Here we share our experiences with Airalo eSIMª and Yesim eSIMª in Thailand: Should I buy an eSIM for Thailand online in advance or should I buy a classic SIM card locally? And where can you buy SIM cards in Thailand? My name was Dennis and I traveled through Thailand with my friend Laura. My Samsung Galaxy S21ª has an eSIM function and I have only used the eSIM cards from Airalo. The Huawei P30 Proª from Laura does not have an eSIM function, so she can report on her experiences with classic SIM cards.
eSIM for Thailand vs. classic SIM card:
Advantages and disadvantages of an Airalo eSIM for Thailand:
Airalo is the world's first eSIM card store where you literally no longer need a physical card. You simply buy a suitable eSIM for Thailand on the Airalo website or in the app. You will receive a QR code directly. Scan this QR code with your smartphone, click on Install and voilà... You've got mobile internet in Thailand!
Not available for every smartphone.
To Airalo eSIM
About Yesim eSIM
Advantages and disadvantages of a classic SIM card:
When you arrive at the airport in Thailand, you will be "overrun" by SIM card sellers. The tourist SIM cards of the three major providers AIS, DTAC and TrueMove are available to choose from. We had equally good reception everywhere with all providers and the prices are also almost identical. So it doesn't matter which SIM card you choose. Your smartphone will be set up directly on site.
Available for every smartphone.
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Recommendation
Airalo eSIM
Airalo is the world's first eSIM store that gives you access to more than 200 eSIM cards worldwide at affordable prices, saving you the hassle of high roaming bills. The app is extremely useful when you're traveling. There are eSIM cards for almost every country in the world, and the app allows a lot of flexibility when it comes to prices and duration. Airalo is by far the easiest, most useful and cheapest option for traveling abroad that we have found. You no longer have to get local SIM cards or change numbers. You simply install the app and book the data packages flexibly and as required in the app.
To Airalo
Options for mobile Internet in Thailand
Thai SIM card
As soon as you arrive, you will discover offers for local SIM cards that are specially designed for tourists. So-called Tourist SIM cards. The three best-known providers are AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC. Basically, all of them have a well-developed 4G or 5G network. AIS is the leading market provider in Thailand and offers the fastest network, but also the most expensive packages. TrueMove H is aimed more at prepaid customers, has various options for every need and is in the mid-price segment. DTAC has similarly good network coverage to AIS and comparatively cheap data packages with no limit. The only catch: the offers are only valid for a maximum of 15 days, after which you have to extend them. We therefore recommend DTAC for shorter stays of up to two weeks and TrueMove H for longer trips. Here are some price examples:
- AISSIM card & Unlimited Internet 5G network, 8 days = 299 TBH (approx. €7.90)
- AISSIM card & Unlimited Internet 5G network, 15 days = 599 TBH (approx. €15.80)
- AISSIM card & Unlimited Internet 5G network, 30 days = 1,250 TBH (approx. €33)
- TrueMove HSIM card & Unlimited Internet 5G network, 8 days = 399 TBH (approx. €10.50)
- TrueMove HSIM card & Unlimited Internet 5G network, 15 days = 699 TBH (approx. €18.50)
- TrueMove HSIM card & Unlimited Internet 5G network, 30 days = 999 TBH (approx. €26.50)
Public WLAN hotspots
If you're planning to purchase an eSIM or a traditional SIM card in Thailand, there are several factors to consider. Here are some considerations:
Airalo eSIM:
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Convenience: Buying an Airalo eSIM can be done conveniently before you travel, saving you the time and hassle of getting a SIM card once you arrive in Thailand.
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Presence of a supported device: Make sure that your device is eSIM-enabled before you buy an Airalo eSIM.
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Coverage and costs: Check the coverage and costs for data and calls to make sure they meet your needs.
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Invoice directly online: You will receive the invoice by e-mail immediately after the purchase. The invoice is also available in the online dashboard.
Local purchase on site:
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Immediate availability: SIM cards can be purchased directly at the airport, in stores or at local kiosks.
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Favorable offers: Local providers may offer special rates and offers that are attractive to tourists.
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Support and help: Buying locally allows you to get help immediately if you have a problem, as you can contact the provider directly.
Where to buy SIM cards in Thailand:
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Airports: International airports in Thailand often have sales outlets for SIM cards.
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Mobile phone business: In the cities you will find mobile phone stores and kiosks that sell SIM cards.
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Supermarkets and convenience stores: Some supermarkets and convenience stores also offer SIM cards.
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Online: Some providers also offer online purchase and delivery to your accommodation.
Tip: Download offline maps
If you are traveling in rural areas on foot or by scooter, we recommend that you first Offline map material to download. It may well happen that you are unable to connect to the internet despite having a local SIM card or portable WiFi device. As in Germany, network coverage is unfortunately not available everywhere in Thailand, but is rather weak or not available at all in rural areas. So download the required map areas to your smartphone in advance so that you can still navigate and find your way around in an emergency. Suitable apps for this are, for example Google Maps, Maps.me, HERE WeGo or Waze (in road traffic).
Tip: Multi-country SIM cards
In addition to local SIM cards, some providers also offer global data packages that you can use in several countries during your trip.
With Orange S.A. you can purchase a 10 GB data SIM card with which you can surf in over 60 countries for 14 days (price: €39.90). Once registered, the card can be used as often as you like and topped up as required. You can find the countries and zones covered here here.
Airalo is the world's first eSIM card store where you literally no longer need a physical card. You simply download the app and then select the eSIM you want. This is very practical, especially if you are looking for a way to get online at short notice. Here you will find the global tariffs and data options.
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