Why an eSIM is Recommended for Thailand
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Thailand does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is indeed widespread in Thailand (hotels, cafes, shopping malls), but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas.
Network Coverage in Thailand
Thailand has excellent 4G/5G coverage (98%) thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| AIS |
98% |
Yes |
50% (leader) |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| DTAC |
97% |
Yes |
30% |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| TrueMove H |
96% |
Yes |
20% |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Bangkok: perfect 4G/5G throughout the capital
- Chiang Mai: excellent coverage in the city and surroundings
- Phuket: excellent on the island and beaches
- Koh Samui: good coverage, variable in isolated areas
- Krabi: excellent in tourist areas (Ao Nang, Railay)
- Islands (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, etc.): variable by island, generally good in tourist areas
How to Install Your Thailand eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Thailand (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Thailand eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Thailand eSIM 2026"
countryCode="TH"
countrySlug="thailand"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: AIS network (leader 50%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), AIS network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
Conclusion
For all travelers to Thailand, an eSIM is highly recommended as French roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 10 GB at $4.50 remains very economical.
Thailand eSIM FAQ
