THAILAND TRAVEL • DATA ROAMING
Thailand eSIM vs Your Home Carrier’s International Roaming
Planning Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai? Compare an eTravelSim Thailand eSIM with what your own network charges for roaming in Thailand. Prices below are the live eTravelSim plan prices in US dollars.
| Factor | Home-carrier roaming | eTravelSim Thailand eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost for a 7-10 day trip | Home carriers usually bill roaming per day or per MB, and the rate depends on your carrier and plan | From $8.49 for 5 GB (7 days), $12.99 for 50 GB (10 days) or $14.99 for Unlimited (7 days) |
| Data allowance | Often capped or slowed once you pass your plan’s roaming data limit | 5 GB up to 100 GB, or Unlimited for 7 or 10 days |
| Plan prices (live) | Set by your carrier, by country and by pack | 5 GB (7 days) $8.49 · 20 GB (7 days) $9.99 · 50 GB (10 days) $12.99 · 100 GB (10 days) $15.99 · Unlimited: 7 days $14.99, 10 days $18.99 |
| Network in Thailand | Depends on the local partner your carrier has an agreement with | The DTAC network (5G / LTE) |
| Setup before you travel | Usually needs a roaming add-on enabled with your carrier in advance | eSIM delivered by email instantly after purchase; activates automatically once installed |
| Hotspot / tethering | Often restricted or charged separately while roaming | Allowed |
| Calls and a number | You keep your home number; roaming calls are often charged per minute | Data-only eSIM; it does not include a Thai phone number |
| Paperwork | None – it is your existing plan | None – no documentation required to activate |
- ✓Keep your home SIM active for your number and use the eSIM for data in Thailand
- ✓Instant delivery by email - install before you fly or as soon as you land
- ✓Hotspot allowed, so your laptop and travel companions can share the data
- ✓Fixed prepaid price, so no roaming bill when you get home
Thailand eSIM questions
Which network does the Thailand eSIM use?
It uses the DTAC network in Thailand, with 5G and LTE data.
How much does a Thailand eSIM cost?
Plans start at $8.49 for 5 GB over 7 days. 20 GB for 7 days is $9.99, 50 GB for 10 days is $12.99 and 100 GB for 10 days is $15.99. Unlimited is $14.99 for 7 days or $18.99 for 10 days. The plan page always shows the current price.
Does the Thailand eSIM come with a phone number?
No. It is a data-only eSIM. You keep your home number on your physical SIM for calls and texts.
Can I use hotspot with the Thailand eSIM?
Yes. Tethering and hotspot are allowed.
Do I need to submit documents to activate it?
No. The eSIM activates automatically once installed, with no documentation required.
Will it work in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai?
The eSIM is a Thailand eSIM on the DTAC network, so it works across Thailand wherever DTAC has coverage. Speeds depend on local coverage.
Will my phone work with a Thailand eSIM?
It works on eSIM-enabled smartphones. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM before you buy.
How is a Thailand eSIM different from paying for my home carrier’s roaming?
Roaming charges are set by your home carrier and often come with a daily fee or a data cap. A Thailand eSIM is a single prepaid plan bought upfront, so the cost and the data allowance are known before you travel.