Malaysia SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

About to visit Malaysia?Make sure you know what to expect when you buy Malaysia SIM Card.

Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can easily buy a SIM card. You should be able to find cheap SIM cards almost anywhere in Asia. The fact that most packets are affordable makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in-person and online in Malaysia. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your phone supports it.

Before reading this guide, you may be wondering if you really need a SIM card in Malaysia. If you don’t mind not having internet, you’ll probably find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, hail a taxi or translate Malay – you may need a SIM card to use when travelling in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

best sim card in malaysia

If you are traveling in Malaysia, we recommend that you use a Celcom, Digi, Maxis or Airalo SIM card. (I’ll be back to Airalo later, so read on to learn more!)

That said, if you plan to visit other countries during your Asia trip, you may want to make sure to select an option that covers other Asian countries.

How to buy a SIM card in Malaysia

You can buy a Malaysian prepaid SIM card at some international airports, mobile operator stores, convenience stores or online.

Generally, you can get higher cost and lower data at the airport, so we do not recommend buying a SIM card at the airport. That said, you won’t necessarily find a SIM card store at every airport, so keep that in mind. And, when you see a store, your options may also be limited.

For this reason, I recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider’s store. Note that you may need a passport to purchase.

Planning your upcoming adventure? Travel by bus! (Very cheap!)

Although, that means you won’t get the data immediately upon arrival. So if you want to stay connected at all times, you can use an eSIM or buy an Asian prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s look at the data plans offered by Celcom, Digi and Maxis,

malaysian mosque

Celcom SIM card

Tianditong Several different types of prepaid plans are available:

30 GB, 30 days RM 35 ($7.40)
40 GB, 30 days RM 45 ($9.52)
Unlimited data for only RM 45 for 30 days (including free calls to all networks in Malaysia) ($9.52)
Unlimited data, 30 days RM 43 ($9.09)

Digi SIM card

digital There are six different prepaid plans available:

6 GB, 30 days RM 15 ($3.17)
15 GB, 30 days RM 20 ($4.32)
20 GB, 30 days RM 30 ($6.34)
30 GB, 30 days RM 35 ($7.40)
50 GB, 30 days RM 68 ($14.38)
Unlimited data, 30 days RM 40 ($8.64)

As you can see, it’s priced similarly to Celcom.

Maxis SIM

Maxis Four main SIM-only plans are offered to customers:

Unlimited data, 30 days RM 35 ($7.40)
Unlimited Data (High Speed), 30 Days RM 45 ($9.52)
Unlimited data for only RM 12 ($2.54) for 7 days
Unlimited data, 1 day RM 3 ($0.63)

Overall, we think Digi is the best option if you’re planning to buy a SIM card in person. That is, if you can’t find their store, anyone will!

How to Buy Malaysia Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready when you arrive, you can buy it online or on sites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. E.g, Prepaid Asia Pacific SIM Card Works in over 17 countries and gives you 14 days of unlimited data. Including Malaysia.

But there are many other options worth considering, so check and make sure the country you plan to visit is listed.

Another option is to buy a prepaid Asian SIM card simplify. This method works if you live in the US or Australia. They currently offer 3 different packages covering Malaysia:

6 GB, valid for 12 days, $25 – works in 13 countries
6 GB, valid for 15 days, $40 – works in 18 countries
10 GB valid for 30 days for $29 – available in 13 countries

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM for Malaysia, or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How to buy an eSIM card for Malaysia

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your phone supports eSIM – this is definitely one of the best options for getting data in Malaysia.

curious? Learn more about eSIM for travelers eSIM Roamer.

I started using eSIM as soon as my phone supported it. I tried it for the first time while visiting family in Canada.To buy an eSIM, I usually use Airalo. Read on to learn more about the best eSIMs in Malaysia.

Airaro Malaysia

If you want to buy an eSIM for Malaysia, you can Airalo. The site offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Malaysia. I’ve been using Airalo for a few months and it works great.

here has Available options:

Sambungkan: 1 GB, valid for 7 days, $4.50
Sambungkan: 3 GB, valid for 30 days, $9
Sambungkan: 5 GB, valid for 30 days, $13
Sambungkan: 10 GB, valid for 30 days, $25

Airalo eSIM Program in Malaysia

Here is an overview Options available in Asia:

1 GB, valid for 7 days, $5
3 GB, valid for 30 days, $13
5 GB, valid for 30 days, $20
10 GB, valid for 30 days, $37
50 GB, valid for 90 days, $100
100 GB, valid for 180 days, $185

The above options are part of Asialink covering 14 countries including Malaysia.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries not mentioned in the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 87 countries, including Malaysia.

Here is an overview Options available on Discover Global:

1 GB valid for 7 days for $9
3 GB, valid for 15 days, $24
5 GB, valid for 30 days, $35
10 GB, valid for 60 days, $59
20 GB valid for 180 days for $89

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you need to keep an eye on the provider in each country. Let’s say you can’t connect to the Internet while you’re on the road. In this case, it may be because you are automatically connected to the network and you need to select the network manually.

After purchasing an eSIM, you will have access to a list of supported networks in each country.

Malaysia

Alternatively, you can review your options Holafley. You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Malaysia:

Unlimited data, valid for 5 days, $19
Unlimited data, valid for 10 days, $34
Unlimited data, valid for 15 days, $47
Unlimited data, valid for 20 days, $54
Unlimited data, valid for 30 days, $64
Unlimited data, valid for 60 days, $84
Unlimited data, valid for 90 days, $99

Their Asian eSIM Working in 12 countries (including Malaysia), they offer the following programs:

$47 30 days 8 GB data

malaysian nomads

at last, nomads Also a great eSIM provider. Below is an overview of the plans available in Malaysia:

1GB, valid for 7 days, $5
2GB, valid for 30 days, $10
3GB, valid for 30 days, $13
5GB, valid for 30 days, $15

nomads also have Asia-Pacific, eSIM plans in Asia. This plan provides coverage in Malaysia. Here is an overview:

1GB, valid for 7 days, $6
3GB, valid for 30 days, $15
5GB, valid for 30 days, $17
10GB, valid for 30 days, $50
20GB, valid for 30 days, $69

Final Thoughts on SIM Cards in Malaysia

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Malaysia or even an eSIM for travelling in Malaysia is very simple. You can even stay connected anywhere in Asia without changing SIM cards, especially if you buy an Asia plan.

If you want data on arrival, I believe eSIM is the most convenient way to get data in Malaysia. This way, you don’t need to go to the store to buy a SIM card. Obviously, you need to make sure your phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Malaysia recently? Read one of the following blog posts:

Malaysia SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know | 2022