Home›Blog›Thailand

🇹🇭

Asie · 2026

Thailand eSIM 2026: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

Q: Is Thailand in the EU?

NO. SE Asian country, outside EU for roaming.

Q: Do I need a visa?

NO for 60 days since 15 July 2024 (was 30 days) for UK/EU/US/CA/AU. Free Visa Exemption Stamp on arrival.

Q: Does eSIM work well in Thailand?

Yes, perfectly. 5G everywhere in big cities since 2020-2021. 4G even in remote islands.

Q: Which carrier does Alosea use?

AIS or True (True+dtac since 2023 merger) — automatic selection.

Q: Coverage on islands (Phi Phi, Koh Tao)?

Good via AIS/True. 4G everywhere, 5G on bigger islands (Phuket, Koh Samui).

Q: Does Grab work in Thailand?

Yes, everywhere in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi. Often cheaper than taxi.

Q: How much data for 1 week?

7-10 GB for Grab + Maps + photos + WhatsApp + light streaming.

Q: Power adapter?

Not needed for most EU chargers (type C compatible). Type A/B/O also present.

Q: Is my iPhone eSIM-compatible?

iPhone XR (2018)+. Android: Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+, Xiaomi 13+.

📖 8 min•🏝️ Thailand•The Alosea team•Updated 2026-05-26

Planning Bangkok (megalopolis ~10M inhabitants, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun), a Northern tour to Chiang Mai (« Rose of the North »), a beach stay in Phuket-Krabi-Koh Phi Phi (turquoise waters, diving, Leonardo DiCaprio's Beach), Full Moon Party at Koh Pha Ngan, or Ayutthaya (UNESCO 1991, former Siam kingdom capital) and Sukhothai (UNESCO 1991, cradle of Thai civilization)? Thailand — « Land of Smiles » — hosts ~40 million tourists/year (2024 post-Covid record), is SE Asia's 2nd economy, and escaped European colonization (only SE Asian country never colonised). To use Grab (Asian Uber, essential Bangkok), Bolt, Google Maps in Sukhumvit maze, translate Thai (Thai alphabet ≠ Latin), book via Booking, your phone is essential. HEADS-UP: Thailand is OUTSIDE the EU — non-EU roaming expensive. A Thailand eSIM activated BEFORE boarding gets you online at Bangkok or Phuket. GOOD NEWS: since 15 July 2024, French (and most UK/EU/US/AU passports) get 60 DAYS visa-free (was 30).

› WHY AN eSIM

Why an eSIM for Thailand

Thailand is OUTSIDE the European Union. Non-EU roaming on home plans is expensive. An Alosea eSIM = a few euros to stay connected throughout. Your home number stays active for banking SMS. Installation in 2 min via QR. Thailand has one of the best mobile coverage in SE Asia (5G everywhere in big cities since 2020). And concretely on arrival at Bangkok (BKK Suvarnabhumi or DMK Don Mueang) or Phuket (HKT)? You can buy an AIS or True Tourist SIM in arrivals, but expect to pay around €10 just for the SIM card itself — on top of the data plan. With an Alosea eSIM, you walk off the plane already connected for Grab (the Asian Uber), Bolt, Bangkok Maps or WhatsApp.

› HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Travel eSIM pricing

A Thailand travel eSIM sits in an accessible price range — well below non-EU roaming fees. Price depends on data volume (7-10 GB for 1 week Bangkok + islands, 15-20 GB for 2-week Thailand tour, unlimited for digital nomad), validity (7/15/30 days). A physical AIS or True Tourist SIM bought at the airport (Tourist SIM 8/15/30 days), requires passport for activation (NBTC law).

› DATA GUIDE

How many GB do you need?

Bangkok weekend

Grab, Maps, Grand Palace photos

5 GB

1 week (Bangkok + 1 island)

Bangkok + Phuket/Krabi/Koh Samui

7-10 GB

2 weeks (full Thailand tour)

Bangkok + Chiang Mai + Southern islands

15-20 GB

Long stay / Chiang Mai digital nomad

Remote work, coworking, expat

Unlimited

› COVERAGE & OPERATORS

Network coverage and local carriers

Thailand has excellent mobile coverage — 4G everywhere (even remote islands), 5G in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya since 2020-2021. Three national operators but only TWO commercial after the historic True+dtac merger in March 2023: AIS (Advanced Info Service, ~46 % market share since merger, historic leader, Singapore Singtel subsidiary via Temasek), True Corporation (~54 % market share since True+dtac merger, Thai CP Group), and NT (National Telecom, public operator from 2021 CAT+TOT merger). Dense network even in tourist islands (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao). An Alosea travel eSIM automatically picks the best available carrier.

