Key takeaways
Thailand has near-universal 4G coverage in cities and on the tourist trail, with fast 5G rolling out across Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. The easiest way to stay connected is a Roamix Thailand eSIM, which activates on arrival, skips airport SIM queues and works everywhere from the Grand Palace to remote northern guesthouses. Budget 8 to 12 GB for a two-week trip and always have offline maps ready for island driving.
- AIS leads for coverage outside the cities and on the islands, making it the best choice for island hopping and northern trekking.
- A Roamix eSIM activates automatically on arrival so you skip the busy airport SIM counters entirely.
- Cash is still essential at markets and temples, but a connected phone wallet works in most malls and restaurants.
- Most Western and Asian passport holders enter visa free for 60 days, with a Digital Arrival Card now required before landing.
- Budget 8 to 12 GB for two weeks, more if you stream or use a lot of maps across multiple islands.
Best way to get data in Thailand
For most Thailand visitors, a Roamix eSIM is the simplest and most cost-effective way to stay connected, combining local network speed with zero setup hassle at the airport.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation, local network speeds from the moment you land, no physical SIM swap and no roaming bill. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Long stays or those needing a Thai number | Available at airport counters and convenience stores. Requires a passport and SIM swap, which leaves your home number offline. |
| Pocket wifi | Best for: Groups sharing one device | Another device to charge daily, with pickup, return and deposit to manage. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short trips with no setup time | By far the most expensive option, typically charged per day or per megabyte. |
Thailand has wifi in virtually every cafe, guesthouse and hotel, but speeds vary widely and public networks are not secure for banking or sensitive work. Free wifi is a supplement, not a substitute for mobile data.
How much data you need
Thailand trips rely on maps, rideshare, restaurant reviews and a lot of photo sharing. The data needs are moderate compared to more complex transit systems, but island hopping and offline map downloads add up.
3 to 5 GB
Long weekend in Bangkok
Maps, Grab, food apps and social sharing across a city with fast and reliable 4G.
8 to 12 GB
Two-week tour covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai and islands
Heavy navigation between regions, ferry and flight bookings on the move and regular photo uploads.
20 GB or more
Digital nomad or remote worker
Video calls, laptop tethering and cloud uploads alongside daily exploration.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline Google Maps packs for each island or trekking region over wifi before you leave your hotel, which saves data and keeps you navigating even on ferry crossings with no signal.
How to set up a Thailand eSIM
A Roamix Thailand eSIM is best installed over wifi at home before you fly. It activates automatically when your phone connects to an AIS or True Move H tower on landing, so you are navigating and messaging before you clear customs.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Thailand eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code or tapping to install over wifi.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and SMS.
- 4
Enable data roaming on the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Thailand and the eSIM connects automatically, no SIM counter required.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. Your phone must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix configures the APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode off and on.
If no data on arrival, check that data roaming is enabled for the Roamix line, try selecting the network manually, and restart the device.
Visa and entry for Thailand
Thailand grants 60-day visa-free stays to nationals of 93 countries including most of Europe, the US, UK, Canada, Australia and much of Asia. From 2025 a Digital Arrival Card must be completed online before arrival, replacing the old paper form.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- Nationals of 31 countries can obtain a 15-day visa on arrival for a fee of 2,000 THB. Thailand also operates an e-Visa system for advance applications. Visa-free travellers do not need a pre-arranged document but must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online up to 3 days before arrival.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward or return travel is required at immigration and may be checked by your airline at check-in.
Complete the TDAC before flying using your home wifi, and keep the confirmation accessible on your Roamix eSIM-connected phone at the immigration desk.
Entry requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Royal Thai Embassy or official Thai immigration sources before booking.
When you land in Thailand
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How people message here
LINE is the dominant messaging and calling app in Thailand, used by almost everyone. WhatsApp covers most international contacts.
Do you need a local number?
You rarely need a local number as a tourist. A Roamix data eSIM handles app-based calls and messages. Some hotel and tour bookings may ask for a Thai number, which you can provide through a LINE or WhatsApp account.
Install LINE before arrival if you plan to book local tours, restaurants or activities, as many Thai businesses communicate primarily through it.
Airports in Thailand
BKK
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Bangkok
Free AOT WiFi throughout the terminal. Reasonably fast but can be congested in the international arrivals hall.
