If you're planning a trip to Malaysia, staying connected is essential for navigation, communication, and accessing travel apps. But using your home carrier’s roaming service can be expensive and unreliable. That’s why getting a travel SIM card for Malaysia is the smartest choice for seamless internet access, clear calls, and cost-effective data.
As a frequent traveler, I’ve tested and compared the best SIM cards for Malaysia, from local providers like Maxis, Celcom, and Digi to international eSIM options that activate instantly. Whether you're a short-term visitor, a digital nomad, or a business traveler, there's a perfect Malaysia SIM card for your needs. Some offer unlimited data, while others prioritize high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity at affordable rates.
In this guide, I’ll break down the cheapest prepaid SIM cards in Malaysia, where to buy them at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or online, and how to choose between physical SIMs and eSIMs. I’ll also cover which cards work best for WhatsApp, Google Maps, and social media, plus essential tips on avoiding unnecessary fees.
Ready to find the most reliable and budget-friendly SIM card for Malaysia? Let’s dive into the top choices and see which one gives you the best coverage, fastest data speeds, and the most value for your trip.
2 Best Means to Get Phone Internet in Malaysia
It's no secret that having internet on a trip to Malaysia will make your day-to-day life much easier.
Things have changed since the first time we visited this country, back in 2011, when our reference map was the one in the Lonely Planet and to order a taxi we simply raised our hand in the street. Nowadays, most of these arrangements are done over the phone, so it is necessary to have internet for any trip to Malaysia .
Find nearby roti canai stalls to grab a hearty breakfast for just a few ringgits, order a Grab (Asia’s Uber) to take you to the foot of the Petronas, check the visiting hours of the Masjid Negara mosque or let your nearest accommodation know that you’ll be arriving late due to a late bus. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know to stay connected on your adventure in Malaysia .
First of all, you should know that Malaysia has a fairly advanced telecommunications infrastructure . In fact, this country is one of the economic engines of the entire subcontinent, so it is vital for them to have modern, safe and reliable technologies.
This factor is also important when it comes to promoting development without major geographical inequalities, bringing internet connection to most of the territory. But as you will see below, there are still areas in Malaysia where telephone coverage needs to be improved.
Ok, but you, as a tourist, what are your options for having internet during your stay in Malaysia ? For this and any other trip, the main alternatives that will be presented to us will be these two:
- Buy a SIM card from a local telecommunications company upon arrival.
- Get a Malaysia eSIM before you travel.
Obviously, we will always have the WiFi networks in accommodation and restaurants/cafes, but we personally think that it is really interesting to be able to connect at any time from your phone to react to any emergency. We also rule out both pocket WiFi because we find it impractical, and international roaming , since what we want is precisely to avoid exorbitant expenses.
Below we will expand on all the information about SIM and eSIM cards , as they are the most popular options among travelers. We will tell you about their features, their advantages and disadvantages and our personal opinion.
1. Buy a prepaid SIM card in Malaysia
This is the choice of many old-school travellers, those who collect colourful SIM cards in a drawer at home like sugus (or am I the only one?). Choosing this option involves researching Malaysian telecom operators in advance (for example in articles like this one), comparing their plans, finding the appropriate place to buy a prepaid SIM and completing the paperwork.
As you can see, it is not the easiest way and it requires a little effort on your part , but in the end you will save a handful of ringgits that you can then spend on teh tariks and mee gorengs.
There are 5 major telecom companies operating in Malaysia that offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists: Maxis (Hotlink) , CelcomDigi (a merger between Celcom and Digi), U Mobile , Unifi and Yes . However, not all of them have outlets at airports; we saw outlets for the first 3 at both KLIA 1 and KLIA 2, as well as Tune Talk , a virtual operator that uses Celcom's coverage.
In terms of their track record, Maxis and CelcomDigi are the oldest telecommunications providers, so they have a higher degree of credibility and reliability. These two companies also offer the best results in terms of coverage range.
The other three, U Mobile , Unifi and Yes , are newer companies but have rapidly increased their presence in the mobile market in recent years, even being pioneers in the development of new technologies, such as 5G, led by U Mobile. In principle, their services are somewhat more limited but they compete with their low prices.
For practical purposes, any of the 5 options could be suitable for a tourist arriving in Malaysia, although personally, after reading several local forums, we would opt for CelcomDigi followed by Maxis . Something to keep in mind is that if you travel to islands such as Perhentian , the ones that currently offer the best coverage are CelcomDigi and Maxis.
Below you will find the coverage maps of the five main telecommunications companies in Malaysia. To enlarge the images, just click on them, and you will be able to make a quick comparison:
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✓ How much does a SIM card cost in Malaysia?
At this point, you are probably wondering about the prices of prepaid SIM cards for tourists in Malaysia. They will basically depend on two factors : duration of the plan and amount of data. If you want to have a price reference , here are the offers we found at Kuala Lumpur airport on our last trip to Malaysia:
- Maxis (Hotlink) : 7 days + 20Gb = RM20 // 30 days + 40Gb = RM30 // 30 days + unlimited data = RM55
- CelcomDigi : 7 days + 15Gb = RM 30 // 30 days + 50Gb = RM 45 // 30 days + unlimited data = RM 55
- Unifi : 7 days + 30Gb = RM30 // 30 days + unlimited data = RM50
✓ Where to buy a SIM card in Malaysia?
The first opportunity to buy a SIM card in Malaysia will be at the airport where you land , which will probably be KLIA in Kuala Lumpur. After passport control and baggage claim, in the arrivals hall there are several counters of the main operators, one next to the other, with the offers printed on laminated sheets.
