How to Activate eSIM in Thailand: iPhone and Android Setup

This guide shows how to activate eSIM in Thailand on an iPhone or Android phone. Setup takes a few minutes at home before you fly, so there's no SIM counter to visit on arrival, and your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts. For plans and coverage, see our Thailand eSIM guide.

Get your Thailand eSIM16 plans · AIS, dtac, TrueMove H · from €0.53→

Does your phone support eSIM?

Your phone supports eSIM if it's an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later, a Google Pixel 4 or later, or one of many Samsung Galaxy models (it depends on the model and the country version). It must also be carrier-unlocked.

• Dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, your phone has an eSIM.
• Check the lock. On an iPhone, Settings > General > About should show "No SIM restrictions". On Android, ask your carrier.

Other brands are in our list of eSIM-compatible phones.

Thailand eSIM plans and prices

LimitSim sells 16 data-only Thailand plans; on 6 October 2026 they cost from €0.54 to €57.22. LimitSim's Thailand plans connect to AIS, dtac or TrueMove H, depending on the plan; the networks for each plan are listed on the plans page.

Prices on limitsim.com on 6 October 2026; current prices are on the Thailand plans page.

LimitSİM appTop up mid-trip in two tapsInstall your eSIM, keep an eye on your data and add more, no laptop needed.For iPhoneApp StoreFor AndroidGoogle Play

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Get the LimitSİM appInstall, track your data and top up in the appApp StoreAndroid? Get it on Google Play

Unlimited plans come with a fair-usage policy: speed is reduced in steps as you use data (details on each plan).

See all Thailand plans16 plans · AIS, dtac, TrueMove H · from €0.53→

How to set up a Thailand eSIM on iPhone

On an iPhone, you add the eSIM in Settings by scanning the QR code that LimitSim emails you after payment; it's also in your account and the LimitSim app.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and open the QR code on a second screen, such as a laptop or another phone.
2. Go to Settings > Cellular (Mobile Service or Mobile Data on some iPhones) > Add eSIM.
3. Tap Use QR Code and scan it, or tap Enter Details Manually and type in the codes from the email.
4. Label the new line, keep your home line for calls and texts, and pick the eSIM for Cellular Data.
5. Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching so your home SIM's data stays unused.

See our iPhone eSIM installation guide for more detail.

How to set up a Thailand eSIM on Android

On Android, you add the eSIM from the SIM menu in Settings. Menu names differ by brand, so search Settings for "eSIM" if you can't find it.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and open the QR code on a second screen.
2. In Settings, open Connections > SIM Manager on Samsung, or Network & internet > SIMs on Google Pixel.
3. Tap Add eSIM on Samsung. On a Pixel, tap Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead if the phone asks.
4. Scan the QR code, or enter the details manually.
5. Set the eSIM for mobile data, keep your home SIM for calls and SMS, and turn off automatic data switching if your phone offers it.

Brand-by-brand steps are in our Android eSIM installation guide.

When to install and how to activate eSIM in Thailand

Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi shortly before your trip, then activate it when you land by switching the line on and turning on its data roaming. Check the plan details for when the validity period starts. Install it once, on the phone you'll travel with, and don't delete it: some eSIMs can't be installed a second time.

When you arrive in Thailand:

1. Turn off Airplane Mode and check that the eSIM line is on and chosen for mobile data.
2. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line: on iPhone, Settings > Cellular > your Thailand line > Data Roaming; on Android, the roaming switch in that eSIM's settings. A travel eSIM usually works as a roaming line, so with data roaming off it won't get online.
3. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM. Your home operator may still charge roaming fees for calls and texts on that line.

Buy your eSIM before you fly16 plans · AIS, dtac, TrueMove H · from €0.53→

Thailand eSIM not working? Quick fixes

If the eSIM is installed but has no data, first check that its line is on, chosen for mobile data and has data roaming on. Other common problems:

• No "Add eSIM" option: the phone may not support eSIM, or it may be locked to a carrier.
• The QR code won't scan: turn up the screen brightness or enter the details manually.
• The download fails: check your Wi-Fi and try again. Some QR codes work only once, so if yours was already used, contact LimitSim support.
• Still no data in Thailand: switch Airplane Mode on and off, or restart the phone. If that doesn't help, contact LimitSim support rather than deleting the eSIM.
• Weak signal at sea or in the hills: that's usually coverage, not setup. Remote mountain areas, national parks, open water between islands and small, remote islands can have weak or no signal, so download offline maps before treks and boat trips.

FAQ

Is eSIM available in Thailand?

Yes. Thailand's two big operators, AIS and True Corporation (TrueMove H and dtac), both offer eSIMs, and you can buy a travel eSIM online before your trip. Your phone just needs eSIM support and no carrier lock.

Can I use my iPhone in Thailand with an eSIM?

Yes, if it's an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later and isn't locked to a carrier. Install the eSIM from the QR code, choose it for cellular data and turn on its data roaming when you land.

Is a Thailand eSIM activated automatically?

Almost. Once it's installed, it connects by itself when you land in Thailand, as long as the eSIM line is on, chosen for mobile data and has data roaming switched on. The plan details show when the validity period starts.

Will I get a Thai phone number with the eSIM?

No. LimitSim's Thailand plans are data-only: no Thai number, calls or SMS. Your own number keeps working, and WhatsApp, FaceTime and other app calls work over the eSIM's data.

Can I top up my Thailand eSIM?

Yes, most LimitSim Thailand plans can be topped up in the LimitSim app or on the website when you're signed in. The 50 GB / 10 days plan is the exception.

Choose your Thailand plan16 plans · AIS, dtac, TrueMove H · from €0.53→