The Best eSIM for Thailand Travel: My Honest Sim Local Review.
I pulled into Wat Pha Lat after a very scenic and winding route from the Old City in Chiang Mai.
Google Maps was a life saver… What would I do without an e-Sim!
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to stay connected without paying sky-high roaming fees, this one’s for you.
I’ve landed in too many airports before… Tired, jet-lagged, and instantly hit with ‘No Service’ moment…
Finding Wi-Fi or a local SIM after a long flight is the last thing I want to do!
So for my latest adventure in Chiang Mai, I decided to try something new: a Sim Local eSIM.
It promised instant data on arrival, strong local coverage, and flexible plans for travellers exploring Southeast Asia.
What I didn’t expect was how much safer life would actually be at certain moments of my trip…
Helping me find hidden temples, book my daily CrossFit rides, and even track down Chiang Mai’s best street art.
Here’s how:
Wat Pha Lat in the Thai jungle.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Note: This post was sponsored by Sim Local, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Why staying connected in Thailand matters.
Chiang Mai is one of those cities that rewards exploration, with culture, art, and beautiful scenery all combining with the city’s modern edge, to create truly unique city vibes.
The iconic temples go far beyond the city walls, into the remote jungle which covers the scenic mountains on the outskirts of Chiang Mai.
So it is fair to say I wanted to be connected!
Getting lost on a scooter in the middle of nowhere with no signal.. Yeah I have been there before…
During my time in Da Nang, I once spent over an hour circling the countryside trying to find Ba Na Hills, convinced Google Maps was just testing my patience.
No data… No patience… And no idea…
It wasn’t exactly the highlight of my Vietnam trip.
That’s when I realised how much reliable data improved my travel experiences. For the rest of my South East Asia trip I made sure I planned it properly.
Chaing Mai is one of Thailand’s largest provinces, so not easy to navigate.
When you look at a Chiang Mai tourist map, you realise just how huge the region really is…
The walled city is just the heartbeat, around it sprawls a massive province of mountains, national parks, and tiny temple villages. It’s one of those places where my short scooter rides turned into full day adventures!
Being able to explore freely, navigate easily, and stay safe put my mind at ease.
A cultural corner in Chiang Mai.
In a country like Thailand, where my adventures were literally taking me from mountain temples to modern city cafés within hours, having a dependable connection isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
So before flying to Chiang Mai this time, I made sure I’d never repeat the ‘Ba Na Hills’ incident again.
Instead of hunting down a local SIM card at the airport, I downloaded an eSIM from Sim Local, and I was online before the plane even touched down.
What is an eSIM (and why it’s a game changer for travellers).
If you haven’t used one before, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is simply a digital version of the little plastic SIM card that used to slot into your phone.
Instead of swapping physical cards every time you travel, you can download a mobile plan straight onto your device and connect instantly… No shops, no queues, and no fiddly tools.
I found one of the biggest advantages to be the fact that I could set everything up before I even leave home.
Once I landed in Chiang Mai, my phone automatically connected to a local network, so there was no need to hunt for Wi-Fi or a SIM counter at the airport.
It was awesome hopping between countries in Southeast Asia, and staying connected from the moment I arrived in each new destination.
I used my Sim Local eSIM to install my plan in minutes, and by the time I cleared immigration, I had booked my Grab, and the driver was waiting outside for me.
You can browse Sim Local’s eSIM Thailand plans here before you fly — they even let you activate your data before you touch down in Thailand.
An awesome mural my data helped me find at Dream Space Gallery.
Why I chose Sim Local for my trip to Chiang Mai.
Before my recent 3 month South East Asia trip, I spent a while planning, and comparing different eSIM providers, after using Airalo on my last trip to Bangkok.
It worked eventually, but it took me a while to get it activated, as my phone wouldn’t connect straight away.
Sim Local was the best option for me, as it was very competitive in terms of the price; however, the reviews for its coverage, reliability, and easy activation are what swayed my decision.
Sim Local partners directly with Thailand’s top network providers, such as DTAC, AIS, and TrueMove H.
These are the same carriers that I notice when I land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and were very suitable when I used to get physical sims on previous trips to Thailand.
Even driving out to the jungle temples beyond Chiang Mai, my connection stayed solid, streaming music through my airpods during the journey, and using Google Maps in the phone holder to guide me round the winding roads.
Riding around the Chiang Mai country roads was awesome.
Another big plus was that Sim Local’s plans don’t just give you data, they include calls and texts too.
Some other eSIMs only offer internet access, but having full connectivity made a real difference.
When some of the main roads were closed for the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, due to the parades, I was able to call my guesthouse owner directly to ask for an alternate route.
