AIS eSIM Thailand: Complete Guide to Purchase, Activation & Transfer

Getting connected in Thailand shouldn't be complicated. But somehow it still confuses people.

AIS is Thailand's biggest mobile network. They've offered eSIM for a while now. Works for locals on prepaid and postpaid plans. Works for tourists too, with dedicated traveler packages.

The thing is, AIS isn't your only option. ByteSIM offers Thailand eSIMs without the passport hassle that AIS requires. Depends what matters more to you. Brand name recognition or convenience.

This guide covers everything. How to buy an AIS eSIM. How to activate it. How to transfer it to a new phone. And whether AIS is actually the right choice for your trip.

Does AIS Have eSIM in Thailand?

Yes. AIS absolutely offers eSIM in Thailand.

They've got options for both Thai residents and tourists. The tourist packages are what most travelers care about. Four plans available: 5 days, 8 days, 15 days, and 30 days. All include unlimited data, which is nice. No worrying about running out mid-trip.

For locals, AIS offers eSIM on both prepaid and postpaid accounts. You can convert your existing physical SIM or start fresh with eSIM.

Here's the honest comparison though. AIS requires passport registration for tourists. Thai government regulation. Can't get around it. ByteSIM doesn't require any ID at all. You just buy it and it works.

AIS gives you access to Thailand's fastest network. That matters. But ByteSIM offers regional Asia plans if you're hopping between countries. Different tools for different needs.

How to Buy AIS eSIM

Three main ways to get AIS eSIM. Online store, physical shops, or third-party platforms.

The AIS Online Store delivers instantly via email. Convenient if you're planning ahead. AIS shops and airport counters work if you prefer face-to-face. And platforms like Klook or SimCorner resell AIS plans too.

ByteSIM is worth mentioning here as the easier alternative. No passport upload. No registration delays. Just buy, receive QR code, scan, done.

Buying AIS eSIM Online

Pretty straightforward process.

Visit the AIS online store. Find the eSIM section. Select your plan based on how long you're staying.

For tourists, you'll need to register with your passport. Upload the details during checkout. Takes a few minutes.

Once payment goes through, you get a QR code via email. That's your eSIM. Don't lose that email.

One thing people miss: the QR code is valid for 30 days from purchase. Your plan validity starts when you activate it, not when you buy it. So you can buy a week before your trip without burning days.

Buying from AIS Shops or Airport

Both major Bangkok airports have AIS counters. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. You'll see them in the arrivals hall.

AIS shops are everywhere throughout Thailand too. Shopping malls, city centers, basically anywhere with foot traffic.

Passport required. They'll scan it right there. No service fee for the eSIM itself. Just pay for your plan.

The advantage here is immediate help if something goes wrong. The disadvantage is waiting in line after a long flight. Your call.

How to Activate AIS eSIM

Got your QR code? Good. Now you need to actually install it.

Process differs slightly between iPhone and Android. And if you bought directly from AIS Online Store, the myAIS app can automate things.

Activating AIS eSIM on iPhone

Open Settings. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data depending on your region).

Tap Add eSIM. Then Use QR Code. Point your camera at the QR code from AIS.

Your phone downloads the eSIM profile. Takes maybe 30 seconds. Confirm when prompted.

Now you need to configure it. Set AIS as Primary or Secondary line depending on your setup. If you have another SIM in there, decide which handles calls and which handles data.

Enable Data Roaming in settings. Even though you're in Thailand, this toggle sometimes needs to be on for the eSIM to work properly. Weird but true.

iOS 26 and later lets you set AIS as primary for data while in Thailand. Useful if you're juggling multiple lines.

Activating AIS eSIM on Android

Android varies more by manufacturer. I'll give you the general flow.

Settings. Then Connections or Network & Internet. Find SIM Manager or SIM Cards.

Tap Add eSIM. Scan QR code option. Point camera at your AIS QR code.

Follow the prompts. Confirm installation. Set up which SIM handles what.

Samsung phones have slightly different menu names than Pixel phones than OnePlus phones. You get the idea. But the basic path is the same. Settings, find SIM stuff, add eSIM, scan code.

My AIS App Automatic Activation

This only works for eSIMs bought from AIS Online Store. Not from third parties.

Download the myAIS app. Log in with the same account you used to purchase.

The app can detect your purchased eSIM and install it automatically. No QR scanning needed.

Works for both prepaid and postpaid accounts.

One catch: postpaid verification requires Thai language. The verification questions are in Thai only. Not ideal for tourists, but that's how it is.

