Best eSIM for Thailand Travel 2026
Avoid the airport SIM scam. Expert-tested eSIM recommendations with verified pricing, island coverage, and Grab navigation tips.
Why Trust Our Thailand eSIM Reviews?
📋 Our Methodology
- • Researched eSIM providers for Thailand travel
- • Verified current pricing from provider websites
- • Analyzed Reddit reviews from real travelers
- • Compared AIS, dtac, TrueMove network coverage
- • Tested island and tourist area coverage
🎯 Our Selection Criteria
- • Strong Thailand coverage (AIS, dtac, TrueMove)
- • Minimum 4.5-star app rating
- • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- • Island and beach coverage verified
- • Works with Grab and local apps
Top 3 Recommendations
Saily
Best overall for Thailand
Why Saily is our #1 pick
- ✓ Cheapest verified: 1GB from $2.84, 10GB from $19
- ✓ AIS network: Widest coverage in Thailand
- ✓ Clean app: Easy setup and top-up
- ✓ Strong island coverage: Tested on Phuket, Ko Samui
- ✓ Built-in VPN: NordVPN security included
Airalo
Best for flexibility
Why Airalo is a top choice
- ✓ 12+ plan options: From 1GB to unlimited
- ✓ Competitive pricing: 3GB from $12, 10GB from $29
- ✓ 200+ countries: Perfect for multi-destination trips
- ✓ AIS & dtac: Multiple network options
Considerations
- − Slightly more expensive than Saily for same data
- − Support response times can be slow
BNESIM
Best for flexibility & long stays
Why BNESIM stands out
- ✓ AIS network: Best coverage in Thailand
- ✓ Note: Travel eSIMs are data-only; they do not provide a local phone number.
- ✓ Lifetime plans: No expiry, buy once use anytime
- ✓ Auto-renewal benefits: 10% cashback + Free VPN
- ✓ 10/20/50GB (30‑day): 10GB €6.99 (~$7.55), 20GB €10.99 (~$11.87), 50GB €24.99 (~$26.99) — prices from bnesim.shop (30‑day options)
⚠️ Avoid the Airport SIM Scam
At Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, booths sell "tourist SIMs" for ฿1,500-2,500 ($40-70). Don't buy these. Prices are 3-4x what locals pay. Buy an eSIM before you land or visit a 7-Eleven in the city. [1]
Provider Comparison
| Provider | 1GB | 10GB | Unlimited | Network | Phone # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | $2.84 | $19 | Available | AIS | ✗ |
| Airalo | $5 | $29 | Available | AIS/dtac | ✗ |
| BNESIM | €6.99 (~$7.55) | €10.99 (~$11.87) | Available | AIS | ✗ |
| Holafly | $10+ | $40+ | From $35 | AIS | ✓ |
| Nomad | $6 | $25+ | Available | AIS/dtac | ✗ |
| Maya Mobile | $4+ | $20+ | Available | AIS | ✗ |
Pricing verified from provider websites February 2026.
Other Notable Providers
Holafly — Unlimited with Phone Number
Holafly offers unlimited plans with included Thai phone number. Good for long stays but at premium pricing.
- ✓ Unlimited from $35: No data cap concerns
- ✓ Thai phone number: Works with Grab and local services
- − Higher pricing than competitors
Nomad — Budget Option
Nomad offers competitive pricing on AIS and dtac networks with flexible plan durations.
- ✓ Competitive pricing: 1GB from $6
- ✓ AIS + dtac: Network flexibility
- ✓ Hotspot sharing: Share data across devices
Maya Mobile — Long Stays
Maya Mobile is popular among digital nomads for long-term Thailand stays with competitive pricing.
- ✓ Good for long stays: Extended validity options
- ✓ AIS network: Reliable coverage
- ✓ Competitive pricing: ~$4 for 1GB
Understanding Thailand's Mobile Networks
Thailand has three major mobile networks that eSIM providers resell access to. Understanding these networks helps you choose the right provider for your travel areas.
Thailand's Major Networks
- AIS: Largest network, best overall coverage including islands. [1]
- dtac (TOT): Strong on islands like Ko Phangan, Ko Tao. Best for Full Moon Party. [1]
- TrueMove H: Good urban coverage, improving island presence.
Thailand Island Coverage Breakdown
Island coverage varies significantly. Here's what to expect:
Major Islands
- Phuket: All networks work well. AIS generally fastest.
- Ko Samui: All networks acceptable. Good coverage in tourist areas.
- Ko Phangan: AIS coverage adequate for Full Moon Party.
- Ko Tao: AIS coverage adequate for dive sites.
- Krabi/Phi Phi: AIS has strongest coverage.
Thailand eSIM Buying Tips
- Order before departure: Purchase and install while on WiFi
- Check device compatibility: Most iPhone XS+ and recent Android devices support eSIM
- AIS network: Best overall coverage including islands
- Need a Thai number? BNESIM or Holafly include phone numbers for Grab registration
- Download offline maps: Some beaches and remote areas have limited coverage
Grab and Local Apps in Thailand
Important: Grab (ride-hailing, food delivery) requires a Thai phone number to register and use. [1]
Your Options
- BNESIM or Holafly: Include Thai phone number for Grab registration
- Saily or Airalo: Data-only. You can still order Grab with your home number but some features may be limited
- Alternative: Get a local SIM at 7-Eleven if you need full Grab functionality
Coverage Expectations in Thailand
Bangkok and Major Cities
Excellent coverage across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and major tourist areas. All networks perform well. 4G/5G speeds are generally fast (40+ Mbps reported). [1]
Islands and Beaches
Coverage varies significantly. Phuket and Ko Samui have good coverage. Ko Phangan and Ko Tao can have limitations — dtac performs best on these islands.
Remote Areas
Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai) and some beach areas may have limited coverage. Download offline maps before venturing off the beaten path.
FAQ
Can I use eSIM for Grab in Thailand?
Yes, but Grab registration requires a Thai phone number. BNESIM and Holafly include Thai numbers. With data-only eSIMs, you can still use Grab but some features may be limited.
What about the Full Moon Party?
Ko Phangan's Full Moon Party area has good coverage on AIS network. BNESIM uses AIS, making it a good choice for this event.
Do I need unlimited data in Thailand?
For most travelers, 10GB for 30 days is sufficient. Heavy streamers or digital nomads working remotely may benefit from unlimited plans from Holafly or BNESIM.