Best eSIM for Thailand in 2026

Travelling to Thailand in 2026? Here’s how I use Holafly’s Thailand eSIM, my honest pros and cons, and discount code STEPHANDPETE. Simple, fast data from Bangkok to the islands without queuing for SIM cards.

Best eSIM for Thailand in 2026

How I use Holafly in Thailand to stay connected in Bangkok, the islands, and up north without hunting for SIM card stalls.

Overview Why eSIM Holafly vs SIM Which plan Set up tips Video FAQ

Thailand eSIM guide

Short answer: in Thailand I use a Holafly Thailand eSIM on my main phone so I have data sorted before I even land in Bangkok.

• Code: use STEPHANDPETE at checkout for a discount.
• Good for: Bangkok first timers, island hoppers, and anyone who wants data to “just work” from the airport to the beach.
• Set up: install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly then turn it on at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.

Get Holafly Thailand eSIM Use code STEPHANDPETE to save on your plan.

Great for Google Maps Easy island hopping No airport SIM queues

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Why use an eSIM in Thailand

Thailand is one of those places where you move quickly between cities, islands, and night markets. Having data sorted before you land means you can grab a Grab, check ferry times, and find your hotel without negotiating SIM stalls after a long-haul flight.

• No airport SIM chaos. Skip the crowds at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang and go straight to the taxi or train.
• Keep your regular number. With an eSIM you can keep your usual SIM in the phone for banking codes and messages from home.
• Solid coverage between hubs. Holafly uses major Thai networks so you can stay connected between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands.

I still download offline maps and keep hotel Wi-Fi passwords handy, but day to day I just let the eSIM handle everything and forget about it.

Who is Holafly best for in Thailand

• First timers who want something simple and do not want to compare ten different local SIM brands.
• People hopping between Bangkok, the islands, and the north who just want data to follow them.
• Families who do not want to queue multiple times to get everyone a SIM card.

If you are a heavy user who streams a lot away from Wi-Fi, look at the larger data options available when you book. If you mainly scroll and use maps, a smaller plan usually works fine.

Holafly vs local SIM vs roaming in Thailand

This is the simple comparison I give to friends when they ask whether to just grab a SIM at the airport.

Option	Best for	Pros	Cons
Holafly Thailand eSIM	Most travelers who want fast, easy data and are happy without a Thai phone number.	Set up on Wi-Fi at home before you fly. No queues or paperwork at the airport. Works as soon as you land so you can order a ride or check directions.	No local Thai phone number for calls or SMS-only services. Your phone needs to support eSIM.
Airport or 7-Eleven SIM card	Travelers who really want a Thai phone number or do not have an eSIM-compatible phone.	Local number that can be useful for some bookings and calls. Competitive packages from big Thai carriers.	Queues at the counter, especially in high season. Passport needed and a bit of paperwork. Swapping physical SIMs, which is easy to misplace.
Roaming with your home provider	Business travelers whose company takes the bill or people on specific roaming plans.	No setup at all, your phone just works. Keep your normal number for everything.	Often the most expensive option. Sometimes limited data, especially outside cities.

Which Holafly Thailand plan should you choose

Holafly updates lengths and data options often, so always check what is live when you book. I tend to choose based on how long I will actually be in Thailand and how much I use my phone at home.

• Bangkok city break or short island trip: a shorter validity plan usually does the job.
• Two week Thailand itinerary: pick a plan that comfortably covers all your days so you are not topping up halfway through.
• Slow travel or digital nomad stays: look at the longest plan available or consider back-to-back eSIMs.

Whatever you choose, install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly then switch mobile data to the Holafly line once you land.

Set up tips for Thailand eSIMs

• Install the eSIM profile at home with strong Wi-Fi and keep the confirmation email handy.
• Leave your regular SIM in the phone but turn mobile data off on it so you do not accidentally roam.
• When you land in Thailand, set “Mobile Data” to the Holafly line and toggle roaming on for that line only.
• If data does not show up straight away, give it a minute then restart your phone and let it connect automatically.

Watch: Our life in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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More of my eSIM resources

• Holafly Black Friday and seasonal deals
• Common eSIM mistakes to avoid
• Holafly plans explained
• My main Holafly page with current codes
• Best eSIM for Japan

Thailand eSIM FAQ

What is the Holafly discount code for Thailand in 2026?

Use the code STEPHANDPETE at checkout. It works on Thailand eSIMs and most other Holafly destinations.

Do I need a local Thai phone number?

Most visitors do not. Hotels, tour companies, and drivers are happy to use apps like WhatsApp or in-app messaging. If you know you need a Thai number for calls or SMS, a physical SIM from a local carrier might suit you better.

Will Holafly work on the islands and in smaller towns?

Coverage is best in cities and popular tourist areas. You can still expect the odd patchy spot on ferries or in rural areas, but for typical Bangkok–Chiang Mai–islands itineraries it has been reliable for maps and messaging.