How to Transfer AIS eSIM to Another Phone

Different situations here. Converting a physical SIM to eSIM. Or transferring an existing eSIM to a new device. AIS handles both.

Quick terminology thing. "Convert" means same device, changing from physical to eSIM. "Transfer" means moving your eSIM to a different device entirely.

AIS supports eSIM Quick Transfer for moving between devices. Makes upgrading phones much easier than the old days.

AIS eSIM Quick Transfer Process

This is for iPhone to iPhone or iPad to iPad transfers.

On your old device, go to Settings. Find the option for "Keep eSIMs and Erase Data" or similar. This preserves your eSIM information during transfer.

Set up your new device. During the transfer process, it'll ask about your eSIM. Accept the transfer. Your eSIM moves over automatically.

The eSIM stays active throughout. No downtime. No need to contact AIS or get a new QR code.

Compatibility note: iPhone XR and later support this. Older iPhones don't have eSIM Quick Transfer capability.

Android has similar features on newer Samsung devices. Check your specific phone model.

Converting Physical SIM to eSIM

Already have a regular AIS SIM and want to go eSIM? Easy enough.

You can do this online through the AIS website or in the myAIS app. Follow the conversion flow. They'll deactivate your physical SIM and issue an eSIM to the same device.

Or visit any AIS shop. They'll handle it there. Takes a few minutes.

One-time process. Once converted, your number lives on eSIM. You can't go back to physical without getting a new SIM issued.

What devices are compatible with AIS eSIM?

iPhone XR and later all support eSIM. That's iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series. All of them.

Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. The S20+, S21, S22, S23, S24 line. Note series from Note 20 onward.

Google Pixel from Pixel 3 and later. Most recent OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other Android flagships too.

eSIM-compatible tablets work. iPads with cellular. Some Samsung tablets.

Apple Watch with cellular capability. Some other smartwatches.

Critical requirement: your device must be unlocked. Carrier-locked phones often have eSIM blocked. Check before you buy.

AIS has a compatibility checker on their website. Punch in your device model if you're unsure.

How long is AIS eSIM valid?

Tourist eSIM plans run 5, 8, 15, or 30 days. Depends which package you bought.

The QR code itself? Valid for 30 days from purchase. You've got a month to activate it. After that, the code expires and you'd need to buy again.

There's also a regulatory thing. NBTC requires identity reconfirmation after 60 days. Matters more for long-term users than tourists.

Does AIS eSIM include calls and SMS?

Tourist plans include unlimited calls within the AIS network. So calling other AIS numbers in Thailand is free.

International calls are available using the 00300 prefix before the number. That's AIS's international dialing code. Rates vary by destination.

SMS is not included in most tourist plans. Kind of annoying but that's the setup. Use WhatsApp or iMessage instead.

What is AIS network coverage in Thailand?

AIS consistently wins Speedtest awards for fastest network in Thailand. They won in 2025 again.

4G coverage is essentially everywhere. Bangkok obviously. Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, all major tourist destinations.

5G is expanding. Available in Bangkok, central urban areas, major shopping districts. Less consistent in rural areas but improving.

AIS partners with China Mobile for international roaming. Relevant if you're traveling beyond Thailand.

Can I use AIS eSIM abroad?

Yes. Two options basically.

Standard roaming. Your AIS eSIM works internationally but rates can be high. Check AIS roaming rates for your destination before relying on this.

SIM2Fly packages. Ready2Fly branded now. These are international data add-ons. Range from 399 to 2799 Baht depending on region and data amount. Asia packages, Europe packages, worldwide packages.

ByteSIM is worth considering here though. Their multi-country plans often work out cheaper for hopping between countries. One eSIM covers your whole Asia trip instead of buying roaming packages.

ByteSIM vs AIS eSIM: Which is Better for Travelers?

Honest assessment. Both work. Different trade-offs.

AIS pricing runs competitive. Tourist plans from around 299 to 599 Baht depending on validity.

ByteSIM pricing varies by data amount and validity. Check their Thailand plans for current rates.

Coverage quality: AIS is the network. ByteSIM uses partner networks in Thailand, likely AIS or True infrastructure. Real-world difference is minimal for most users.

For short trips to Thailand only, either works fine. For multi-country travel or if you hate paperwork, ByteSIM makes more sense. For staying longer and wanting direct customer service in Thailand, AIS has physical shops everywhere.

No wrong answer. Just different priorities.

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