At KLIA 1 we saw Maxi, CelcomDigi and Unifi, however at KLIA 2 we only found a large Tune Talk store, but there may also be another area with more options. Take a look around and compare current prices to decide.
Depending on the time of arrival and the season, you may have to wait in line , especially at the counters of companies with more interesting products. Keep this in mind if you are in a hurry or if you are in the mood for anything but waiting…
As for payment, we recommend that you bring a special card for travel, such as the Revolut card , which will help you avoid paying commissions when paying in foreign currency ( €10 promo from our link ).
As usual, the prices you'll find at airports upon arrival in Malaysia are higher than the official prepaid plans shown on official websites. If you're not in a hurry and want to go to an official store of one of the companies , or even to other outlets such as 7Eleven, electronics stores or convenience stores , you'll save some money. Although this may be more of a hassle, it's also always interesting to leave the airport with internet on your phone to, for example, order a Grab.
⭐ Here we tell you how to get from Kuala Lumpur airport to the city center
You will need to show your passport to register, and the process will take no more than 5 minutes, not including the waiting time. In general, people in Malaysia speak good English, but with this option there is always the risk of misunderstandings , unclear things or the feeling that you may be being deceived in some way. But nothing strange should happen.
Finally, make sure that the SIM card has been installed correctly and that you have a connection on your phone. Check that the data package loaded is the correct one by performing the typical "remaining data" query using the corresponding code.
2. Buy an eSIM before traveling to Malaysia
The most technologically-savvy, comfortable and forward-thinking travellers will know that there is a very interesting alternative to the usual local SIM card: the virtual eSIM. Its greatest advantage is that it will allow you to have internet from the moment you turn on your mobile when you land in Malaysia (it takes a couple of minutes to connect).
Plus, since you buy online and install it at home before you leave , it will make things easier for you and you can save yourself the hassle of searching and comparing local options at the airport counters. It may seem silly, but getting rid of some of the bureaucratic paperwork on a trip as long as this is appreciated. What can we do, we are increasingly lazy...
On the other hand, this solution is a bit more expensive than the previous one , however you will have unlimited data throughout the trip.
If this option sounds good to you, the company that is currently making waves in this sector is Holafly , which offers eSIM cards for loads of destinations with unlimited data and for a period of time that you must select when placing the order. As for the price, it will depend on the duration of the trip, but calculate around €30-35 for a 10-day trip to Malaysia .
And be careful, because if your adventure includes another nearby country, you can opt for the Asia eSIM , which includes Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and many others.
These eSIM cards are virtual chips that do not require a physical support, so they can be purchased online from anywhere in the world, even if you are already in Malaysia. When you make the purchase, you will receive a QR code that you must scan to carry out the installation. To do so, you must be connected to the Internet, which is why it is recommended to proceed with the installation before taking the first plane (the purchase can be made days, weeks or months in advance).
And finally, make sure your phone is compatible with this type of technology ( here you can see which are the valid models ).
✓ eSIM VS local SIM card in Malaysia
To summarise, let's compare the two main options for having internet in Malaysia and see what the strengths and weaknesses of each are:
+ The eSIM can be purchased from anywhere in the world and without the need for documentation.
+ Quick purchase, installation and activation process of the eSIM in just a few minutes.
+ Holafly makes a full refund if you do not end up making the trip (6 months from purchase).
+ With the eSIM you will have internet on your phone when you land in Malaysia.
+ The data is unlimited, so you don't have to worry about controlling your internet usage or recharging.
+ In both cases you can use WhatsApp or Telegram normally and without any extra costs or settings.
+ If your phone is dual SIM, your primary SIM card will continue to work, so you can receive calls and SMS on your usual number, both with the eSIM and the local SIM.
– Not all phone models have an integrated eSIM, although almost all new ones do.
– The price of the eSIM is higher compared to the local SIM card.
– The local SIM card allows you to share the connection without limits, while the Holafly eSIM “only” allows 500 Mb per day to share with other devices.
– With the local SIM card you can make local calls (depending on the plan, sometimes with unlimited minutes), while the eSIM does not allow this.
Frequently asked questions about internet in Malaysia
We conclude our analysis on how to have internet in Malaysia by answering some questions that may come to mind when planning your trip:
› What is the best SIM card in Malaysia?
We believe that both Maxi and CelcomDigi are the most recommendable companies, especially because their coverage reaches rural areas and islands.
› Where can I buy a SIM card in Malaysia?
In the arrivals hall of Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA 1 and KLIA 2) there are counters for several local operators, such as Maxi, CelcomDigi or U Mobile. You can also do it in official stores, in shopping malls, in convenience stores or in small electronics shops.
› How much does a SIM card cost in Malaysia?
The price depends on the duration of validity and the amount of data purchased. Allow approximately RM20-30 for 1 week and RM50-60 for 1 month, if you buy it at the airport. If you buy it from an official store, the price may be slightly reduced.
› What is the best eSIM for Malaysia?
You should know that you can buy an eSIM card before you travel to Malaysia, in fact it is the best way to skip the process of buying a local SIM when you arrive at your destination. But keep in mind that this solution is a bit more expensive. We recommend the Holafly eSIM card for Malaysia .
Do you now have a better idea of how to get internet in Malaysia ? Have you decided on any of the proposed options? What is the best SIM and eSIM card for travelling to Malaysia for you ? If you have been there and want to tell us about your experience, leave us a message.
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