🇹🇭 Thailand eSIM

Before you go

• Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and the main islands all have good coverage. The gaps are in the northern hills near the Myanmar and Laos borders, and on the smaller islands off Trat.
• Island ferries lose signal partway across. The Koh Tao and Koh Phangan crossings are long enough that you should assume no data for the duration.
• Thailand is a common multi-country stop. If you're pairing it with Vietnam, Cambodia or Malaysia, price up an Asia regional plan before buying two country plans.
• These are data-only plans. They don't come with a local phone number, and they don't carry calls or texts, so keep your normal SIM switched on for those and let the eSIM handle data.
• The plan starts when it first connects to a network at your destination, not when you buy it. Buy it weeks ahead if you like; the clock starts when you land.
• Install it before you fly, over your home Wi-Fi. Installing needs an internet connection, which is the one thing you won't have at the airport.
• Don't delete an eSIM to make room for another one. An activation code only works once, and your phone can hold several profiles side by side.

Thailand eSIM questions

Will it work on Koh Samui, Phuket and the islands?

On the developed islands, yes, where coverage is good. On the crossings between them and on the smaller, less developed islands, expect gaps.

Can I use it for Grab and food delivery?

Yes, provided your account already exists. Set the account up at home while your normal number can still receive the verification SMS.

How much data for two weeks?

10 GB comfortably covers two weeks of maps, messaging and a fair amount of scrolling. 5 GB if you're mostly on hotel and café Wi-Fi.

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