Local operators

› PRACTICAL TIPS

Practical travel tips

Visa & passport

Thailand is OUTSIDE the EU. For UK/EU/US/CA/AU/JP passports: NO visa required for 60 DAYS since 15 July 2024 (was 30 days). Free Visa Exemption Stamp on arrival. 30-day extension possible at local immigration offices for 1,900 THB. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) rollout from 2025 — free. Passport 6 months validity, return ticket may be requested.

Source ↗

Currency

Thai Baht (THB ฿)

Time zone

GMT+7 year-round (Indochina Time). NO daylight saving. Same as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos.

Power outlets

Type A, B (USA), C (Europe) and O (Thai-specific 3-pin) plugs — combined in modern Thai sockets. French/EU equipment: type C compatible directly. 220 V, 50 Hz.

Climate & best season

Tropical with 3 distinct seasons in North/Centre, 2 in South. Cool season November-February (ideal, 22-32°C, low humidity). Hot season March-May (35-40°C, stifling Bangkok). Monsoon June-October (hot humid, afternoon rains). Songkran (Thai New Year) April 13-15 — national giant water battle. South Andaman (Phuket, Krabi): high season Nov-April. South Gulf (Koh Samui, Pha Ngan): high season Feb-August.

Health & vaccines

No mandatory vaccines for classical trips. Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (if rural trek), rabies (remote trek) recommended. Antimalarial RARELY necessary. Dengue present year-round — DEET 30 %+ mosquito repellent mandatory. EHIC/GHIC NOT valid — travel insurance IMPORTANT.

› CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Culture and best practices

Greetings

« Sawasdee krap » (male) / « Sawasdee ka » (female) (« hello » + polite gender particle), with WAI (joined hands in prayer at face level). « Khob khun krap/ka » (« thanks ») always with wai. OMNIPRESENT smile (« Land of Smiles »), but don't confuse smile with agreement.

Tipping

Tip not mandatory but appreciated: 10 % at restaurant without service charge (10 % sometimes added), 20-50 THB for porters, round up taxi (already cheap). Thai massage: 50-100 THB tip.

Dress code

Casual Bangkok, Chiang Mai, islands. In temples (Wat Phra Kaew Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Doi Suthep): STRICTLY MODEST dress — shoulders COVERED, long legs (no shorts above knee). Sarongs lent at main temples. SHOES OFF before entering temple/home. Lèse-majesté (article 112): NEVER criticise the king (Rama X Vajiralongkorn since 2016), up to 15 years prison.

Religion

95 % Theravada Buddhism (one of world's most Buddhist countries). 40,000+ temples (« wat »). Orange-robed monks visible everywhere, don't touch (especially women). 4.5 % Islam (deep south, Malay border — Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat). 1 % Christianity.

Languages

Thai (official, Thai alphabet 44 consonants + 32 vowels ≠ Latin) · English (spoken in tourist zones and hotels) · Mandarin Chinese (progressing, large Sino-Thai community) · Regional dialects: Isan (NE, 30 % of population), Northern (Lanna), Southern

Useful phrases

Sawasdee krap/ka — Hello (with wai)
Khob khun krap/ka — Thanks (with wai)
Mai pen rai — No worries (Thai philosophy)
Tao rai? — How much?
Aroi mak! — Very tasty!

› MUST-SEE PLACES

Top iconic places

Bangkok — Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun

Capital (officially « Krung Thep Maha Nakhon », ~10M metro inhab.). Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang): 1782-1925 royal residence, Wat Phra Kaew (« Emerald Buddha Temple », holiest, 66 cm green jade statue). Wat Pho: 46 m long reclining gold Buddha. Wat Arun: « Dawn Temple », famous 79 m tower inlaid with Chinese porcelain. Chatuchak market (15,000 stalls, weekend), MBK, ICONSIAM. Sky Bar at 247 m (Lebua, where Hangover 2 was shot).

Bangkok's official Thai name is the world's longest capital name in Guinness: « Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit » (169 Thai characters, ~7 lines!) — meaning « City of angels, great city, eternal abode... built by Vishnukarma ». Thais just say « Krung Thep » (« City of Angels »).

