering sensitive data such as your passwords or bank details.

Traveling with your French mobile plan in Thailand: is it a good idea?

You might think, "No need to worry about it, I'll just use my French plan while I'm there." Bad idea 😬.

Outside the European Union, most operators still charge high roaming fees, and Thailand is no exception. The result: a few videos on Instagram or a Google Maps route, and you could end up with a hefty bill.

Some operators offer "World" or "International" options, but these are often limited: low data allowances, slow connections, or daily rates that quickly add up.

👉 In summary: keep your US phone plan for receiving text messages or making emergency calls, but for everything else, opt for a local solution or an eSIM. You'll save a lot of money and enjoy fast connectivity as soon as you arrive in Thailand.

How can I get internet on my phone in Thailand?

In Thailand, there are several ways to stay connected throughout your trip. It all depends on your budget, the length of your stay, and how easy you want it to be:

  • The eSIM: This is the most convenient and fastest solution. You purchase it online before you leave, download it via a QR code, and you're connected as soon as you arrive at Bangkok or Phuket airport. No need to look for a store or change your SIM card.
  • Local SIM card: You can buy one directly at the airport or at 7-Eleven. This is a good alternative if your phone does not support eSIM. Prices are affordable, and operators such as AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove offer excellent coverage.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: This is a small device that you can rent to connect several devices at once (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.). It's handy if you're traveling in a group, but you have to remember to recharge it and return it at the end of your stay.

👉 If you want a reliable, fast, and hassle-free connection, eSIM is still the best option. You save time, avoid queues, and can enjoy the internet as soon as you land.

What exactly is an eSIM?

It's a digital SIM card that you add directly to your phone by scanning a simple QR code. In just a few seconds, you're connected. No plastic, no chip to insert: everything is virtual, but it works exactly like a traditional SIM card (or even better).

And the big advantage is that at Voilà, we offer an eSIM specially designed for travelers in Thailand:

Unbeatable price, much more attractive than competitors

No blocked apps (TikTok, banking apps, etc. → everything works)

Connection sharing included, to connect your computer or tablet

Tried and tested reliability

Responsive French-speaking customer service → you speak to a human, not a robot

And if there is ever a problem, a refund is guaranteed.

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No more roaming fees

Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.

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FAQ: Internet in Thailand

How can you tell if your phone is compatible?

Instantly check if your device supports eSIM technology.

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Rony

Rony is our in-house travel-connected expert. Always curious and never too far from an airport, he explores the latest destinations while testing the newest eSIM solutions. He signs our articles on travel and mobile technology, with a single mission: to turn his discoveries into clear, reliable, and smart advice to accompany you anywhere in the world.