SIM Cards
Staying connected in Malaysia is simple and inexpensive, with data plans from top providers like CelcomDigi, Maxis/Hotlink, U Mobile, and Tune Talk starting at just a few dollars. For travelers who prefer instant setup, eSIM options from Holafly, Airalo, and Ubigi make it easy to get online before landing.
Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most connected nations, with telecom subscriptions projected to hit 45 million by 2030 as mobile broadband adoption soars.
For travelers, that digital backbone means it’s easy to stay online whether you’re sipping cocktails above Kuala Lumpur or paddling a river in Borneo.
The real choice isn’t whether you’ll have coverage, it’s which SIM or eSIM will give you the smoothest, most affordable connection. In this guide, we’ll explain how SIMs and eSIMs work in Malaysia and highlight six providers that deliver the best value for your trip.
Malaysia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia for mobile data. Tourist SIMs typically cost RM20–50 ($5–12) depending on the provider, data allowance, and validity. Monthly packages with larger data bundles usually range RM50–70 ($12–15).
For example, you can get:
If you prefer to set up before arrival, international eSIMs like travSIM start at $17.92 (~RM85) for 15 days with 5GB, while Zero1 2GO (Singapore-based) offers cheaper regional options like 2GB for ~RM14 (7 days) or 10GB for ~RM50 (30 days).
Buying a SIM in Malaysia is straightforward, but you won’t be online the second your plane lands unless you go the eSIM route. The good news is Malaysia’s SIM cards are cheap, widely available, and work well across most of the country.
Step-by-step in Malaysia:
Drawbacks of local SIMs in Malaysia:
CelcomDigi is Malaysia’s biggest mobile operator after the Celcom–Digi merger. It offers a wide range of plans: from full-featured postpaid 5G bundles (with phones, streaming perks, and roaming discounts) to extra SIMs for gadgets and wearables.
The good: you get nationwide coverage, unlimited data tiers, family sharing, and eSIM support. The bad: reviews complain about billing issues, unreliable customer service, and occasional connectivity problems.
| Plan type | Data | Price | Speed tier | Extras |
| GadgetSIM | 30GB/month | RM30 | 5G/4G | For tablets, IoT, eSIM option, 50% off with Postpaid 160+ |
| GadgetSIM Plus | 300GB/month | RM50 | 5G/4G (advanced) | eSIM option, 50% off with Postpaid 160+, device bundles |
| Postpaid 5G (base) | Unlimited | From RM40/month | 100 Mbps – Max (tiered) | Phones from RM1, roaming discounts |
| One Plan | Unlimited | RM120+/month | Premium | 2 family lines + 300Mbps fibre + Disney+ Hotstar |
| Roaming Add-on | Unlimited | RM49/month | – | Available with Postpaid 120+ and One Plans |
Main features:
Hotlink is one of the most popular prepaid SIMs in Malaysia. It’s known for fast 5G speeds, solid coverage even in rural areas, and great value plans starting from just RM25/month.
Travelers especially like the unlimited gaming/streaming passes and roaming bundles that include up to 100GB across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
That said, it’s not perfect: some customers find Maxis more expensive than rivals like U Mobile, and support isn’t always the quickest. Still, if you want reliability and speed, Hotlink is often the go-to choice.
| Plan | Price | Data / Speed | Calls & SMS | Extras |
| Unlimited Internet (Uncapped) | RM55 / 30 days | Uncapped 5G/4G, 400GB FUP | Unlimited calls + hotspot | Free live sports (sooka) |
| Unlimited Internet 48Mbps | RM40 / 30 days | Unlimited 5G (200GB FUP) | Unlimited calls + hotspot | Faster speeds at night (8pm–8am uncapped) |
| Unlimited Internet 12Mbps | RM25 / 30 days | Unlimited 5G (40GB FUP) | Unlimited calls + hotspot | Best budget option |
| Roaming Pack | RM48 / month | 100GB | – | Covers Malaysia + SG + TH + ID |
| Starter SIM | RM10 | RM5 preloaded credit | Calls RM0.30/min, SMS RM0.15 | eSIM available |
Main features:
U Mobile is Malaysia’s value champion. It’s known for affordable unlimited 5G plans, generous hotspot allowances, and simple travel passes. Users also love the balance of speed and price.
The downside? U Mobile’s coverage is still catching up in smaller towns and remote areas, where Maxis or CelcomDigi may perform better. But for most travelers and locals in major cities, U Mobile offers some of the best value in Malaysia.
| Plan | Price | Data / Speed | Calls & SMS | Validity | Extras |
| U Prepaid Unlimited | RM25 / 30 days | Unlimited 5G (FUP applies) | Unlimited local calls | 30 days | Hotspot included |
| 7-Day Travel Pass (MY) | RM12 | Unlimited (25GB FUP, 6Mbps) | Unlimited local calls | 7 days | Hotspot included |
| 14-Day Travel Pass (MY/SG/IDN/TH) | RM35 | Unlimited (50GB FUP, 6Mbps) | Unlimited local calls (MY) | 14 days | Covers 4 countries |
| 30-Day Travel Pass (MY/SG) | RM60 | Unlimited (100GB FUP, 6Mbps) | Unlimited local calls (MY) | 30 days | Great for Malaysia–Singapore commuters |
| Starter SIM | RM10 | – | Standard rates | – | Choose physical SIM or eSIM |
Main features:
Tune Talk is a popular choice for tourists thanks to its easy airport pickup and the option for delivery before your trip. The data allowances are generous and all plans are fully hotspot shareable with no hidden FUP limits on calls.
