There is a reason why Thailand is often the first stop for many people exploring Southeast Asia. For me, it is the incredible kindness of the people, the delicious vegan food, and the sheer variety of landscapes that keep me coming back.
I remember the first time I landed in Chiang Mai and felt that immediate wall of heat and humidity. It was overwhelming in the best way possible, but I knew I needed to get my bearings quickly, which included getting access to the internet, booking a taxi (using Grab), and heading straight to my Airbnb!
Nowadays, I don’t head off to my destination without my data already sorted. Having a reliable internet connection on my phone from the moment I touch down (using the best eSIM for Thailand) is the best way I can navigate a new airport and book myself a Grab out of there. From then on, everything is a breeze. Being able to navigate an unknown city from the off really does give me peace of mind!
After plenty of trial and error with local SIM cards and various options, I have found that Saily’s eSIM is the most dependable option for my trips. In this guide, I will explain why it has become an essential part of my digital travel kit.
How to pick the best eSIM for Thailand?
Choosing the right data plan for Thailand involves more than just looking for the lowest price. You need to ensure the service will actually work when you are navigating the big cities or relaxing on a quiet beach.
- Reliability is my top priority. I need a provider that taps into the strongest local networks, such as AIS or TrueMove H, so I am never left without a signal.
- I also value flexibility above everything else. My trips can change at a moment’s notice, so I prefer plans that allow me to top up instantly without any fuss.
- Finally, security is a major factor for me. Using public WiFi in busy cafes or hostels can be risky, so I prefer having my own encrypted connection to keep my banking and blog data safe. If I do have to use public WiFi, I make sure to secure my connection with NordVPN (read my NordVPN review here).
After testing several brands on my recent trips, Saily is the best eSIM for Thailand that consistently meets these requirements. It provides a seamless experience from the moment you touch down in Thailand.
If you are travelling through Southeast Asia, you may also want to check out the best eSIM for Vietnam. For even more travels, check out the best eSIMs for all locations here
Why I recommend Saily Thailand eSIM
I have been using Saily now as my go-to eSIM provider for all of my travels, including Thailand. It has reliable coverage, affordable prices, great speeds, and additional security features that truly set it apart from the rest. You can find out more about the brand in my full Saily review, or read on to find out more about their Thailand eSIM.
Pros
- Great coverage across popular Thailand destinations
- Reliable access to 4G, LTE, and 5G networks
- Affordable plans with a variety of lengths and data
- Built-in ad blocker that saves data
Cons
- Data-only (no Thai phone number)
- Coverage may be weaker in very remote areas
Reliable coverage across Thailand
Thailand is a massive country with a huge variety of landscapes and many popular destinations from North to South. Having a connection that stays strong regardless of your location is something I prioritise when I am on the move.
I found that Saily works seamlessly across the country because it connects to the most reliable local networks like AIS and TrueMove H. Whether I was tucked away in a quiet vegan cafe in Chiang Mai or exploring the nearby countryside, I rarely found myself without a signal.
This is especially helpful when I wanted to locate “Jay” food (vegetarian) whilst on the move, or great coffee spots to work in. Knowing I have a steady connection takes the stress out of exploring those harder-to-reach spots.
Decent internet speeds
The speed of the mobile internet in Thailand, particularly when using Saily, is actually one of the best I have experienced in Southeast Asia. Saily provides access to 5G in most major cities, which is a massive help when I am trying to upload high-resolution photos to my blog of my latest vegan finds.
I have frequently used the hotspot feature to get some work done on my laptop whilst perched at a local bar or on the beach. The connection remained stable enough for me to take video calls without any frustrating lag or dropouts.
It really takes the pressure off being a digital nomad whilst you are exploring all that Thailand has to offer. So I know that it will also be more than sufficient for holiday makers and backpackers! You can stay productive from almost anywhere without having to rely on the sometimes patchy WiFi in your accommodation.
Additional security features
One of the things that makes Saily stand out from other providers is the focus on keeping your data secure. When you are travelling, you are often clicking on links for local bus schedules or tour operators you might not immediately recognise.
The app has a built-in ad blocker which stops intrusive pop-ups from loading while you browse. This does not just make the experience smoother; it also means your data lasts significantly longer. On my trip to Thailand, I saved nearly 30% of my data by using this feature!
There is also web protection that blocks malicious sites, giving me peace of mind whilst I am booking my next adventure. It is an extra layer of safety that is really appreciated when using public networks in busy tourist hubs.
