Stay Connected in Samui
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Samui's connectivity has improved dramatically over the past few years, with 4G coverage now reaching most tourist areas and even remote beaches. The main challenge isn't finding signal anymore – it's choosing the right connection method for your trip. Three major Thai carriers (AIS, True, and dtac) provide solid coverage across the island, though speeds can vary between the busy Chaweng area and quieter spots like the west coast. Most hotels and cafes offer WiFi, but it's often slow and unreliable when you need it most. For travelers, the real decision comes down to convenience versus cost: eSIMs offer immediate connectivity and peace of mind, while local SIMs provide better value for longer stays but require airport queues and paperwork.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Samui.
Network Coverage & Speed
Samui's network infrastructure centers around three major carriers. AIS generally offers the most reliable coverage island-wide, including good signal strength in Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut, with decent reach to places like Taling Ngam and the quieter northern beaches. True provides competitive speeds in tourist zones but can be patchy in remote areas. dtac offers solid budget options with reasonable coverage in main areas. 4G speeds typically range from 10-50 Mbps in prime locations, dropping to 5-15 Mbps in remote areas or during peak hours. The airport, main beaches, and hotel zones maintain strong signals, but expect weaker coverage on mountain roads and some secluded beaches on the island's periphery. WiFi is widely available but quality varies significantly – luxury resorts usually provide good speeds while budget accommodations and local cafes often struggle with slow, overcrowded connections that can't handle video calls or large file uploads.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs have become increasingly popular for Samui travelers, and for good reason. They activate instantly upon arrival – no airport queues, no passport photocopying, no worrying about finding a SIM shop that's actually open. Providers like Airalo offer Thailand plans that work seamlessly across the island, typically costing $15-30 for 7-14 days with generous data allowances. The main advantage is convenience: you're connected the moment you land, which is invaluable for calling taxis, accessing maps, or checking hotel details. The cost premium over local SIMs is usually $10-15 for short trips, but most travelers find this worthwhile for the hassle-free experience. The only real downside is less flexibility – you can't easily top up or change plans like with local SIMs, so choose your data allowance carefully.
Local SIM Card
Local Thai SIM cards remain the cheapest option, available at Samui Airport, 7-Eleven stores, and carrier shops throughout the island. AIS and True have booths right in the airport arrivals area, though expect queues during peak season. You'll need your passport for registration, and activation usually takes 5-10 minutes. Tourist packages typically cost 300-600 THB ($8-16) for 7-15 days with 6-15GB data, plus unlimited local calls. The 7-Eleven route is often faster than airport booths – staff are experienced with tourist SIMs and the process is streamlined. Top-ups are easy through the carrier apps or any convenience store. The main downsides are the initial hassle, potential language barriers, and the risk of arriving late at night when shops might be closed. Keep your passport handy as some locations may ask to see it again for top-ups.
Comparison
For trips under two weeks, eSIMs win on convenience while local SIMs win on pure cost – usually saving $10-15 total. Roaming is expensive and unreliable, only worth considering for very short stays. eSIMs activate instantly and eliminate airport hassles, while local SIMs require queuing and paperwork but offer better long-term value and flexibility. Most travelers find the eSIM premium worthwhile for the peace of mind and immediate connectivity, especially given how small the actual cost difference is compared to total trip expenses.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo without hesitation. You'll have connectivity immediately upon landing, avoiding airport confusion and language barriers. The small cost premium is worth it for stress-free arrival and instant access to maps and translation apps. Budget travelers: If every dollar counts, local SIMs save money, but factor in your time and potential stress. For most budget travelers, the $10-15 eSIM premium is still worthwhile compared to airport queues and potential complications. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIMs make financial sense here. The savings add up over time, and you'll appreciate the flexibility to change plans and top up easily. Visit an AIS or True shop in town for better service than airport booths. Business travelers: eSIM is your only realistic option. You need immediate connectivity for work calls and emails, and the time saved avoiding airport SIM shops pays for the premium instantly.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Samui.
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