Suvarnabhumi is Thailand's main international hub. With Roamix already active, you can book your Grab taxi or airport rail link ticket before clearing customs and navigate to your hotel on Sukhumvit or in the old city with no queue, no kiosk, no hassle.
DMK
Don Mueang International Airport
Bangkok
Free WiFi available. Smaller than Suvarnabhumi and primarily serves budget carriers including AirAsia and Nok Air.
Don Mueang is farther from central Bangkok than Suvarnabhumi and taxis can be expensive without Grab. A Roamix eSIM means Grab is bookable the moment you land, saving you from metered taxi negotiations.
HKT
Phuket International Airport
Phuket
Free WiFi in the international terminal. Coverage is good in the arrivals hall.
Phuket taxi and shuttle prices from the airport are notoriously negotiated rather than metered. Having Roamix data active means Grab comparison pricing and Patong Beach hotel confirmation are both in hand before you leave the terminal.
CNX
Chiang Mai International Airport
Chiang Mai
Free WiFi available. Small, efficient airport with quick arrivals processing.
Chiang Mai's airport is 10 minutes from the old city moat. Roamix data lets you book your first night's hotel or a pickup from your guesthouse in real time if plans changed en route.
Apps and internet access in Thailand
Thailand has an open internet with no systematic blocking of social media, messaging or VoIP apps. Every mainstream app works normally on a Roamix Thailand eSIM.
There is no general censorship of messaging or social platforms for tourists. Some politically sensitive websites may be filtered, but this does not affect travel apps. No VPN is needed for everyday use.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available for messaging and calls throughout Thailand.
FaceTime, works
Works normally on data and wifi with no restrictions.
Google Maps and Search, works
Unrestricted and essential for navigation.
LINE, works
LINE is the dominant messaging app in Thailand and works perfectly on a Roamix eSIM.
Getting around Thailand
Thailand mixes modern city transit with long-distance buses, ferries and domestic flights. Most booking and navigation now relies on a data connection, making a reliable eSIM essential.
BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok
Signal is strong at all stations and on the trains. Use the Rabbit Line app or contactless bank card to tap in and out, with a connected phone for real-time route planning.
Grab rideshare and taxis
Grab is the dominant app in Thailand and requires an active data connection. Metered taxis are an alternative but Grab gives fixed prices and driver tracking.
Ferries and boats
Essential for island travel. There is often no signal on open-water crossings, so download ferry schedules and offline maps of your destination island before you board.
Domestic flights
The fastest way to reach Phuket, Chiang Mai or Ko Samui from Bangkok. A Roamix eSIM lets you manage mobile boarding passes and rebook if schedules change.
Grab is the go-to for safe, price-fixed rides in Bangkok and major cities. In smaller towns, tuk-tuks and songthaews are fun but negotiate the price before you get in.
Money and payments in Thailand
The Thai baht is cash-forward. Markets, street food stalls, temples and many smaller restaurants are cash only. Keep some baht on you at all times.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are accepted at malls, mid-range restaurants and larger hotels. Outside tourist-heavy areas and for small purchases, cash is king.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely available but typically charge a 220 THB foreign transaction fee per withdrawal. Choose to be charged in THB rather than your home currency to avoid poor dynamic conversion rates.
- Payment apps
- PromptPay is the dominant local payment system. Apple Pay and Google Pay work in international-facing venues. A connected Roamix eSIM keeps your banking app working to track spending and find the nearest ATM.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up restaurant bills or leave 20 to 50 THB for good service. Massage and spa workers appreciate a 50 to 100 THB tip.
Daily budget
Budget travellers can get by on 800 to 1,500 THB a day. Mid-range travellers spend 2,000 to 4,000 THB. Bangkok and island resorts are pricier than the north.
Local tips for Thailand
- Language
- Thai script is used everywhere. A connected translation app that reads camera images is genuinely useful for restaurant menus and signs outside tourist areas.
- Food
- Thai street food is a highlight of any trip. From pad thai carts on Bangkok side streets to fresh seafood barbecues on beach islands, eating well and cheaply is effortless. Use a connected food app to find the best-reviewed local spots.
