Thailand’s Best eSIM Network? AIS vs. dtac vs. Truemove Compared!
Thailand is a popular destination for tourists all year round. With its countless islands, paradise beaches and fascinating culture, it attracts backpackers, digital nomads and package holiday travelers alike.
A snapshot of popular destinations:
📍 Bangkok – Metropolis with temples, street food & sky bars 🚲🚝
📍 Koh Tao – Diving paradise with stunning coral reefs 🤿🐋🤸
📍 Koh Samui – Luxury resorts, elephant sanctuaries & jungle adventures 🏝️🐘
📍 Railay – Climbing paradise with breathtaking sunsets 🧗🏼♀️🌅
📍 Koh Phangan – Full Moon Party & vegan cafés 🌕🧑🏻🍳
📍 Khao Sok – National park with dense rainforests & floating bungalows ⛰️🛶
While many travelers head to the famous islands in winter, islands such as Koh Lanta, Koh Chang and Koh Mak are especially popular from March to November.
Why choose an eSIM for Thailand?
Thailand is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations and attracts millions of visitors every year. In recent years, eSIMs have become a practical alternative to traditional SIM cards and are increasingly popular with travelers.
With the growing number of eSIM providers, however, finding the best option can be tricky. That is why we took a close look at the different networks, carried out local tests and put together the best eSIM options for Thailand. So if you are planning a trip to Thailand or need an eSIM for mobile internet, you will find all the key information here to make the right choice.
Thailand SIM card: passport or ID required
Buying a local SIM card in Thailand often requires showing your passport. An eSIM for Thailand is therefore the perfect solution: fast, uncomplicated and activated directly on your phone. And if you buy it in advance while still in Germany, you can skip comparing providers at the airport. You can also leave your SIM card in your smartphone and remain reachable via WhatsApp. For Thailand we offer fixed data packages on the AIS and dtac networks. A Day Pass with unlimited data is currently not available for Thailand.
AIS vs. dtac vs. Truemove – Which network is best?
Thailand has three major mobile network providers: AIS, dtac and Truemove H. As the graphic already shows, Thailand has consistently very good network coverage, with at least 4G/LTE available almost nationwide. Reception is excellent, especially in cities and on tourist islands.
AIS – one of the networks of the BuddySIM Thailand
AIS is one of the three major mobile network providers in Thailand. The BuddySIM for Thailand uses AIS together with dtac for all fixed packages. The exception is the 50 GB package for 10 days, which runs on dtac only.
dtac – Thailand eSIM with top deals for heavy users
dtac often offers the cheapest data packages with generous data allowances. Right now, for example, you can get 50 GB for 10 days for €7.99 from us (online shop only, dtac network), including 100 free minutes for local calls.
👉 If you are staying longer than 10 days, you can simply book several 50 GB packages or choose a 30-day eSIM. Most travelers rarely need more than 5 GB per day. 😊
Truemove
Truemove H is the third major network in Thailand. The BuddySIM for Thailand does not use Truemove. BuddySIM currently does not offer a Day Pass with unlimited data for Thailand; for heavy users there is 50 GB for 10 days (€7.99, online shop only, dtac network).
Practical tips for using an eSIM in Thailand
Before activating your eSIM, make sure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. Most modern iPhones, Google Pixel devices and many Samsung models already support eSIMs. We also recommend buying and activating your eSIM before departure so you are online as soon as you land. A stable internet connection helps not only with navigation, but also with spontaneous accommodation or hostel bookings.
No matter which network you choose, with an eSIM for Thailand you can get your phone online in just a few minutes, with no SIM card swap and no local registration.
Enjoy Thailand! 🇹🇭