This saved me plenty of time, which was a life saver as I was heading to Dang Muay Thai for a private session. The city’s one way roads are hard enough to navigate at the best of times!
Parade day at the annual flower festival.
Through their ‘Find My Plan’ tool, I was able to choose exactly what I needed, with enough data for maps, work, and photos, without paying for extras I wouldn’t use.
It’s intuitive and perfect if you travel frequently, as it suggests the ideal plan based on your destination and trip length.
The company also covers over 220 destinations worldwide, so it made sense for me to choose them, making it very easy to connect to new networks, as I made many across another 7 countries during my trip
Staying connected was essential as I ordered the best Nasi Goreng when I was in Canggu in Bali, searched for Instagram spots in Singapore, and booked my Angkor Wat Sunrise tour on a very sleepy morning in Siem Reap!
And just in case you are faced with the chaos I once was during my time in Hanoi with a physical sim card purchase, Sim Local backs it all up with a 100% refund policy. They might not be too expensive, but its still a Chang beer and bowl of Pad Thai in Chiang Mai!
Typical Tuk tuk scenes.
How much does a Sim Local eSIM Cost? (And Is It Worth It?).
On previous trips to Asia, I was still using my Vodafone’s roaming plan, at £7 per day…
That doesn’t sound too bad for a day or two, but when visiting the different places in Thailand for 3 weeks it adds up far too fast!
By comparison, my Sim Local eSIM cost around $13 for 10 days, and 50GB of data, and the ability to tether my macbook whenever I needed.
There were no hidden charges, no confusing top-ups, and the entire plan activated before I even boarded the plane.
Sim Local’s pricing is simple. You can choose exactly what you need, from short regional passes to unlimited data plans, and most work out at less than $1 per GB.
If you want to check the latest Thailand pricing, you can find the exact plan I used — 50 GB for 10 days with Sim Local here. Usually less than the cost of two days of roaming with Vodafone
That’s far cheaper than roaming or buying separate local SIMs in each destination.
For me, that meant smooth Google Maps navigation, uploading photos, and tethering for blog work, all without worrying about burning through data or extra costs.
Exploring Wat Phra Singh Waramahavihan.
Setting Up the Sim Local eSIM (Step-by-Step).
One of the best parts about using an eSIM from Sim Local is how simple the setup is, even if it’s your first time. It took me less than 10 minutes to go from purchase to connection.
Here’s exactly how it works:
Download the Sim Local App – Available on iOS and Android. This is where you browse plans, buy your eSIM, and manage your data usage.
Find Your Plan – Use the .Find My Plan. tool to select your destination (Thailand) and trip length. I chose a 10-day, 50GB option — plenty for maps, Grab, and blogging.
Install the eSIM – After checkout, scan the QR code or install directly through the app.
Activate Before Landing – Turn on data roaming for the eSIM profile, and you’ll connect automatically once you arrive.
Enjoy Instant Data – By the time I cleared customs in Chiang Mai, Google Maps was already loading.
Definitely easier than my ordeal in Hanoi airport!
👉 You can set up your own Sim Local eSIM in advance here and arrive in Thailand ready to connect instantly.
There is a Buddhist theme everywhere in Chiang Mai.
How I Used My Sim Local Data in Chiang Mai
Having reliable data in Chiang Mai made every part of my trip smoother, safer, and honestly — a lot more fun. Here’s how I used my Sim Local eSIM every single day:
Used Google Maps to find Wat Pha Lat hidden jungle temple.
One of my favourite rides was up to Wat Pha Lat, a jungle temple tucked into the mountains above Chiang Mai...
The route is scenic but full of winding backroads, easy to get lost without a map.
With my Sim Local data, I followed Google Maps the whole way, even when I lost sight of the city below. No dropouts, no stress, just smooth 5G guiding me through the picturesque forest.
Deep in the Thai jungle.
Booked my daily Grab rides to CrossFit Chiang Mai.
Each morning, I’d open the Grab app to head to CrossFit Chiang Mai.
It was quick, cashless, and reliable, no language barriers or confusion about directions. Having an eSIM meant I could arrange rides instantly.
I could also book my class slots and check the workout of the day straight from my phone before leaving my guesthouse. It made my daily training routine feel effortless, even halfway across the world.
My daily dose of exercise in Chiang Mai.
Finding the nearest 7/11 for local favourites.
If you’ve been to Thailand, you know that 7-Eleven is a gamechanger…
Gatorade, ice coffee, and those famous cheese toasties!
There’s one on most corners in Chiang Mai, and my eSim made it easy to find the nearest store on late-night scooter rides or early morning adventures.