On the downside, some reviews mention inconsistent 5G (falling back to 4G) and occasional difficulty finding the airport booth when arriving on international flights. Still, for short-term visitors, Tune Talk is a convenient and affordable SIM.
| Plan | Price | Data | Calls & SMS | Validity | Extras |
| Travel Lite | RM25 | 40GB 5G data | Unlimited local calls | 15 days | Hotspot shareable |
| Travel Fast | RM35 | 150GB 5G data | Unlimited local calls | 30 days | Hotspot shareable, no FUP |
| Travel Unlimited | RM50 | 350GB 5G data | Unlimited local calls | 30 days | Hotspot shareable, no FUP |
Main features:
travSIM is a global SIM/eSIM provider that ships to your home before you travel, so you’re connected as soon as you land. Travelers like the quick delivery, easy activation, and stable data speeds in major Malaysian cities.
The downsides? Prices are much higher than local SIMs, and you need to request activation 3–5 days before travel. Some users report poor coverage outside big cities, delivery delays, or unexpected limitations.
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Validity | Notes |
| Basic | $17.92 (~RM85) | 5GB (4G/5G) | 15 days | Data only |
| Higher tiers | Varies | Larger bundles (10GB–30GB+) | 15–30 days | Must activate before travel |
Main features:
Zero1 2GO is a Singapore-based travel SIM/eSIM provider offering affordable short-term data plans for Malaysia. It’s convenient for Singaporeans crossing the border or regional travelers who want a prepaid option ready before departure.
Downsides: data-only (no calls/SMS), no top-up options, and physical SIMs are only available for pickup/delivery in Singapore.
| Plan | Price (RM) | Data | Validity | Notes |
| 2GB | ~RM14 | 2GB | 7 days | Cheapest entry plan |
| 3GB | ~RM19 | 3GB | 15 days | Data only |
| 5GB | ~RM28 | 5GB | 15 days | Mid-range option |
| 10GB | ~RM50 | 10GB | 30 days | Best for longer trips |
Main features:
Below we compare three leading providers to help you choose the best option for your trip:
Ubigi is one of the most affordable international eSIM options for Malaysia, offering 10GB for just $12 with 30-day validity. It’s a prepaid, data-only plan, instantly delivered by QR code email. The eSIM is reusable across 200+ destinations and can be topped up via the Ubigi app.
| Data | Validity | Price (USD) | Notes |
| 10GB | 30 days | $12 | Prepaid, data-only, Maxis 4G/5G |
Holafly is one of the most popular travel eSIM providers thanks to its unlimited data plans and instant delivery. You get a QR code by email, install before your trip, and connect the moment you land. It’s especially well-reviewed for reliable speeds, clear video calls, and 24/7 chat support.
| Duration | Price (USD) | Data | Notes |
| 1 day | $3.90 | Unlimited | Great for short stays/layovers |
| 5 days | $19.50 | Unlimited | Ideal for weekend or short trips |
| 10 days | $36.90 | Unlimited | Popular for most travelers |
| 15 days | $50.90 | Unlimited | Balanced option for longer visits |
| 20 days | $61.89 | Unlimited | Good for extended trips |
| 30 days | $74.90 | Unlimited | Best for long-term stays or business |
Read our in-depth Holafly vs Ubigi comparison here.
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers worldwide, trusted by 20+ million users. For Malaysia, it offers flexible prepaid data plans at very competitive prices, especially for light to moderate data users.
However, some reviews mention that connectivity can be inconsistent in certain areas and the initial setup may require extra patience.
| Data | Validity | Price (USD) | Notes |
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 | Cheapest option for short stays |
| 2 GB | 15 days | $6.50 | Good for moderate users on longer trips |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $8.00 | Best value for budget travelers |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $12.00 | Popular plan for most tourists |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $20.00 | Solid for heavy app & maps usage |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $32.00 | For long-term or business travelers |
| Unlimited | 10 days | $35.00 | Unlimited data with fair use policy |
Still not sure which to pick? Click to compare Airalo vs Ubigi.
Yes, Malaysia is known for having some of the cheapest mobile data in Southeast Asia, with tourist SIMs starting from just RM20–30 ($5–$7). Buying locally is always cheaper than roaming with a foreign carrier.
Yes, both KLIA and KLIA2 airports have official kiosks for Maxis/Hotlink, CelcomDigi, and U Mobile. The airport is the most convenient place to buy a SIM as staff will register and activate it on the spot.
Tourist SIMs usually cost RM20–50 ($5–12) depending on data size and validity. Larger monthly packages may reach RM70–100 ($15–22), but still offer great value.
Not really. Local SIMs and eSIMs in Malaysia are much cheaper and provide better coverage. International SIMs are only useful if you travel across multiple countries in one trip.
Activation is done by the shop staff once you present your passport. They’ll insert the SIM, register it, and usually have you connected within 5–10 minutes.
Apart from airports, tourist SIMs are sold in official carrier stores in malls, 7-Eleven shops, and some convenience stores across Malaysia. Always buy from official or reputable vendors to ensure activation.
CelcomDigi currently has the broadest nationwide coverage, while Maxis/Hotlink is excellent in cities. U Mobile offers cheaper data but has weaker rural coverage.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
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The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