Wikipedia ↗

Chiang Mai and the North (« Rose of the North »)

Northern cultural capital (~130,000 historic city inhab., 1M metro). Founded 1296 by King Mangrai as Lanna kingdom capital. Square old town surrounded by moat and ramparts. 300+ temples including Wat Phra Singh (14th), Wat Chedi Luang (15th, 60 m chedi partly collapsed 1545 earthquake), Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (on the mountain, 309 naga serpent steps). Night market, Sunday Walking Street. Capital of Asian digital nomadism since 2014.

Chiang Mai became the « world digital nomad capital » in 2010-2020 — per Nomad List, #1 city for digital nomads 6 consecutive years thanks to: ultrafast internet (1 Gbps fibre widespread), low cost of living (~€1,000/month comfortable), 50+ coworking spaces, pleasant weather (except burning season Feb-Apr), 10,000+ remote worker expat community. Official nomad visa « DTV Destination Thailand Visa » launched 2024 (5 years, 180 days/year).

Wikipedia ↗

Ayutthaya (UNESCO 1991)

Former Siam Kingdom capital (1351-1767), 80 km north of Bangkok. Destroyed in 1767 by Burmese invasion. 4 km² of ruins: Wat Mahathat (Buddha head entwined in banyan tree roots, iconic image), Wat Phra Si Sanphet (3 royal chedis), Wat Chai Watthanaram (Khmer style), Royal Palace. Chao Phraya boat from Bangkok or train (1.5h). 33 Siamese kings over 416 years.

Ayutthaya in the 17th century was one of the world's biggest cities — ~1 million inhabitants at its peak, exceeding London or Paris then! International trade capital in SE Asia: Portuguese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Persian, Chinese had entire quarters. Louis XIV sent an embassy in 1685 (Chevalier de Chaumont) to propose alliance against the Dutch. Constantin Phaulkon (Greek) became PM under King Narai 1675-1688. The 1767 Burmese invasion destroyed everything in 14 days.

Wikipedia ↗

Sukhothai (UNESCO 1991)

First Thai kingdom (1238-1438), cradle of Thai civilisation. 440 km north of Bangkok. 70 km² UNESCO-listed: capital ruins (Sukhothai = « Dawn of Happiness »), Wat Mahathat with 198 chedis, Wat Si Chum (15 m tall Buddha). King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (1279-1298) invented today's Thai alphabet (inspired by Khmer + Mon) in 1283 — RAMKHAMHAENG STELE (1292), Thai nation's founding document. Loy Krathong festival invented in Sukhothai.

The current Thai alphabet was invented in 1283 by King Ramkhamhaeng at Sukhothai — inspired by ancient Khmer alphabet (which descends from Indian Brahmi). One of the world's very rare alphabets with known exact inventor and date. The Ramkhamhaeng stele (1292), first known Thai inscription, is today at Bangkok's national museum and was UNESCO « Memory of the World » listed in 2003. The alphabet has 44 consonants + 32 vowels + 5 tones → a word can have 5 meanings depending on tone.

Wikipedia ↗

Phuket and Andaman islands (Krabi, Phi Phi)

Phuket: largest Thai island (543 km²), bridge to mainland. Patong (nightlife), Kata, Karon (family), Phuket Town (Sino-Portuguese old town). Krabi: mainland facing Phuket, Railay Beach (climbing), Ao Nang. Koh Phi Phi: 2 islands (Phi Phi Don inhabited, Phi Phi Leh « The Beach » 2000 Leo DiCaprio, closed 2018-2022 then reopened). James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan, Phang Nga Bay). World-class diving: Similan, Surin Islands.

« The Beach » (2000, Leonardo DiCaprio, Danny Boyle) was filmed at Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh — the film TRANSFORMED this secret spot into mass destination (4,000 visitors/day at peak). Consequence: coral reefs 80 % DESTROYED, sand eroded, beach collapsed. The bay was CLOSED in June 2018 by Thai government for regeneration. Reopened January 2022 with STRICT QUOTAS (375 visitors/day, no swimming in bay, access only via north walkway, boats forbidden). Maya Bay became a global case study of regenerative tourism.

Wikipedia ↗

Gulf islands: Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao

Iconic Thai Gulf trio. Koh Samui: 247 km², 4 main beaches (Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Maenam), Big Buddha (12 m), upmarket resorts. Koh Pha Ngan: 168 km², Full Moon Party at Haad Rin (10,000-30,000 people every full moon since 1985), spiritual retreats elsewhere (Sri Thanu, Bottle Beach). Koh Tao: 21 km², « world cheap diving capital » (PADI Open Water ~€250), coral reefs, seasonal whale sharks.