Found one.
Googling the local delicacies - I had to check!
Chiang Mai’s street food scene is legendary, however, as wiht other popular cities in Thailand, some dishes definitely make you stop and think…
I found myself Googling what I was about to eat more than once!
That’s how I discovered these grilled octopus skewers at the night market where ‘Octopus Chin’ and ‘Octopus Mouth’ are apparently local favourites! (📸 see photo below).
Having fast data meant I could look up ingredients, check reviews, and check I was actually going to survive the night.
Did I dare?
Stayed up to date with my blog using my data, even in the mountains.
In between exploring, I tethered my laptop to my phone and caught up on my daily blog work.
The hotspot feature included in my Sim Local plan made it easy to upload photos, answer emails, and even publish updates from a quiet café in the jungle, all without relying on café Wi-Fi, as believe me, Wi-Fi is hard to find in the Thai nature.
Jungle cafe.
Hunting down Chiang Mai’s street art.
Chiang Mai’s street art scene is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated, and home to some of Thailand’s best Instagram spots, but finding it takes effort.
I used my Sim Local data to track down murals through Instagram tags and travel blogs, from the colourful elephant wall near Tha Phae Gate to hidden graffiti near Ristr8to Café.
My connection never dropped, even while zig-zagging between alleys.
Elephnat street art.
Navigating my road trip to Pai.
Before my time in Pai, I had to use Google Maps to plan the 762-turn mountain route (yes, really)…
Having an eSIM was a game-changer for this journey, as the connection stayed strong the entire way, even in the winding jungle sections where most travellers lose signal.
It turned a nerve-wracking drive into one of my favourite road trips in Thailand.
My 3 Day Travel Itinerary for Pai helped me plan the perfect mix of canyons, cafés, and hot springs for a few unforgettable days.
The start of an awesome road trip.
Pros and cons of using a Sim Local eSIM.
Like any travel essential, an eSIM has its strengths and a few small things to be aware of. After using Sim Local all around Chiang Mai, from jungle temples to busy night markets, here’s what really stood out.
Pros:
To summarise, the availability of a local plan with DTAC, with a local price, while being quite convenient, and without risking good connectivity ticks every box:
✅ Excellent network reliability.
My signal stayed strong everywhere, even in the mountain roads up to Wat Pha Lat.
✅ Fast 4G/5G speeds.
Perfect for using Google Maps, streaming music, or uploading blog photos from cafés.
✅ Hotspot included.
I could tether my laptop anytime, ideal for writing or quick edits on the go.
✅ Affordable pricing.
Plans start from under £10 for 10 days; far cheaper than roaming.
✅ Full connectivity.
Data, calls, and SMS all included, not just internet access.
✅ 13 years of trusted experience .
Sim Local has been connecting travellers long before most eSIM competitors existed.
✅ Refund policy.
100 % money-back guarantee if something doesn’t work as expected.
Chiang Mai is heaven for digital nomads.
Cons:
⚠️ Requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone.
Most modern iPhones, Samsung, and Pixel models work fine, but it’s worth checking before you buy.
⚠️ Temporary number on data-only plans.
If you choose a data-only option, you’ll be assigned a separate number during your trip. This doesn’t affect Instagram, Whatsapp and Messenger etc.
Still got questions?
Even after using an eSIM, I still get plenty of messages asking how it all works. So here are some quick answers to the most common questions travellers have before switching over.
Temple life in Chiang Mai.
FAQ — eSIMs for Travellers.
If you’re new to using an eSIM, you probably still have a few questions, I know I did before trying it for the first time. Here are some quick answers that will help you get started with Sim Local:
Can I use a Sim Local eSIM in Thailand?
Yes, Sim Local partners with top Thai networks like DTAC, AIS, and TrueMove H to give you full 4G/5G coverage across the country, even in the mountains around the popular Chiang Mai and Pai.
Do I need an unlocked phone?
Yes. Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked. Most recent iPhones (XR and later), Samsung S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer models all work perfectly.
Does Sim Local offer unlimited data?
Yes, their Unlimited plans include up to 10 GB of full-speed data per day, much higher than most competitors.
How to top up more data to my eSIM in Thailand
If you purchased a per-GB plan for Thailand and need to top up more because you've run out of data, you can do so through the Local SIM app. Remember, with Smartroam plans, you can view your data usage directly in the app.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot?
Absolutely. Every Sim Local plan includes hotspot and tethering with no extra charge, ideal for working remotely or sharing data between devices.
What if it doesn’t work?
Sim Local has a 100% refund policy and round-the-clock support via chat, WhatsApp, and email, so you’re never left stranded without help.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.