- Plugs
- 220V, Type A, B and C plugs
Apps worth having
Grab
rideshare
The dominant rideshare and food delivery app in Thailand, essential for safe and price-fixed taxi rides in Bangkok and major cities.
LINE
messaging
The default messaging app for locals and businesses across Thailand, used for bookings, tours and everyday communication.
Google Translate
translation
Camera translation of Thai menus, signs and tickets is genuinely useful outside the tourist trail.
Safety and health in Thailand
Thailand is generally safe for tourists, with the main risks being petty theft in crowded areas, road safety and occasional political demonstrations in Bangkok. Staying connected helps you check live advisories.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active to follow official travel advisories, use Grab instead of unmarked taxis for safer rides, and share your location with someone when heading to remote areas.
- Health
- Heat and sun are the biggest daily hazards. Dengue fever is present, so use repellent. Tap water is not safe to drink; always use bottled or filtered water.
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water anywhere in Thailand. Bottled water is cheap and widely available, and most hotels provide filtered drinking water.
Networks and coverage in Thailand
Thailand has fast, reliable mobile networks in every city and along the main tourist corridors. AIS and True Move H (which merged with DTAC) dominate the market and both offer strong 4G coverage across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and the Gulf Islands. A Roamix Thailand eSIM connects to the strongest available local network the moment you land at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, so navigation, rideshare and messaging apps are live before you reach the exit.
AIS
The widest geographic reach in the country, strongest on the islands, in northern mountain areas and outside major cities. Leads on 5G download speed and consistent quality.
True Move H
Formed by the True and DTAC merger, now the largest by subscribers with 93% nationwide 5G population coverage and dominant performance in Bangkok and major tourist cities.
DTAC
Now operating under the True Corporation umbrella following the merger, sharing infrastructure with True Move H across all 77 provinces.
- Typical speeds
- Expect 30 to 80 Mbps on 4G and up to 200 Mbps on urban 5G in Bangkok.
- 5G
- 5G is commercial in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, with AIS leading on speed and True Move H on 5G population coverage reaching 93% nationally.
If your trip includes island hopping in the southern gulf or Andaman coasts, choose a Roamix plan that rides the AIS footprint, which maintains the most reliable signal on Ko Samui, Ko Tao and the Krabi islands.
Deep jungle treks, remote northern hill tribe villages and some smaller islands have patchy or no coverage on any network. Download offline maps of national parks before you set off. Thai networks use widely supported LTE and 5G bands, so a Roamix eSIM works on virtually any recent unlocked smartphone without band compatibility issues.
Where to go in Thailand
Thailand packs staggering variety into one country, from the rooftop bars of Bangkok to mountain villages near Chiang Rai and crystal-clear gulf beaches. Staying connected with a Roamix eSIM keeps navigation, ride bookings and live transit updates working as you move between these very different landscapes.
Best time to visit
November to February is cool and dry across most of the country and the best overall window. The Andaman coast is best from November to April, while the Gulf of Thailand coast peaks from July to October when the Andaman is wetter.
Bangkok and Central Thailand
The capital is one of Southeast Asia's most energetic cities, with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, rooftop bars on Sathorn, the food stalls of Yaowarat Chinatown, the nightlife of Khao San Road, and the weekend chaos of Chatuchak Market all compressed into a megacity of 12 million.
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Yaowarat Chinatown
- Sky Bar Lebua at State Tower
- Khao San Road
Excellent 5G across all Bangkok districts. BTS Skytrain stations and MRT underground stations have strong in-station coverage. The expressways have reliable 4G throughout.
Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
The cultural capital of the north, famous for its 300 temples, the Sunday Night Market on Wualai Road, the Doi Suthep mountain temple, and as a hub for trekking and elephant sanctuary visits. Pai, three hours north on Route 1095, has become a backpacker and digital nomad favourite.
- Doi Suthep Temple
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Elephant Nature Park
- Sunday Walking Street Wualai
- Pai Canyon
Strong AIS 4G and 5G in Chiang Mai city and along the moat area. Route 1095 to Pai has AIS 4G on most bends. Deep jungle treks to hill tribe villages can go off-network, so download offline maps before heading out.
Phuket and the Andaman Coast
Thailand's largest island and its most developed beach destination. Patong, Kata, and Karon on the west coast have full resort infrastructure. The real Andaman magic is offshore: Koh Phi Phi, the Similan Islands, and the limestone karst bays of Phang Nga Bay.
