For most trips to Thailand, the best eSIM is a 5 or 10 GB fixed plan. In our check, ICY SIM and Nomad were joint cheapest for 10 GB at US$10 (about A$14), with Saily and Airalo about a dollar more. For heavy users, Airalo’s 7-day unlimited plan was the best value at US$21. Roaming from Australia costs far more: Telstra charges $10 a day in Thailand.
ICY SIM is our product and it’s in this comparison, judged the same way as the others. Prices were checked on 27 October 2026 (esimDB, provider sites and our live prices) and are shown in AUD at US$1 = A$1.42.
- 5 GB, 30 days: ICY SIM about A$9 (US$6), then Saily, Nomad and Airalo at about A$11.
- 10 GB, 30 days: ICY SIM and Nomad about A$14 (US$10), Saily and Airalo about A$16.
- Unlimited, 7 days: Airalo A$30 (5 GB a day at full speed), Holafly A$39, Saily A$41.
- Roaming in Thailand: Telstra $10 a day, Optus $5–10 a day, Vodafone $5 a day.
- For SIM rules, networks and the islands, see our Thailand guide.
Thailand eSIM prices compared
| Provider | 5 GB, 30 days | 10 GB, 30 days | 20 GB, 30 days | Unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICY SIM | A$9 (US$6) | A$14 (US$10) | A$26 (US$18) | No unlimited plan |
| Nomad | A$11 (US$8) | A$14 (US$10) | Not sold | 10 days A$21 (2 GB a day) |
| Saily | A$11 (US$7.99) | A$16 (US$10.99) | A$28 (US$19.99) | 7 days A$41 (5 GB a day) |
| Airalo (Maew) | A$11 (US$8) | A$16 (US$11) | A$26 (US$18) | 7 days A$30 (5 GB a day) |
| Holafly | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | 7 days A$39 (US$27.50) |
Prices are rounded to the nearest dollar. “Unlimited” plans slow down after the daily amount shown, and Holafly limits hotspot sharing to 1 GB a day. ICY SIM’s Thailand plan runs on AIS and TrueMove H; live prices are on our Thailand page.
How much data do you need in Thailand?
| Trip | Typical use | Plan size |
|---|---|---|
| A week in Bangkok or Phuket | Maps, Grab, WhatsApp, Instagram | 3–5 GB |
| Two weeks, Bangkok and the islands | + ferry bookings, photos, some video | 10 GB |
| A month, or working online | Video calls, laptop hotspot | 20 GB or unlimited |
Hotels and cafés almost always have Wi-Fi. Mobile data matters most for Grab rides, maps, and checking ferry and train times on the move.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone roaming in Thailand
| Carrier | Price in Thailand | Data | 10 days costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra International Day Pass | $10 a day | 2 GB a day | $100 |
| Optus Daily Roaming (Choice Plus) | $5 a day | 5 GB a day | $50 |
| Optus $10 Roaming Pass | $10 a day | 1 GB a day | $100 |
| Optus prepaid | $45 pack | 10 GB for 28 days | $45 |
| Vodafone $5 Roaming | $5 a day | Your plan’s data | $50 |
| Travel eSIM (ICY SIM) | One-off | 10 GB for 30 days | about A$14 |
Roaming includes calls and texts on your Australian number; the eSIM is data only. You can keep your SIM in for texts and use the eSIM for data. More in our Telstra, Optus and Vodafone roaming guides. For every destination in one table, see our travel eSIM guide for Australians.
How to set up a Thailand eSIM before you fly
- Check your phone supports eSIM on our compatible devices list.
- Buy a Thailand plan and install it at home on Wi-Fi. Validity starts when you first use it in Thailand.
- When you land, set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for the eSIM only.
- Turn data roaming off for your Australian line, so no daily roaming fee starts.
- Back home, switch mobile data back to your usual line.
Going to Thailand?
Thailand eSIM on AIS and TrueMove H: 5 GB for US$6, 10 GB for US$10.
See Thailand plans →Which Thailand eSIM should you pick?
- A normal holiday: 5 or 10 GB fixed. ICY SIM was cheapest for 5 GB; ICY SIM and Nomad tied for 10 GB.
- Heavy use for a week: Airalo’s 7-day unlimited at US$21 was the best unlimited deal in our check.
- Ten days, moderate use: Nomad’s 10-day “unlimited” at US$15 is cheap, but it slows after 2 GB a day.
- Thailand plus Bali or Vietnam: compare a regional Asia plan with one plan per country. See best eSIM for Bali and best eSIM for Vietnam.
