How to Get the Best Thai eSIM with Phone Number

When I first started traveling to Thailand, the very first thing I did after landing and getting to my hotel was getting a Thai SIM card at the 7-Eleven. It was never the best start to the trip, but to me, it was super important.

These days, things are a lot easier. I use an eSIM instead, and I’ll be online the moment I get out of the plane. Honestly, I will never go back.

With an eSIM, I can set everything up before my flight, and the moment I land, my phone connects automatically. It is perfect for ordering a Grab, messaging my wife that I have arrived, or checking Google Maps without searching for Wi-Fi.

And just for your information, at Bangkok airport, there is free wifi available, but I just love the convenience.

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In this guide, I will show you exactly how to get the best Thai eSIM with, and without a phone number. I will show the top options, explain what to look out for, and walk you through the activation process step by step. Whether you are traveling for a week or staying longer, this is the easiest and most reliable way to stay connected in Thailand without wasting time or money.

And the reason I also want my eSIM to come with a phone number is that some services require it.

💡 Tip: If you prefer a physical SIM card, you can also check out my guide on where to buy a SIM card at Bangkok Airport.

If you just want my number 1 recommendation, get yourself a TrueMove eSIM through Nomad eSIM with unlimited data and calls

What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work in Thailand?

An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting a physical card into your phone, you activate your mobile plan by scanning a QR code or through an app. It is simple, fast, and especially useful if you want to stay connected the moment you arrive in Thailand.

The reason why I use it is so I can keep my SIM card from the Netherlands in my phone for things like 2-factor authentication, while at the same time, use the data and Thai number when I’m in Thailand.

Most modern smartphones support eSIM technology. This includes recent iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy devices. If you bought your phone in the last few years, there is a good chance it already supports eSIMs.

I have my iPhone 12 Pro, which has space for an eSIM.

Using an eSIM in Thailand works the same way as at home. You choose a provider, purchase a plan online, scan the QR code, and activate mobile data. Some plans also include a Thai phone number, which can be helpful for restaurant bookings and apps that require SMS verification.

💡 Tip: If you are not sure whether your phone supports eSIM, open your settings and search for “Add eSIM” or “Mobile plans.” If you see that option, your phone is compatible. On my iPhone 12 Pro, I can go to settings -> mobile service, and there’s the option to add additional eSIMs.

Or check the Apple website for eSIM support.

Why Get a Thai eSIM Instead of a Physical SIM?

If you have used physical SIM cards during your travels, an eSIM might feel like a small upgrade at first. In reality, it makes your whole trip smoother. Here are the biggest reasons many travelers, including myself, now prefer eSIMs in Thailand.

Instant connection when you land

You can set up your eSIM before your flight. Once you arrive in Thailand, your phone connects automatically. No queues at the airport, no paperwork, and no stress after a long trip.

Keep your home SIM active

With a physical SIM, you have to remove your regular card. With an eSIM, your home number stays active for WhatsApp, banking codes, and family messages. This is especially helpful if you use two-factor authentication.

Easier to manage

You can switch plans, top up data, or add a package from an app. Everything is digital, and you never have to worry about losing a tiny SIM card.

Better when visiting multiple countries

If Thailand is just one stop on your trip, an eSIM is ideal. You can add another plan for Vietnam or Cambodia without swapping cards or searching for stores.

No need to hand over your passport

Most airport SIM counters require a passport scan. Buying an eSIM online removes this step completely unless you choose an official Thai operator that requires registration.

💡 Tip: If you want the fastest speeds in Thailand and a Thai phone number, local providers like AIS and TrueMove offer strong eSIM packages you can activate directly. But you do need to visit their local stores in order to get them.

What to Look For When Choosing a Thai eSIM

Not all eSIMs work the same way, and the cheapest option is not always the best one. Before you buy, it helps to know what to look for, so you get the right plan for your trip.

1. Local eSIM vs international eSIM

Local Thai companies like AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC often give you the fastest speeds and the option to get a Thai phone number.
International companies like Airalo and Nomad are easier to buy, activate instantly, and work great if you only need data. Although they also offer packages with phone numbers.