- Patong Beach
- Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island)
- Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
- Big Buddha Phuket
- Similan Islands National Park
Excellent AIS and True Move H 4G and 5G across Phuket. Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta have usable AIS 4G in populated beach areas. Similan Islands liveaboard boats go off-network once at sea.
Koh Samui and the Gulf Coast
The Gulf of Thailand's island trio: Koh Samui (biggest, most resort-developed), Koh Phangan (Full Moon Party capital), and Koh Tao (world-class diving). Hua Hin on the mainland is a quieter beach retreat popular with Bangkok weekenders.
- Full Moon Party beach Koh Phangan
- Koh Tao dive sites
- Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Samui Fisherman's Village
- Hua Hin Night Market
AIS 4G covers Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao's populated beach areas well. Koh Nang Yuan off Koh Tao has limited signal. Hua Hin has strong AIS 4G and 5G.
Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
The northernmost region of Thailand borders Myanmar and Laos. Chiang Rai is known for the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the remote hill tribe villages of the Mae Sai border area. The Golden Triangle at the confluence of the Mekong, Ruak, and Sop Ruak rivers is a short boat ride away.
- White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
- Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
- Golden Triangle Park
- Doi Tung Royal Villa
- Chiang Saen ancient ruins
AIS 4G in Chiang Rai city and along the main highway to Mae Sai. Remote border villages and mountain passes have intermittent signal. Download maps before heading north of town.
Off the beaten path
A revered temple perched above Chiang Mai with sweeping views, reached by a popular forested hiking trail or by red songthaew minibus.
Signal: Good signal at the trailhead and near the summit temple, but sporadic on the trail itself through the forest.
One of the world's most affordable and popular scuba diving certification destinations, with clear water and abundant marine life.
Signal: Decent 4G coverage across the main beach areas and dive schools, but signal disappears on open-water dive trips and hiking the interior.
A bohemian mountain town in a valley three hours from Chiang Mai, with a canyon walk, hot springs at Tha Pai, and a relaxed traveler culture. At 400 metres elevation, the temperature is genuinely cool in winter.
Signal: AIS 4G in Pai town and along the main street. Route 1095 between Chiang Mai and Pai (762 bends) has AIS 4G at switchback viewpoints. Deep jungle outside town drops to edge or no signal.
A quieter alternative to Phuket and Phi Phi. Long Beach has a full lineup of beach bars and restaurants without the party density. Old Lanta Town is a Muslim fishing community with some of the best fresh seafood in the Andaman.
Signal: AIS 4G on Long Beach, Klong Dao Beach, and the Old Town pier area. Southern beaches including Bamboo Bay have weaker signal. Download offline maps before exploring the southern tip.
The first capital of the Thai kingdom, with dozens of medieval stupas, Buddha statues, and reflecting ponds spread across a tranquil park. Bicycle rental is the only way to explore.
Signal: AIS 4G throughout the historical park and Sukhothai town. Good coverage at most temple ruins.
The most historically significant destination in Thailand for Western visitors. The Death Railway Bridge, the Thailand-Burma Railway (JEATH) War Museum, and the Hellfire Pass Memorial are deeply moving sites. The Erawan National Park waterfalls are among Thailand's most beautiful.
Signal: AIS 4G in Kanchanaburi town. Good coverage along the main River Kwai Noi bridge area. Remote jungle waterfall areas like Erawan National Park have no signal.
Home to Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 metres. The twin royal chedis (Naphamethanidon and Naphaphonphumisiri) set among mist-covered gardens are extraordinary. Waterfall season is October to November.
Signal: AIS 4G at the park entrance and summit area. Jungle trails between the twin chedis and the summit plateau have intermittent signal. Download offline maps before entering the park gates.
Arguably the last unspoiled island accessible from Phuket. No major resorts, rubber plantations, and a quiet Muslim fishing community make it feel like Phuket 30 years ago. Sea kayaking through mangrove tunnels is the main activity.
Signal: AIS 4G in the main village and Ban Tha Kai pier area. Remote kayaking routes into the mangroves have intermittent signal.
