Tourist SIMs from AIS, dtac or True cost THB 300-600 (USD 10-20) at the airport, with passport registration at the counter. It is one of the countries where the local SIM is cheapest and simplest.
You buy online before the trip, receive the QR by e-mail in minutes and install it on Wi-Fi the night before. On landing, it connects to the local networks on its own. No store, no queue, no passport registration at a counter. At VoaSim, truly unlimited from USD 1.79/day, with an invoice on every purchase and a full refund if it never connects.
| Travel eSIM | Local SIM | |
|---|---|---|
| When you connect | On landing | After finding a store and doing the paperwork |
| Paperwork | None | Passport registration in most cases |
| Your usual number | Stays active (dual SIM) | The chip comes out: you lose your bank SMS |
| Data | Unlimited (VoaSim) | Fixed GB package |
| Multiple countries | The same profile keeps working | A new SIM in every country |
| Price | Fixed, from USD 1.79/day | Variable; cheap per unit, plus paperwork and time |
Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the big islands have solid 4G/5G. On small islands and jungle areas signal depends on the carrier: AIS usually has the best rural coverage. Grab (transport) and translators make data essential.
eSIM for tourist trips of up to 30-60 days, multi-country itineraries and anyone who wants to land connected with zero paperwork. Local SIM if you are staying months in Thailand or your phone has no eSIM. More destination details at eSIM for Thailand.
Simulate your price for your exact travel dates — it takes 1 minute and needs no sign-up.
See my price →