Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM is very useful when traveling in Thailand! Easy way to communicate overseas

Travel to Thailand and Rakuten Mobile: Popular Tourist Attractions and Convenient Communications

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s leading tourist powerhouse, with the bustling markets of Bangkok, the historic temples of Chiang Mai, and the beautiful beaches of Phuket drawing visitors from around the world. the country will attract approximately 39 million tourists in 2023 (Tourism Authority of Thailand data), and its mild climate and rich culture are attractive. For this trip, I planned to sign up for an eSIM for smartphone communication, but Rakuten Mobile’s international roaming was more convenient than I expected. Rakuten Mobile is a widely used low-cost SIM in Japan that offers free roaming up to 2GB in 91 countries and regions overseas. More details can be found on the official Rakuten Mobile website. Tourism information on Thailand can be checked at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, overseas roaming details of Rakuten Mobile can be found at Rakuten Mobile International Service, and tourist spots in Bangkok can be found at the official Bangkok Tourism website. Through this experience, we experienced the charm of Thailand and the convenience of Rakuten Mobile.

Motivation for the trip: Solving overseas communication issues

When I planned my trip to Thailand, the biggest challenge was smartphone communication abroad. I had previously signed up for an eSIM or physical SIM from Amazon or a local SIM company, but was bothered by the complicated procedures. This time, I decided to use Rakuten Mobile (Rakuten’s most powerful plan), which I am currently subscribed to in Japan, for a 4-day/3-night itinerary to visit temples in Bangkok and enjoy the beaches of Phuket. I flew from Haneda Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and upon arrival, I immediately set the “Overseas Roaming (data communication)” option on the “my Rakuten Mobile” app before departure. The remaining data amount can also be checked on the app, reducing stress during the trip. This choice has greatly expanded the freedom of travel.

Convenience of Rakuten Mobile: 2GB free international roaming

Rakuten Mobile’s international roaming is free up to 2GB. In my case, I can use the same plan I have in Japan in Thailand, and the setup is easy. All I have to do is turn on “data roaming” and connect to a local network (AIS or TrueMove). According to a survey, Rakuten Mobile provides services in 91 countries, including Thailand, with stable 4G connectivity as of August 2025 ([Web:0,4]). Google Maps, LINE, and Instagram work smoothly at Wat Arun in Bangkok and Patong Beach in Phuket; as a tip, turn off roaming when using hotel Wi-Fi to save data. This ease of connection, which was instant upon arrival at the airport, made my trip more secure.

Flexibility to add data: immediate charge of 500 yen for 1GB

When I was about to use my 2GB free quota, I immediately purchased 1GB (500 yen) on the app. It was reflected in a few taps and payment was completed with a Japanese credit card. According to our research, Rakuten Mobile’s additional data is valid for 31 days, which is cheaper than Amazon’s eSIM for Thailand (about 900 yen for 1GB) and local SIMs (about 1,500 yen for 15GB for 8 days) ([Web:1,14,23]). In my case, I used translation apps and maps a lot while visiting temples in Bangkok and added 1GB on the second day. I purchased another 1GB when uploading photos to SNS in Phuket. Tips: Check your data usage daily in the “Usage” section of the app. You can save money by limiting your data usage to maps and messages and not watching videos. This flexibility greatly improved the comfort of our trip.

Comparison with conventional eSIM: Unparalleled convenience of Rakuten Mobile

In the past, we have used eSIMs from Amazon (e.g. Airalo, about 900 yen for 1GB) or local SIM companies (AIS, TrueMove), but the setup and purchase has been a challenge. Research shows that local SIMs can be purchased at pop-up stores at airports, but require QR code reading and passport presentation, which is a time and language barrier ([Web:2,11,14]). Rakuten Mobile is completed through an app in Japanese and requires no additional contract. In my case, I went through the SIM booths at Haneda Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport and connected immediately upon arrival; as a tip, Rakuten Mobile subscribers can set up the Rakuten Link app before departure and calls to Japan are free. This overwhelming convenience has made the traditional method a thing of the past.

Communication environment in Thailand: stability in cities and on beaches

The telecommunication environment in Thailand is evolving, with stable high-speed 4G in Bangkok and no problems connecting in the beach areas of Phuket. Surveys show that 5G is now widespread in Thailand’s mobile network, but Rakuten’s partner lines (such as AIS) are 4G-centric and fast enough ([Web:4,14]). In my case, the car-dispatch app (Grab) works smoothly for taking photos at Wat Pho and at the night market in Phuket. Tips: 500 MB to 1 GB of data usage per day is sufficient. Watch videos in a Wi-Fi environment to save data. This stability made sightseeing in Thailand stress-free.

Airport SIM booths: no longer needed with Rakuten Mobile

Pop-up stores selling SIMs are conspicuous at Haneda Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, but are unnecessary thanks to Rakuten Mobile. According to research, local SIMs take 5-10 minutes to set up and require communication in English or Thai ([Web:0,12,23]). With Rakuten Mobile, I can connect immediately upon arrival and smoothly arrange cabs and check maps. In my case, I was able to check my route in real time while traveling from the airport to my hotel in Bangkok via Grab. This freedom of not needing a local SIM gave me a new style of travel.

Overall Satisfaction: Value of Rakuten Mobile and Attractiveness of Thailand

This trip to Thailand was a great experience for me because of the convenience that Rakuten Mobile’s international roaming brings: the flexibility of 2GB free and 1GB 500 yen, which eliminated the hassle and cost of a traditional eSIM or a local SIM. We enjoyed the temples of Bangkok and the beaches of Phuket with zero communication stress. Next time I’m in Chiang Mai, I want to take advantage of Rakuten. According to our research, Rakuten Mobile support is available in Japanese and it is easy to check the remaining data ([Web:0,2]) Tips: Turn off automatic app updates to save data. Budget is about 2,000 yen for additional data, a worthwhile investment. Note: This information is based on personal experience and the communication environment varies by region and time of year.

Private Wisdom-like Summary

The freedom and ease of communication lightens the heart when utilizing Rakuten Mobile for travel in Thailand. My personal wisdom is to take full advantage of the 2GB free, and the key is to purchase additional data immediately via the app. The simplicity of not needing a local SIM quietly enriches the trip. This experience teaches us smart communication abroad.