SIM card Thailand: The complete guide to finding and buying the best mobile package

Today, Thailand boasts excellent network coverage, both in terms of 4G/5G and Wi-Fi.

• Almost all hotels, inns, resorts and guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi.
• Cafés, restaurants, shopping malls and coworking spaces almost always have a connection available to customers.
• Even in many more rural areas and on certain islands, a stable mobile connection is now available.

On the other hand, public Wi-Fi can be :

• variable quality depending on location (slow at peak times, unstable in some hotels),
• sometimes insecure,
• and not always available when you really need it (transport, travel, excursions, etc.).

Whether via a physical SIM card or, more simply, via an eSIM, having mobile Internet access is clearly one of the elements that will condition the smooth running of your trip. In concrete terms, having a local SIM (physical or eSIM) allows you to:

• ✅ use Google Maps to get around without getting lost,
• ✅ order Grabtaxis in seconds,
• ✅ check out last-minute activities or hotels,
• ✅ search for a nearby restaurant, ATM, pharmacy or hospital,
• ✅ send messages on WhatsApp, Messenger or Line (widely used in Thailand),
• ✅ receive bank validation or authentication SMS messages,
• ✅ work remotely if needed, even on the move.

This is the number one criterion. For a typical trip, most uses consume data:

• gPS navigation (Google Maps),
• social networks,
• light streaming (YouTube, TikTok),
• whatsApp / FaceTime online calls.

For a stay of :

• 7 to 10 days → 5 to 10 GB may be sufficient,
• 2 to 3 weeks → 10 to 20 GB are more comfortable,
• more than one month or intensive use / work → unlimited data or large volume recommended.

Always check :

1. that the duration corresponds to your stay,
2. that the card is not activated too early (before your departure),
3. and that it remains valid until the end of your trip.

When you get there, you may be tired after a long flight, with no Wi-Fi, no Thai, and no desire to deal with complicated activation. A good solution is :

• activate quickly,
• on arrival,
• without lengthy administrative procedures,
• nor a mandatory visit to the boutique.

• Physical SIM card: requires you to find a point of sale, open your phone and remove your current SIM.
• eSIM: can be installed remotely via a QR code, without any hardware manipulation or loss of your main SIM, and can be ready even before you leav

Airport kiosks often offer package deals:

• more expensive than average,
• with limited data volumes,
• and inflexible offers.

Advantages :

• ✅ good networks,
• ✅ wide choice of packages.

Disadvantages :

• ❌ sometimes long waiting times,
• ❌ formalities (passport, registration),
• ❌ activation not always immediate,
• ❌ language barrier possible outside tourist areas.

One solution:

• simple,
• fast,
• but often limited in choice of packages and data volume.

It is particularly appreciated for its ability to :

• cover both major cities and more remote areas,
• maintain a stable connection even in transit,
• offer reliable Internet access even outside tourist centers.

Its network is renowned for :

• offer excellent 4G and 5G speeds,
• offer a comfortable experience for streaming, video calls or telecommuting,
• high performance in large cities and dense urban areas.

It is appreciated for :

• the simplicity of its prepaid offers,
• its clear interfaces (website and mobile applications),
• accessible customer support, including in English.

• buy your package directly online,
• receive the eSIM by e-mail within minutes of purchase,
• install it by scanning a QR code,
• and be connected as soon as you arrive, without having to go to a store.

Advantages :

• several devices can be connected at the same time,
• you don't have to install anything on your phone.

Disadvantages :

• you need to think about transporting and recharging it,
• it may be bulky or fragile,
• and rental is often more expensive than a SIM or eSIM for an entire stay.

The problem is :

• data is often billed out of the package,
• rates can be very high,
• and the bill can quickly rise without you even realizing it.

This allows :

• to keep your number,
• to have a small volume of data included,
• at a cost that is often lower than traditional roaming.

Advantages :

• ✅ works with virtually all unlocked phones,
• ✅ widely available on site,
• ✅ sometimes very wide choice of packages.

Disadvantages :

• ❌ requires a purchase once on site,
• ❌ often involves showing your passport and completing formalities,
• ❌ forces you to remove your main SIM card,
• ❌ risk of loss or breakage,
• ❌ activation sometimes takes longer than expected.

Advantages :

• ✅ 100% online purchasing and installation,
• ✅ quick activation via QR code,
• ✅ no need to open your phone,
• ✅ you keep your main SIM active,
• ✅ you can be connected as soon as you land.

Disadvantages :

• ❌ requires an eSIM-compatible phone,
• ❌ choice sometimes more limited depending on very old models.