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Can I use an E-SIM for my Thai number while keeping my US number on a physical SIM for my non-O extension?

E-SIM Physical SIM Thai SIM Non-O Visa Visa Extension Immigration Requirements

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Steve ********

OP

asked Jun 22, 2026

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E-SIM vs Physical SIM card

Good morning all,

I have a question regarding SIM cards when presenting for a non-O 1 year extension. 

I have an iPhone that supports dual SIM. 

Can I keep my current US phone nr on my physical SIM. and get a Thai nr on an E-SIM?

Will the IO be concerned with the type of SIM or just the fact that I have contracted with a local provider for a Thai number?

Thank you all for this forum! I’ve gathered loads of useful information moonitoring these posts. 

Steve

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the use of E-SIM versus Physical SIM cards for expats in Thailand, particularly regarding the requirements for a non-O visa extension. Several comments confirm that the type of SIM (E-SIM or Physical SIM) is not a concern for immigration as long as a local Thai number is obtained. Users emphasize that having a Thai number is more relevant for local banking operations rather than immigration. Suggestions include using local providers such as AIS or DTAC and ensuring that the E-SIM functions properly for SMS communication.

26 repliesnewest first

21

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Christer *****

Christer *****

If you go with e-sim, just make sure it works with SMS etc. everywhere.

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

An esim is a sim. There's no difference between the two types. So get whatever works best for you.

0

John *********

John *********

Valud local area code and number. They dont care who provides

0

Mark ********

Mark ********

make sure to bring your passport with you when you shop for sims/esims in case they need to take a picture of it

0

Steve ********

Steve ********

OP

Thank you all except for the one a$$hat.

Question is answered well.

0

Charlie *********

Charlie *********

Whether e-SIM or physical SIM, just get a local Thai number with a local carrier (i.e AIS or DTAC/True). I've got two e-SIM, my Thai #, and a US #. Simple as to switch between the two as needed

0

Phil ******

Phil ******

Steve Parker all sim plans whether in physical or virtual doesn't matter.

Im on an AIS 360 day unlimited data plan that's with a number for ฿3500.

0

Colin **********

Colin **********

If you want an Thai banking if you have a Thai banking app you will need a Thai sim, other than that you dont need it.

1

Ling *****

Ling *****

Colin Chaffers 💯

0

Torben **********

Torben **********

Jesus Christ 😳🫣😒

I forgot , ohhhh my Buddha 🙏

0

Michael ********

Michael ********

I have a German and Thai Sim card from AIS, my first exstenion I used my wifes Sim.

0

Doug ******

Doug ******

It doesn’t matter. Go with the eSIM. You can just turn it off when you travel instead of worrying about keeping track of it if you remove it from your phone.

My iPhone doesn’t support physical SIMs anyway. I have multiple eSIMs installed… Thai, US and others. Any two can be active at a time.

0

Naim ******

Naim ******

True gsm - in true app you can switch sim to esim.

0

John **********

John **********

Immigration won't care whether you have a Thai SIM or not. The requirement for a Thai SIM is more of a bank thing

4

Marianne ********

Marianne ********

@John *********

They wanted a Thai number from me so they could call me and arrange for the home-visit.

But if I didn't have one, I'm sure they would consider accepting my husbands number instead.

Probably won't matter at all on a extension based on retirement though.

0

John **********

John **********

@Marianne *******

They sometimes do home visits on retirement extensions too but any Thai number they can reach you on will do. I've now had 3 home visits but yet to receive a phone call prior, usually it comes a day or two afterwards...

0

Ian ********

Ian ********

Be careful because they will probably put you on the top tariff

0

Steve ********

Steve ********

OP

Ian Carman ??

Will you please elaborate?

0

Ian ********

Ian ********

True put me on unlimited internet 750 baht a month .But I have internet in my house so don’t really need any data or I can hotspot from my wife’s data .Ive now switched to 50 baht a move so that I keep the phone number,only 3 gb a month

0

Martin ********

Martin ********

Ian Carman they don’t just put you on whatever package they feel like, you have to choose and sign for it.

0

Paul ********

Paul ********

I have done it the other way as I have a Thai physical sim and an English e-sim and have done so for 5 years and no problems. Only because I was not sure if Thailand was up to date with eSIM at that time

0

Larry *************

Larry *************

You just need a local number. Use AIS or DTAC/True for your local provider via SIM.

1

Damian *******

Damian *******

Type of sim absolutely doesn’t matter it’s all a sim, I have a physical cans down sim and an eSIM for Thailand on my phone

1

Steve ********

Steve ********

OP

Damian Mavis thanks for the response.

Like others I’m likely overthinking some of this stuff.

0

Glenn ******

Glenn ******

Steve Parker Damian is absolutely correct. I've had AIS move my number back and forth between Sim and eSim a couple of times due to changing circumstances. It doesn't matter at all.

0

Damian *******

Damian *******

Steve Parker yup soon it will all be esim, its just the new tech, totally counts as your thai sim

0

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