The Haad Rin Full Moon Party (Koh Pha Ngan) was invented in 1985 by a group of Australian backpackers celebrating a birthday — completely informal. Today it's SE Asia's #1 youth event: 10,000-30,000 people (up to 60,000 high season) dance all night on 1 km of beach, under 14 different sound systems. Islands' economy dependent (full moon DOUBLES tourist traffic). Half Moon Party, Black Moon Party, Jungle Party also exist.

Wikipedia ↗

Golden Triangle and Burma-Laos border (North)

Mekong confluence between Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos. Historical opium production region (extended to Lao-Burmese mountains). Today: tourism + hill tribes culture (Karen, Akha, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu, Yao). Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun « White Temple » (Chalermchai Kositpipat contemporary work, 1997-ongoing), Wat Rong Suea Ten « Blue Temple », Thawan Duchanee's Black House. Chiang Saen, Mae Sai.

Wat Rong Khun (« White Temple ») in Chiang Rai is NOT an ancient Buddhist temple — it's a colossal CONTEMPORARY ART WORK by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started 1997 and still under construction (completion expected ~2070, 14th building in progress). The entry bridge represents the suffering cycle (extended hands = souls in hell). Inside, surprising frescoes: Pinocchio, Predator, Hello Kitty, 9/11 attacks, Neo from Matrix — contemporary wisdom symbolism. Free visit, but photos forbidden inside.

Wikipedia ↗

› OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH

Unique experiences to live

Take a tuk-tuk night tour in Bangkok to see Wat Arun lit up on the Chao Phraya — unique « Venice of the East » atmosphere.
Participate in Songkran April 13-15 (Thai New Year) in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket — national giant water battle in all streets, world's largest water festival.
Take a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai: local market start, herb picking (Thai basil, lemongrass, galangal), cook 5 national dishes (pad thai, tom yum, green curry, mango sticky rice, som tam).
Dive or snorkel at Koh Tao: world's « PADI cheap capital » — 70 % cheaper than Australia or Caribbean (~€250 Open Water 4-day cert).
Visit an ETHICAL elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai (Elephant Nature Park by Lek Chailert, since 1995, NO RIDING) — avoid elephant rides (cruel for the animal).

› GASTRONOMY

Traditional dishes to try

Pad Thai

Thai national dish: rice noodles stir-fried with tamarind sauce + palm sugar + fish sauce, scrambled eggs, prawns or chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, Chinese chives, crushed peanuts, lime. Invented 1939-1940 under PM Phibun to promote Thai national cuisine.

Wikipedia ↗

Tom yum kung (spicy prawn soup)

Thai national soup: prawns, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bird's eye chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, coconut milk (yum kung nam khon version, yellow-red). Explosive sour + spicy. Tom Kha Gai version with chicken and coconut milk (milder).

Wikipedia ↗

Green curry (gaeng keow wan)

Green chicken curry: green curry paste (green chillies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallot, Thai basil), coconut milk, pea eggplants, Thai basil. UNESCO intangible heritage 2024 with other Thai dishes. Served with fragrant jasmine rice.

Wikipedia ↗

Som tam (green papaya salad)

Isan (NE) salad of shredded green papaya + tomatoes + green beans + peanuts + bird's eye chillies + garlic + fish sauce + lime juice + palm sugar. Pestled in mortar in front of you. Thai women's favourite dish (sold everywhere on street).

Wikipedia ↗

Khao soi (Chiang Mai curry noodles)

Northern specialty (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, heritage of Yunnan-Burmese Muslim merchants): egg noodles in yellow curry broth and coconut milk, chicken or beef, pickled red onions, lime, sour cabbage pickles, crispy fried noodles on top. Unique taste in Thailand.

Wikipedia ↗

Mango sticky rice (khao niao mamuang)

Thai national dessert: glutinous rice cooked in sweetened coconut milk, sliced yellow Nam Dok Mai mango, toasted sesame seeds, extra coconut sauce. Mango season: March-June (peak May). Sold everywhere on street. Tourist tattoo favourite!

Wikipedia ↗

Singha, Chang, Leo, Cha Yen

Singha: 1st Thai beer (1933, royal family property), 5°, lager. Chang: 2nd beer (1995), 6.4°, stronger, Everton FC sponsor. Leo: 3rd popular brand. Cha Yen: Thai iced tea (black tea + sweetened condensed milk + crushed ice + sometimes evaporated milk) — iconic orange national drink.

Wikipedia ↗

› INSTALLATION