What are my options for using a new phone with both US and Thai SIM cards, especially considering eSIM technologies?

What's an esim???

I use an AIS eSIM. I also use a T-Mobile physical SIM. Have had the US number over 2 decades for $3 a month. When I go to the us I activate a different plan while in country. Even with the $3 plan you get all the bank codes and stuff via SMS at a dime each. It is a prepaid plan. iPhone 15.

Why would you buy from Verizon? Any discounted phone would be locked and couldn’t be used in Thailand. This is a sincere question, wondering what the advantage is.

I like Google Fi. I never need a SIM card. Get a welcome to *** when I cross the line.

My wife and I both have Thai Esims on our phones, both registered under her Thai ID, when in Thailand. We change the plan for the best value we need, then when leaving, change it to the lowest monthly rate, which is not much. They are good for 12 months if we forget to top up, then we just activate again on return. Both our home phones are Esims as well on our Google Pixels

Fine phone at a great price is the Xiaomi Redmi note 13 or 13 pro.. 🥳

I used an AIS eSIM in Thailand earlier this year and it worked flawlessly. My speeds were much, much faster than what I experience in the U.S. I've used both physical SIMs and eSIMs and I now prefer the later. Any iPhone or Android phone made in the last two years or so will support two eSIMs. However, if you still prefer a physical SIM, you'll have to buy an Android phone.

Have you looked into the Ultimate Unlimited plan with Verizon? Thailand is included and data used here as well as calling back to the US is included at no extra charge.

Just buy an iPhone 15 pro max from Thailand . It has sim slot and esim

Samsung has dual sim. E sim and regular. Get a good phone and make sure its not locked.

Get a SIM from AIS and purchase a roaming package when you need to travel. I went straight to AIS and this option works brilliantly they have different pre-paid roaming options that are really well priced.

Both are eSIMs. I use Tello.com for my U.S. number. It cost $5 a month. Unlimited SMS and 100 mins over WiFi. Thai number is AIS

I have an AIS eSIM and TMobile eSIM. It’s very easy to do and manipulate when traveling (meaning making the appropriate sim the primary)

S23 ultra has two sim slots and e sims. Actually in States at moment using package from true. I also carry another phone for Singapore company i work for its not a big deal.

I have AIS on my eSIM

My phone has a physical sim card from t-mobile and an eSIM from AIS

Phons in the US are moving towards E Sims. Phones here are still sold with physical sims.

AIS supports ESIMs. I'd suggest you get a real phone that takes SIM cards.😂

AIS will do either esim or physical. I initially had them install as esim. I then discovered my phone will only allow 1 esim to be active at once. Went back and they converted it to physical sim. So not sure where you're getting your info. You shouldn't need more than 1 unlocked phone.

Whoever told you that AIS only uses physical SIM cards is incorrect… For me, the solution I used this time, that has worked brilliantly so far - is i upgraded to a new iPhone 15 before I left the USA…  iPhone 15 is eSIM only, there is no physical Sim card capability .. Then I switched from ATT to Mint Mobile, which only costs me about US$20 per month… then when I arrived at the Bangkok airport, I went to the AIS booth and they installed an AIS eSIM .. now I just toggle back and forth between my USA phone number and my Thai phone number, whenever I need an OTP or a 2FA code…  I have had zero issues yet with that set up, and I only have to carry one phone .. ETA : Make absolutely sure that whatever new phone you purchase is UNLOCKED.. wound up having to buy my new phone directly from Apple Store since they sell them unlocked, other more shady dealers (looking at you ATT)- tried to sell me a locked phone , which would not have worked in Asia .

For me, with AIS, yes you buy a physical SIM card that they then will use as an ESIM on the phone. I'm not sure if this is what you are asking. I could add more E SIM. But I always buy the unlocked version of phone direct from Samsung. Never a carrier phone.

I use samsung s23 ultra, has 2 sim slots, dtac and another non thai sim card.. no problems at all

Yes, it is headed to that. Pick up a Samsung or a Pixel 2nd hand that has dual physical sims and problem solved.