The former capital of the Thai kingdom, destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The iconic image of Buddha heads entwined in banyan tree roots at Wat Mahathat is one of Thailand's most photographed sights. Only 80 km from Bangkok, it is the most accessible major historical site in the country.
Signal: Excellent AIS 4G and 5G throughout Ayutthaya. The historical park has full coverage.
One of the oldest rainforests in the world, older than the Amazon, with dramatic limestone karsts rising from the Cheow Lan lake. Floating raft house accommodation on the lake is one of Thailand's most extraordinary experiences.
Signal: AIS 4G in Khao Sok village and at the Ratchaprapha Dam lake. Deep jungle trails inside the park have no signal. Download offline maps of the dam lake and main trails before arriving.
Events and seasons in Thailand
First weekend of February
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Chiang Mai
A three-day festival celebrating the blooming season in northern Thailand, with elaborate flower-covered floats parading through the city and large floral arrangements in Suan Buak Hat Park.
Late April, four days
Phuket Bike Week
Patong Beach, Phuket
Asia's largest motorcycle festival, drawing 100,000 bikers and spectators to Patong Beach for custom bike shows, concerts, and rides around the island.
April 13 to 15
Songkran Water Festival
Nationwide, best in Chiang Mai and Bangkok Silom
Thailand's New Year celebration is the world's biggest water fight. Streets across the country turn into days-long soaking battles. Chiang Mai's moat area and Bangkok's Silom Road are the two epicentres of the chaos.
July, three days
Khao Phansa Candle Festival
Ubon Ratchathani
Marking the start of Buddhist Lent, Ubon Ratchathani in Isaan hosts one of Thailand's most spectacular and undervisited festivals, with enormous intricately carved wax sculptures paraded through the city on ornate floats.
October, nine days
Vegetarian Festival (Tesagan Gin Je)
Phuket Town and Trang
A Chinese Taoist festival of extraordinary intensity, where devotees in Phuket practice firewalking, body piercing with swords and skewers, and strict vegetarianism as acts of purification. Not for the faint-hearted but absolutely compelling to witness.
October to February (biennial, next 2026 to 2027)
Bangkok Art Biennale
Bangkok, citywide
A major contemporary art event spread across Bangkok's historic venues including Wat Arun, the Grand Palace area, and warehouses in the Bang Rak riverside district.
October 13
King Bhumibol Memorial Day
Nationwide
A public holiday remembering King Rama IX, who passed in 2016 and remains deeply revered. Ceremonies occur at temples nationwide and at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
November 23 to 25, 2026
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Chiang Mai
The release of thousands of paper sky lanterns over the Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai is one of the most photogenic nights on earth. Occurs simultaneously with Loy Krathong, when lotus-shaped floats with candles are released on the river.
November 24 to 25, 2026
Loy Krathong
Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai
Thailand's Festival of Lights, where elaborately decorated floats (krathong) made of banana leaves, flowers, and incense are released on rivers and lakes. Sukhothai's celebration against the backdrop of ancient ruins is considered the most traditional.
Monthly, around the full moon
Full Moon Party
Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan
The world's most famous beach party, running since 1985. Between 10,000 and 30,000 people gather on Haad Rin Beach for a night of music stages, fire shows, and luminous body paint.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May brings rising heat before the rains. Songkran in April is the cultural highlight of this season and well worth planning a trip around.
- Summer
- June to August is the wet season across most of the country, with daily afternoon downpours but fewer crowds and lower prices. The eastern gulf coast is generally drier during this period.
- Fall
- September and October are the wettest months overall, but the Andaman sea begins to calm by October, and Loy Krathong in November is spectacular.
- Winter
- November to February is the coolest and driest season and the most popular window to visit. Book accommodation and tours early during this peak period.
Working remotely from Thailand
Thailand is excellent for remote work, with cheap fast fiber and mobile internet in co-working cafes, a large digital nomad community and a low cost of living. Chiang Mai is arguably Southeast Asia's top digital nomad hub.
- Connection
- Urban 4G and 5G easily handle video calls and hotspot use. A Roamix plan with 20 GB or more covers a working week of calls and uploads alongside sightseeing.
Cafes in Chiang Mai's Nimman area and Bangkok's Silom district offer the fastest and most stable wifi for serious work sessions. Use your eSIM as a secure backup for sensitive tasks on public networks.