2. Thai phone number included or not

Some eSIMs offer data only, while others include a Thai phone number you can use for:

• Restaurant bookings
• Delivery apps
• Calling your hotel
• Receiving SMS codes

If you only need data for maps and messaging, a data-only plan is fine. If you want full local functionality, choose one that includes a number. This is what I always do. Just for the convenience and my wife has the opportunity to call me in case her data doesn’t work.

3. Network coverage

AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC are the three major networks in Thailand. All are good, but AIS and True usually perform the best nationwide, especially on islands and in rural areas.

I always use True, since that’s the one that comes with the most perks, and my wife has been with Truemove forever.

4. Hotspot and tethering

Not all eSIMs allow hotspot use. If you need to share your data with a laptop or travel partner, check the plan details before purchasing.

I use my data to connect it to my MacBook Pro, in order to work online, watch YouTube, and more.

There are also a lot of useful apps that you want to use while in Thailand.

5. Data validity and top-up options

Look at how long the plan lasts and whether you can extend it easily. Some eSIMs are fixed for 7, 15, or 30 days, while others let you add more data anytime.

6. Speed and 5G support

Many Thai eSIMs now support 5G, which is ideal in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Speeds can drop on islands, so choose a strong network if you will be moving around.

💡 Tip: For travelers who want both a Thai phone number and strong 5G coverage, True and AIS are the best picks.

Best Thai eSIMs (With Phone Number Options)

There are many eSIM providers that work in Thailand, but only a few are reliable, easy to activate, and offer good speeds. Below are the best options, including which ones provide a Thai phone number, since not all of them do.

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1. AIS Thailand eSIM (Local Provider, Includes Thai Phone Number)

AIS is the largest mobile network in Thailand and is known for excellent coverage and fast speeds. Their tourist eSIM plans often include a Thai phone number, which is perfect if you need SMS verification or want to make local calls.

What you get:

• Thai phone number
• Strong 4G and 5G coverage
• Good performance on islands and rural areas
• Easy top-ups through the AIS app
• Ideal for longer stays or if you want reliable connectivity everywhere

Best for: Travelers who want the strongest network and a Thai number included.

Where to buy:
You can purchase an AIS eSIM through Airalo, which comes with data only. No phone number. If you do want to have a phone number, you can go to one of their local stores.

💡 Tip: AIS offers great value for 15 to 30-day plans, especially if you plan to travel outside the big cities.

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2. TrueMove H eSIM (Local Provider, Also Offers Thai Phone Number)

TrueMove is another very popular mobile provider that works extremely well in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and all major tourist areas, and is the one I personally always use. Their eSIM plans for tourists often include a Thai phone number and generous data packages.

What you get:

• Thai phone number
• Very fast speeds in big cities
• Strong 5G availability
• Easy to buy online or through the app
• Many different hotspots in shopping malls, 7-Elevens, and other places.
• Great option for short or mid-length trips

Best for: Travelers who stay mostly in cities or want strong 5G performance.

Where to buy:
I buy my TruMove eSIM at Nomad eSIM for the best price, including a Thai number.

💡 Tip: TrueMove tourist plans are sometimes cheaper than AIS for the same data amounts.

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3. DTAC Happy Tourist eSIM (Local Provider, Phone Number Included)

DTAC is the third major network in Thailand and offers some of the best value tourist eSIM plans. Coverage is slightly lighter in rural areas compared to AIS, but still strong in all common travel destinations. While at the same time, it’s a bit more expensive than the other providers.

What you get:

• Thai phone number or Data only
• Good nationwide coverage
• Generous data plans
• Very affordable
• Easy activation with QR code

Best for: Travelers who want the most affordable local network option that still works well.

Where to buy:
You can buy your DTAC eSIM at Airalo.

💡 Tip: DTAC is often the best value for shorter trips because their 7 day and 15 day plans are priced very well.

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4. Airalo eSIM (International Provider, Data Only)

Airalo is extremely popular because of how easy it is to buy and activate. Plans activate instantly, and you can top up through their app. The only downside is that Airalo does not include a phone number for AIS, and speeds may be slightly slower than local networks.

