Thailand eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIMBuy works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIMBuy. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIMBuy plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIMBuy travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIMBuy plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

 These plans are typically data-only, which means they do not include a local Thai phone number. You can continue to use your existing number for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage, which all work perfectly over the eSIM data (VoIP). 

 Yes. Thailand has an excellent 4G/5G infrastructure, especially in tourist areas. You can expect a reliable, high-speed connection whether you are in the temples of Bangkok, on the beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui, or in the mountains of Chiang Mai. 

An eSIM is much more convenient. You skip the long SIM card queues at the airport. You also avoid the mandatory passport registration and paperwork required for physical SIM cards in Thailand, which can be time-consuming. With an eSIM, you are connected instantly. 

 If you reach your data limit, your connection will simply stop. You will never be charged extra fees or unexpected roaming charges. If you need more data, you can easily purchase a new plan from our website to "top-up". 

 It depends on your trip. For a short trip to Bangkok (3-5 days) using maps and social media, a 3GB or 5GB plan is often perfect. However, if you are on a long backpacking trip, uploading videos, or island hopping, one of our 16 unlimited plans offers the best value and peace of mind. 

 These plans are typically data-only, which means they do not include a local Thai phone number. You can continue to use your existing number for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage, which all work perfectly over the eSIM data (VoIP). 

 This specific plan is valid only within Thailand. This is the most important question for backpackers. If you are on the "Banana Pancake Trail" and cross the border into Cambodia (for Angkor Wat) or Laos (Vientiane), your connection will stop. For a seamless multi-country journey, we highly recommend our Asia Regional eSIM, which covers Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and more with one single plan. 

Yes, absolutely. Our eSIM connects to premium networks that provide excellent 4G/LTE coverage not just in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but also on all major islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan (for the Full Moon Party), and Koh Phi Phi. You will have a strong signal on the main beaches and in the towns. 

Yes, 100%. Buying a physical "Tourist SIM" at Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT) airport is cheap but often involves long queues, especially after a big flight lands. It also requires a mandatory passport registration process. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration, and can be installed before you fly. You will be connected the moment you land, ready to use Grab. 

 To give you the best speed and coverage, our eSIM connects to Thailand’s premium Tier-1 networks, typically AIS or DTAC. AIS is widely regarded as the #1 provider with the fastest speeds and the most extensive 4G/5G coverage, especially on the islands and in rural areas. 

Yes, absolutely. Grab is the essential "super-app" in Thailand (Uber is not available) for booking ride-hailing (cars and motorbikes) and food delivery. Our eSIM provides fast, low-latency data, which is crucial for ordering a Grab from the airport, tracking your driver in real-time, and using Google Maps to navigate. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing.