Pocket Wi-Fi for Thailand: How it works and the best alternatives

How does pocket Wi-Fi work in Thailand?

Pocket Wi-Fi is a portable Wi-Fi router that works much like the one you have at home, except it's small enough to carry it around with you. When you rent pocket Wi-Fi for Thailand, you're getting a device that connects to local mobile networks, such as AIS or TrueMove H, and creates a Wi-Fi hotspot for your other devices.

These portable routers can connect to 5-10 devices at the same time, making them a great choice for groups or families traveling together in Thailand. The setup is straightforward: Turn it on, connect using the provided password, and you're ready to go!

How to rent pocket Wi-Fi in Thailand

If you decide to use pocket Wi-Fi for your trip to Thailand, finding a rental is easy enough. You’ll have a few options for renting a device, and the best choice depends on your travel schedule and whether you’re willing to pay extra for convenience.

Pre-order online

Pre-ordering online gives you the most control and often the best deals. It also means you can read reviews and secure your rental during busy travel seasons, when airport kiosks might run out of available routers. If you pre-order, you can typically choose hotel delivery (usually free) or pickup at one of the airports in Thailand.

Get pocket Wi-Fi at the Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, or Phuket Airport

Thailand's major international airports have multiple Wi-Fi rental counters. At Suvarnabhumi (BKK), you'll find counters on the second and fourth floors of the main terminal, near the arrival gates. Don Mueang (DMK) has kiosks in both terminals. If you’re flying through Phuket (HKT), you’ll find kiosks on the first floor of the international terminal. If you want to skip out on annoying lags from the free, public Bangkok Airport Wi-Fi, pocket Wi-Fi comes in handy.

The downside? Airport rentals might cost more than online pre-orders, and popular devices sometimes can run out during peak tourist seasons like December or the Thai New Year in April (make sure to research the worst and best times to visit Thailand to plan around crowds and weather).

Rent it at your hotel

Some hotels in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai partner with Wi-Fi providers to offer pocket Wi-Fi rentals at the front desk. This option works well if you didn't pre-order a router and want to avoid airport crowds. However, hotel rates are typically the highest, and you might find they only have a few devices. If you arrive late in the day, you could be out of luck.

Best pocket Wi-Fi providers in Thailand and how much their services cost

While Thailand doesn't have as many pocket Wi-Fi providers as some other destinations, you still have several great options to choose from. The table below breaks down the services and costs of the top portable Wi-Fi companies operating in Thailand to make your decision easier:

Prices are subject to change.

How to return pocket Wi-Fi in Thailand

You have a few different options for how to return your pocket Wi-Fi when you no longer need it. To return your portable Wi-Fi router, you can:

• Drop it off at the airport. Most providers have return counters at major airports.

• Return it by mail. Many companies provide prepaid return envelopes. Drop the device at any post office or hotel front desk that handles mail services.

• Drop it off at the hotel. Some providers arrange pickup from major hotels in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. This service usually costs a few extra dollars but saves you a trip to the post office.

Pros and cons of pocket Wi-Fi

Pocket Wi-Fi has its pros and cons. Before you commit to renting a device, it's worth knowing what you're getting into.

Pros

• You can connect multiple devices to your rented router, so you and everyone in your group can have mobile internet in Thailand. 

• It’s a more secure option than public Wi-Fi.

Cons

• You can lose or damage your portable router.

• The battery life isn’t always the best, so you might need an additional power bank. 

• Return can be a hassle if you need to set aside time at the airport or arrange mail pickup.

Best alternatives to pocket Wi-Fi in Thailand

If you've looked at pocket Wi-Fi options and decided they're not quite right for your trip, don't worry. You have other options that might suit you better and don’t require renting and returning devices.

Prepaid SIM cards

Local SIM cards for Thailand from AIS, TrueMove H, or dtac let you choose from different data plans depending on how much internet you actually need. You can grab them at 7-Eleven stores, airports, and mobile shops throughout Thailand.

The catch is that SIM cards only work in one phone at a time, so groups might need to buy multiple cards. Also, swapping out your home SIM means you might miss important calls or have trouble with two-factor authentication codes.

Free public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in Thailand's malls, hotels, and even some temples. Bangkok's transit system also offers free internet, making it easy to stay connected while exploring the city.

However, public networks come with security risks and often frustratingly slow speeds. They're fine for checking messages but not great for video calls with family back home or uploading high-quality photos.

The best option: eSIMs for Thailand

An eSIM for Thailand offers the convenience of pocket Wi-Fi without the hassle of carrying extra devices. Download your data plan before your trip, and it will activate when you arrive — no device swapping, charging, or returning required.

With the Saily eSIM app, you get coverage for Thailand starting from US$2.99 for 1 GB, with plans scaling up to unlimited options. The setup takes a few minutes, and you can buy additional data if you run low during your trip.

Not sure if an eSIM is right for you? Let’s take a look at how it stacks up against other ways to stay connected while traveling in Thailand:

Do you really need pocket Wi-Fi in Thailand?

The short answer? Probably not. While pocket Wi-Fi can work well for groups who need to connect multiple devices, it comes with enough hassles to make you think twice. You have to deal with an additional device to charge and carry around, pre-booking requirements, and potential loss or damage fees.

eSIMs are simply more practical for most trips to Thailand. You can download an eSIM app for free and pick a data plan that works for you. With Saily, you get the same reliable connection without the hardware headaches, plus built-in security features and the flexibility to top up instantly when needed.

So is pocket Wi-Fi worth it in Thailand? For most travelers, the convenience and cost savings of digital SIM cards make them the better choice.