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How to get internet in Thailand | eSIM vs local providers
When planning your trip to Thailand, one of the first things you should figure out is how you'll have internet access during your trip. It's a country with a vibrant street life, beaches, and islands, and coverage can vary considerably between major cities, rural areas, and the islands.
We've visited Thailand five times and tried all the available options, so now we know the best way. In this guide, we'll explain. How to get internet in Thailandcomparing the advantages of using a eSIM which gives you mobile data from the moment you land, and even during your layover, with the advantages of buying a Thai local SIM.
How having internet in ThailandBest options
To get internet in Thailand, you have two options: use an eSIM or buy a local physical SIM card. Activating roaming with your usual provider is almost never worthwhile.
Therefore, in this article we compare the two most useful options to stay connected when visiting Thailand, a country we love.
Option 1: eSIM for Thailand
An eSIM for Thailand is the most convenient option if you want internet access from the moment you land. You buy it online, install it on your phone before your trip, and activate it upon arrival—a truly simple and convenient process.
It's the most appealing option if you're looking for maximum comfort, if your flight is late, or if you don't want to complicate things.carcomparing local plans and looking for stores that sell physical SIM cards.
We always recommend this company. HolaflyWith your eSIM you will have unlimited data throughout your entire trip. In addition, eSIMs from Holafly it also includes Always On, a benefit of 1GB per month at no additional cost for more than 150 destinations as long as you keep the eSIM installed.
➤ Hire Holafly with the discount code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS
Option 2: Buy a local SIM card in Thailand
Buying a local SIM in Thailand is an interesting option if you prioritize the lowest price, are looking for a specific operator, or are going to stay in the country for a long time.
Currently, the companies with the largest presence in Thailand are AIS and TrueBetween them, they cover practically the entire country. SIM cards from these two carriers can be easily found at airports or in convenience stores like the popular 7-Eleven, where prices are somewhat lower than at airports.
The company with the best coverage depends on the area, but in general AIS is more popular because it has better coverage throughout the country, especially outside of Bangkok.
eSIM vs local SIM in Thailand: which one to choose?
travel eSIM
Better for: For short trips or if you're looking for maximum comfort.
Quick setup, internet upon landing, and no bus required.car a physical store.
It can be more carto a local SIM.
Local SIM
Better for: long trips or if you prioritize price.
Thai number included.
You have to searchcar a store, choose the company and install it.
¿Which is the best eSIM How can I get internet in Thailand?
Buy one eSIM is the most convenient choice To have internet access in Thailand and, in general, in any other travel destination. It's also the option we personally recommend since the purchase and installation process is very quick and easy.
The choice of your ideal eSIM card It will depend on your needs. If you use the internet often and consume a lot of data, we recommend choosing unlimited internet rates such as HolaflyIt's one of the pioneering companies offering eSIMs, and one we trust. They offer 5G connectivity, so you'll never be without internet. You simply need an internet connection when you install the eSIM in your phone before traveling, and once you arrive in your destination country, you can activate it as soon as you land.
Other advantages of eSIM cards are:
- The operation is simple: When you purchase the data package, you'll receive a QR code. Scanning it will automatically begin the eSIM installation on your phone. Simply activate it upon landing, and you'll have instant internet access.
- You keep your WhatsApp number. You can call and message your WhatsApp contacts as usual.
- You keep your SIM card from your usual operator. By activating the eSIM you will have «double SIM» with your usual card, in case you need it. This is important because You will continue to receive confirmation SMS when making online operations such as purchases or account verifications.
???? You can read our Guide to what to do in koh kood If you want to visit one of Thailand's paradises during your trip.
HolaflyThe best eSIM for internet access in Thailand
El purchasing process of Holafly It's very simple, in their app or website. Holafly You choose Thailand as your travel destination. Next, you'll need to decide on the duration and number of cards you want to buy, in case you're traveling with someone. Thanks to reading this article, you can applycar the discount code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS and get a 5% discount.
If you are going to travel to several countries or are a person who travels often we recommend you hire Holafly PlansA monthly subscription service that offers internet in over 160 destinations with a single eSIM. With the discount code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS You get a 10% discount for the first 12 months.
Furthermore, all eSIMs of Holafly They have a benefit that is automatically activated, at no additional cost, called Always OnWith it you get 1GB of monthly backup internet in more than 150 destinations.
➤ Hire Holafly With the code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS
How to install and activate an eSIM card Holafly in Thailand
Install and activate your eSIM It's getting easier all the time, and the email you receive after making your purchase includes step-by-step instructions. Although there are different ways to do it, The quickest and easiest is using the attached QR code. Display the QR code on another device, such as a travel companion's phone or a computer, so they can scan it with their phone's camera. You can do this days before traveling; you don't need to do it in Thailand.
Once scanned, your phone will begin the installation process, and in less than a minute, the eSIM will be ready. Don't forget that in order to install the eSIM you need an internet connection.
Once you land in Thailand, you need to remember deactivate the mobile data option of your usual operator and activate the option enable data roaming of the eSIM, otherwise you will not have an internet connection.
Where to buy one local prepaid card
Buying a prepaid SIM card is usually the cheapest way to get internet access. These SIM cards can be purchased directly at major airports in Thailand; many shops sell them, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on the length of your trip and your needs. You can also find them at 7-Eleven stores, which are located throughout the country. In many cases at the airport they are somewhat more carasBut for many travelers, it's worth paying a little more to get internet access before leaving the airport.
Buy a SIM card at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is the main gateway to Thailand for most travelers and Buying a SIM card here is really easy.In the arrivals area, you'll find several AIS and True counters selling tourist SIM cards. Once you pass the baggage claim area, you'll find more True and AIS stores; they're impossible to miss.
Keep in mind that airport kiosks tend to have higher prices as they offer packages aimed at tourists. The upside is that they can help you install it and check that it works if needed. We personally compared prices at many of the shops throughout the airport and found no price differences.
However, you can find better prices if you look for SIM cards from these companies in city shopping malls or convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
Best card Prepaid SIM in Thailand
Whether your phone isn't compatible with an eSIM or you prefer a local SIM card, we recommend comparing the options offered at the airport and choosing the one that best suits your data and price needs. If you're planning to travel outside of Bangkok, especially to islands or rural areas, we recommend obtain a SIM card that uses the AIS network, since it generally offers better coverage outside of major cities.
If you prefer to saveBuying a SIM card at a 7-Eleven store is usually cheaper than at the airport. For example, a 30-day unlimited internet plan with True costs 999 baht at a 7-Eleven, while the same SIM card costs 1199 baht at Bangkok airport, saving you over €5.
FAQ about having internet in Thailand
In Bangkok and the main tourist areas (Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao, etc.) coverage is very good. On lesser-known islands or in jungle and mountain areas, there may be little or no coverage.
Yes, you can continue using WhatsApp with your usual number without any problems.
It depends on the company and the plan, for example if you subscribe Holafly Yes, you can share your internet connection.
Many cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, and accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. But it's not always stable, fast, or secure. In any case, to avoid relying on these networks, having your own mobile connection remains the most reliable option.
It depends on the option you've chosen, with eSIMs from Holafly You'll never run out of data. If you've bought a local SIM, you can recarGarla at any 7-Eleven store.
I hope this article helps you choose the best option for having internet in Thailand and prepare your trip well.