Affordable prices
Thailand is a paradise for budget travellers, and I believe your phone plan should reflect that. Saily offers some of the most competitive rates I have seen, with plans starting from just a few dollars.
I usually opt for the 10 GB or 20 GB plans because they offer the best value for a month-long trip. It is much more affordable than paying for roaming on my UK SIM card, and it often works out cheaper than some other popular eSIM brands.
Saily also offers an unlimited option for between 5 and 30 days. The price of this works out cheaper than Saily’s major competitor, Holafly, which works on an unlimited data setup!
You can easily see the different tiers in the app and pick the one that fits your itinerary. It is a transparent way to manage your holiday budget without any nasty surprises when you get home.
To give you an idea of the pricing, I have compared Saily’s Thailand eSIM prices with the average data roaming costs for local SIM providers (this amount may differ depending on your provider and home country):
| Data amount | Duration | Saily price | Avg roaming cost | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | US$2.99 | US$57.00 | N/A |
| 10 GB | 30 days | US$10.99 | US$244.00 | N/A |
| 20 GB | 30 days | US$19.99 | US$244.00 | N/A |
| Unlimited | 15 days | US$48.99 | N/A | $50.90 |
Who should buy Saily’s eSIM for Thailand?
I would suggest Saily for anyone who wants a stress-free way to stay online without hunting for a physical SIM card shop. It is perfect for solo travellers, families, and backpackers who rely on maps and Grab for safety whilst navigating new cities alone.
Foodies will find it invaluable for finding the best food spots when they are out and about. It is also a brilliant choice for digital nomads who need a reliable backup for patchy hotel WiFi.
Basically, if you value your time and want a secure connection, this is for you. It allows you to spend more time enjoying the culture and less time worrying about your data.
How to get started with Saily
It is really easy to get set up with Saily and their eSIM for Thailand. I have outlined the process below:
- Check your phone compatibility: Most newer iPhones and Androids support eSIMs, but it’s worth confirming before you buy.
- Pick your plan: Saily offers flexible data options for Thailand, from 1GB to unlimited (browse them here). Choose the amount of data and duration that suits your trip or daily needs.
- Install your eSIM: After purchasing, you will be provided with clear step-by-step instructions. Activation is fast, and you’ll be online in minutes.
- Download the Saily app: Available for both Apple and Android, this is where you can manage your eSIM. You can also browse new plans and make purchases within the app. If you prefer, you can start this whole process by downloading the app first and purchasing your eSIM plan through there.
- Top up as needed: Running low on data or extending your stay? You can easily add more data without downloading a new eSIM, even when visiting other countries and regions, making it super simple for future travel.
My verdict: The best eSIM for Thailand?
After many trips to Thailand, I can confidently say that Saily is the best eSIM for Thailand, and thus, my top choice for staying connected. It offers a combination of speed, security, and affordability that is hard to find elsewhere.
Being able to navigate the chaotic streets and find the food (like the best vegan restaurants in Chiang Mai) without worrying about my signal makes a huge difference. It allows me to focus on the beauty of the country and the kindness of the people.
If you are planning your own Thai adventure, I highly recommend giving Saily a try for a seamless experience. It has certainly made my travels a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Thailand eSIM FAQs
Which eSIM is best for Thailand?
I have tested quite a few options and I always find myself returning to Saily. It offers a great balance of affordability and security features that other brands often miss. Whilst there are many providers out there, the ease of the Saily app makes it the most convenient choice for my trips.
Is an eSIM better than a local tourist SIM?
In my experience, an eSIM is much more convenient than queuing at a busy airport kiosk for a physical SIM card. You can have your data ready to go before you even step off the plane. It also means you don’t have to worry about losing your tiny UK SIM card whilst you are exploring.
Is it cheaper to use an eSIM or roaming in Thailand?
Using an eSIM is almost always significantly cheaper than paying for daily roaming fees from a UK provider. Some networks charge up to £8 per day, which adds up very quickly on a longer holiday. With a Saily plan, you pay a one-off fee for the data you actually need without any surprise bills.
How much data do I need for 3 weeks in Thailand?
If you are mainly using your phone for maps and messaging, 10 GB should be plenty for a three-week trip. However, if you plan on hotspotting to work or watching videos during long travel days, I would suggest looking at a 20 GB plan. It is always better to have a little bit extra so you aren’t hunting for WiFi in a pinch.
How do I buy an eSIM for Thailand?
The easiest way is to download the Saily app and purchase your plan directly through your phone. You can pay securely and follow the on-screen instructions to get it installed in minutes. I usually sort this out whilst I am packing my bags so it is one less thing to think about when I land.
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