Why Thailand is the Best Place for eSIMs
Thailand has incredibly advanced mobile infrastructure. 5G is everywhere, from the skyscrapers of Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket. Competition between local providers (AIS, DTAC, TrueMove) is fierce, which means prices are very low for tourists.
The "Tourist SIM" Phenomenon
Traditionally, you would buy a "Tourist SIM" at the airport kiosk. These are great deals, usually offering 8-15 days of unlimited internet for around $10-15. eSIMs now offer these exact same packages but you can buy them online before you travel. No queuing at the airport after a long flight!
Network Comparison: AIS vs DTAC vs TrueMove
AIS
Generally considered the best network in Thailand with the widest coverage, especially on islands and remote areas. Nomad often resells AIS plans.
DTAC
Very popular for tourists. Their "Happy Tourist" SIM is legendary. Coverage is excellent in all tourist areas. Airalo partners with DTAC.
TrueMove H
Another strong contender with great 5G speeds in Bangkok.
Do I need to register my passport?
By law, all SIM cards in Thailand must be registered with a passport.
Physical SIM: The shop staff will take a photo of your passport.
eSIM: Some providers (like Airalo/DTAC) might ask you to upload a photo of your
passport page in the app to activate the line. This is a standard legal requirement in Thailand.
However, some data-only roaming eSIMs (like Holafly) might bypass this by routing traffic through
another country (roaming), so you don't need to register locally.
FAQ
Yes, extremely fast. You will often get better 5G speeds on a Thai island beach than you do in many Western cities.
Yes, and you should! Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Bolt are essential. You need data to use them. Having a local number (included with some eSIMs) helps drivers call you, but you can also chat within the app.