This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the best eSIM options for UK banking with a Thai number and which phone is compatible?
esimUK bankingexpats in ThailandThai SIM cardsmobile compatibilitySwytchAiralolocal esim providersGiffgaff
Dec 15, 2025
5 months ago
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERRecommendations for an esim for UK banking, best compatible phone and advice as not very tech savvy,
Thank you 😞
Thank you 😞
TLDR : Answer Summary
When seeking an esim for UK banking while living in Thailand, it's important to note that not all banks accept Thai numbers—Halifax does, but Nationwide does not. Many users recommend purchasing a temporary esim, like Airalo, upon arrival in the UK to secure internet access. They usually switch to a more affordable local esim from providers like AIS or TRUE in Thailand. Giffgaff is also suggested as a compatible option for those needing UK numbers.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Peter *********
Devyce
Peter *********
Its registered as a uk number if anyone checks and gives a uk ring tone if you are abroad
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
Thank you again, have had a few test calls to the UK, so far all ok, going out and incoming 👍🙏Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
thank you, I had a problem with my email..so it directed me to the webpage, Xpatphone...where you can get a free trial, so hopefully that will work,👍Reply to
Caroline ***********
Reply
Peter *********
Download it and have a look
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
having a go now 👍Reply to
Caroline ***********
Reply
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnd it shows a UK telephone number?
Peter *********
Both run along side no problems same as whats app
Or line
Or line
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
ok, I'm such a dinosaur with technology.... thank you. Do you just use the app separately and switch between my Thai number for making calls etc or does it run alongside my Thai number?Sorry for so many questions 🙏
Peter *********
@Caroline **********
if you get a call just answer as normal to make a call open app and dial. It will use a sim you have installed to use the internet or wifi if you are connectedReply to
Peter *********
Reply
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
thank you, so do you need an esim compatible phone for Devyce?Peter *********
@Caroline **********
no its. an appReply to
Peter *********
Reply
Peter *********
Internet no works off your normal sim or wifi
Same as uk number
Same as uk number
Peter *******
Giffgaff now have an esim
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ******
thank you, I'll have to get a new phone asap 1st that's compatible 👍Peter *******
@Caroline **********
all phones I've bought in thailand are unlocked so no problem with uk sim, but check the phone has esim functionalityReply to
Peter *******
Reply
David **********
I got an Airalo esim before I left the UK.
I only get the 7 day for £4 just so that i have Internet as soon as I land.
I would then go into an AIS or TRUE shop and set up an local Esim there, works out a lot cheaper this way, I'm in Vietnam at the moment, 30 days Esim locally costs about £5, a lot cheaper than all the big providers....
I only get the 7 day for £4 just so that i have Internet as soon as I land.
I would then go into an AIS or TRUE shop and set up an local Esim there, works out a lot cheaper this way, I'm in Vietnam at the moment, 30 days Esim locally costs about £5, a lot cheaper than all the big providers....
Phil ********
Not all UK banks allow a Thai number for banking.
Halifax - Yes
Nationwide - No
I use Swytch £6 a month for a UK number.
Halifax - Yes
Nationwide - No
I use Swytch £6 a month for a UK number.
Karl ************
Would you be able to keep your same number please?
Caroline ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you do you have a link for Switch, please
Phil ********
Reply to
Phil ********
Reply
46 comments
5 months ago
34 comments
5 months ago
12 comments
5 months ago
41 comments
5 months ago
32 comments
7 months ago
59 comments
a year ago
6 comments
a year ago
18 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
47 comments
a year ago
7 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
5 comments
a year ago
64 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
2 years ago
What are the best SIM/eSIM options for Thailand, and can I use them in Cambodia and Vietnam as well?
20 comments
2 years ago
61 comments
2 years ago
36 comments
2 years ago
23 comments
2 years ago
38 comments
2 years ago
18 comments
2 years ago
14 comments
2 years ago
16 comments
2 years ago
17 comments
4 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.