What you get:

• Instant activation
• Great for short trips
• Very simple to set up
• Affordable data plans
• Runs on DTAC or AIS, depending on the package. With DTAC, you can have a seperate phone number, with AIS, you don’t.

Best for: Travelers who only need data for maps, messaging, and apps.

Where to buy:
You can sign up for Airalo here.

💡 Tip: If you do not need a phone number, Airalo is usually the easiest option for first-time eSIM users.

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5. Nomad eSIM (International Provider, Data and Phone Number)

Nomad offers strong and competitively priced data-only plans that work well across Thailand. Activation is simple, and their app makes it easy to track your usage and top up. For TrueMove it also comes with a phone number.

What you get:

• Simple setup
• Good pricing for larger data packages
• Excellent for digital nomads
• Runs on major Thai networks

Best for: Travelers who need larger data bundles and reliable speeds.

Where to buy:
You can buy your plan for TrueMove at Nomad eSIM here.

💡 Tip: Nomad’s 20 to 30 GB plans are some of the best priced on the market.

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⭐ Which one is best?

• If you want a Thai phone number, choose TrueMove through Nomad eSIM.
• If you only need data, choose AIS through Airalo.
• For the most reliable coverage across the rural areas, AIS is the strongest network.

How to Activate Your Thai eSIM Step by Step

Activating an eSIM is much easier than people expect. Once you buy your plan online, the whole process usually takes less than five minutes. Here is the exact setup you can follow.

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1. Buy your eSIM online

Choose the provider you want, such as AIS, TrueMove, DTAC, and pick Airalo or Nomad that offers them
For TrueMove, go with Nomad, and for AIS or DTAC, go with Airalo.
Once you sign up on their website, they will ask you to install their mobile app, which will guide you through the purchase and installation process.

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2. Open your phone settings

On most phones, the path looks like this:

iPhone:
Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM

Android (Samsung or Pixel):
Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM

If your phone supports eSIM, you will see an option to add a mobile plan.

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3. Scan the QR code

Your phone will open the camera and ask you to scan the eSIM QR code.
After scanning, it will show you the details of your plan.

Tap Add or Confirm to continue.

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4. Turn on the line

After adding the eSIM, your phone will show two lines: your home SIM and your new eSIM.
Make sure the eSIM line is turned on.

Some phones ask which line you want to use for mobile data. Choose the new eSIM. But only do this the moment you arrive in Thailand. Don’t forget this, because if you set it to your own country, your service provider will send you a huge roaming bill.

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5. Turn on Data Roaming

For most Thai eSIMs to work correctly, you must enable data roaming.
Do not worry, it will not trigger roaming charges if you are using the eSIM plan itself.

Settings → Mobile Data → Data Roaming → On

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6. Wait for the signal

After a few seconds, you should see the network name appear at the top of your screen, such as AIS, DTAC, or TRUE.

Once you see 4G or 5G, everything is active.

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7. Test your connection

Open Google Maps or Safari to confirm the data is working.
If you chose an eSIM that includes a Thai phone number, make a quick test call to ensure the voice line is active.

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💡 Tip: If the eSIM does not activate immediately, restart your phone. This usually fixes 90 percent of activation issues.

Troubleshooting and Common Questions

Even though eSIMs are easy to use, small issues can happen during setup. Here are the most common problems you can run into, along with some simple fixes that helped me during my trips.

My Final Thoughts

Staying connected in Thailand has never been easier, and getting an eSIM is by far the simplest way to do it. You can set it up before your flight, your phone connects the moment you land, and you can choose a plan that fits exactly how you travel.

Whether you want a Thai phone number for bookings and SMS codes or you only need fast data for maps and social media, there is an option that fits every type of traveler. AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC are great if you want a local number and strong coverage. Airalo and Nomad are perfect if you prefer something quick and digital without extra steps, and before you even land in Thailand

Choose the eSIM that suits your trip, set it up before you arrive, and enjoy exploring Thailand with one less thing to worry about.