Updated 18 October 2026 · Best Versions team · اقرأ بالعربية
The two options in brief
| eSIM | Local SIM at the airport | |
|---|---|---|
| When you buy it | Before you travel, on your phone | On arrival |
| Online when you land | Instantly | After queuing |
| Your home number | Stays in the phone for bank messages | You remove your SIM (unless the phone is dual-SIM) |
| Price | Usually a little higher | Cheaper for large bundles |
| Local number for calls | Usually data only | Yes |
| Several countries | Regional plans for several countries | One SIM per country |
First, check your phone supports eSIM
Most iPhones from the XS onwards and most recent Samsung and Google phones support it. Look in Settings for "Add eSIM". The phone must also be unlocked.
How much data do you need?
- Light use (maps, WhatsApp, messages): about 0.5 to 1 GB a day.
- Normal use with photos and short videos: 1 to 2 GB a day.
- Sharing data with the family or many video calls: a large or unlimited plan.
Activation, step by step
- Buy the plan a day or two before you travel and install it on your phone over Wi-Fi.
- Don't switch on data roaming for the new line until you land, because many plans start counting at the first connection.
- On arrival, set the eSIM as your data line, and keep your home line for calls and messages with roaming off to avoid charges.
If you choose a local SIM
You'll find mobile operator kiosks in the arrival halls of the main airports in Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Bali. You'll need your passport to register the SIM, which is a normal legal requirement. Compare the tourist plans before paying.
A trip to more than one country?
If your trip combines Thailand and Malaysia, for example, a regional South-East Asia plan is cheaper and easier than two SIMs.
Book for your trip to your trip:
Hotels: Agoda
Flights: Search flights · Activities: Klook · Tiqets
eSIM data: Airalo · Saily · Airport transfers: Welcome Pickups · Kiwitaxi
Partner links: booking, payment and cancellations are handled by the partner directly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a SIM in Thailand if the hotel has Wi-Fi?
It's recommended, because you need data outside the hotel for maps, ride-hailing and emergencies.
When do I activate the eSIM?
Install it before travelling and switch data on after landing, because many plans start at the first network connection.
Can I keep my home number?
Yes with an eSIM; your home line stays in the phone for bank messages, with roaming switched off.
Read next
Plan your trip to your trip for free
Tell the AI trip planner what you need and it will suggest the best areas, hotels and halal-friendly restaurants in a day-by-day plan, with flight prices, booking links, visa steps for your passport and food advice for the destination. Or ask our experts for a quote on a fully arranged trip.
Start planning my trip Ask an expert for a quotePrices and timings in this article are estimates and change with the season. Check the visa rules for your nationality with official sources before you travel.