332

Planning a trip to Malaysia and worried about staying connected? As a traveler, purchasing the right SIM card is the most important thing and a key to a hassle-free experience.

When we traveled to Malaysia, we tested different local SIM cards and know which ones offer the best coverage, data plans, and the cheapest good one. We can help you pick the perfect option.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from how to buy a SIM card in Malaysia for foreigners, to the best networks and insights you cannot find anywhere else.

Let’s choose the right SIM card in Malaysia for you and make sure your trip is smooth and stress-free!

Best SIM Cards In Malaysia for Foreigners

What Documents Do You Need?

To buy a SIM card in Malaysia, you only need a passport or a copy of your passport. You do not need to provide photographs or any other documents.

Malaysia SIM Card Providers

There are several network operators in Malaysia. It includes,

• CelcomDigi (yes, both companies Celcom and Digi got merged in 2022)
• Maxis / Hotlink (Hotlink is Maxi’s prepaid service)
• U Mobile / Unifi Mobile / Unifi
• Tune Talk
• Yes

CelcomDigi, Maxis/ Hotlink, and U Mobile are the most popular in the country. 

Malaysia eSIM Card

All of the above network providers offer eSIM cards. Hotlink eSIM and Digi eSIM cards are the best Malaysia eSIM cards.

The best and the cheapest way to buy an eSIM card in Malaysia is get instant delivery to your email. Purchase it from your home country and activate it when you arrive Malaysia.

Just make sure you have good signal when you install. And it is very easy and convenient. Just follow the steps given while purchasing and you will be fine.

Buy the best eSIM card in Malaysia now and save the hassle!

Companies like Nomad, Airalo, and SimOptions offer SIM cards before you arrive. While they are a pricier alternative, they come in handy if you plan to backpack through different countries.

Cost of a Prepaid SIM card in Malaysia

It is important to note that the plans and cost are different from the SIM cards or the eSIM. A prepaid SIM card costs approximately RM 5 to RM 10, in addition to the plan you choose.

The prices below are for your reference only and are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the updated prices.

Buy the Digi SIM Card for an UNBEATABLE Price online!

Company	Place	Validity	Plan Description	Cost
CellcomDigi	Airport (before Immigration)	7 Days	Unlimited internet (6 MBPS), unlimited local calls, 2 GB Hotspot	RM 30
		30 Days	30 GB high-speed internet, unlimited local calls, 3 GB Hotspot	RM 45
			Unlimited internet (6 MBPS), unlimited local calls, 10 GB Hotspot	RM 50
Hotlink	Airport (before Immigration)	7 Days	Unlimited Social, FUP 20 GB (6 Mbps), unlimited local calls, No Hotspot	RM 25
		30 Days	Unlimited Social, FUP 100 GB (6 Mbps), unlimited local calls, Unlimited Hotspot	RM 55
			Unlimited Social, FUP 100 GB (12 Mbps), unlimited local calls, Unlimited Hotspot	RM 65
	Airport (after Immigration)	7 Days	Unlimited internet (6 MBPS), unlimited local calls	RM 23
		30 Days	40 GB high-speed internet, unlimited local calls	RM 48
			Unlimited FUP 100 GB 12 Mbps internet, Unlimited local calls	RM 63
			100 GB Ultra Fast 5G high-speed internet, unlimited local calls	RM 74
	Partner Stores	7 Days (Unlimited Pass)	Unlimited internet FUP 20 GB (6 MBPS), unlimited local calls, Unlimited hotspot, 5G high-speed unlimited internet from 8 PM to 8 AM	RM 12
		30 Days (Unlimited Pass)	Unlimited internet FUP 100 GB(6 MBPS), unlimited local calls, Unlimited hotspot, 5G high-speed unlimited internet from 8 PM to 8 AM	RM 40
			Unlimited internet FUP 100 GB (12 MBPS), unlimited local calls, Unlimited hotspot, 5G high-speed unlimited internet from 8 PM to 8 AM	RM 50
		7 days (Fast Pass)	10 GB + 10 GB 5G, unlimited hotspot	RM 10
		30 days (Fast Pass)	20 GB + 20 GB 5G, unlimited hotspot	RM 25
			30 GB + 30 GB 5G, unlimited hotspot	RM 35
Tune Talk	Airport(before Immigration)	7 Days	15 GB high speed internet	RM 30
		30 Days	35 GB high-speed internet,  unlimited local calls	RM 45
			Unlimited data (6 MBPS), unlimited local calls, 6 GB Hotspot	RM 50

FUP is called the Fair Use Policy. The speed will be reduced once you reach the specified speed mentioned in the plan. The high-speed internet mentioned below refers to 30 MBPS speed. 

Best Malaysian SIM Card for Foreigners

Hotlink is the best SIM card for foreigners.

We used Hotlink for about 3 weeks while backpacking across the country from south to north. The Hotlink SIM card worked perfectly fine; we had no network connectivity or internet issues.

We recommend Hotlink SIM cards for tourists traveling in Malaysia. CelcomDigi would be the second-best choice.

Best Place to buy SIM Card in Malaysia for Foreign Tourists

At The Airport

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you can find the SIM card counters for Hotlink/ Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and Tune Talk. The airport’s shops are open 24/7, and a few outlets also accept card payments.

SIM cards at KLIA can be purchased in outlets near the restaurants just before immigration or after collecting your luggage.

The price and plans of the SIM cards quoted differ before and after immigration. It is crazy to see the difference in price and plans at the same airport, but it is true.

At the KLIA airport, ditch the SIM card counters and retail stores, and buy it from Klook. It is the unbeatable price we found to buy SIM card in Malaysia among all the other options out there!

Get the SIM card at the airport from KLOOK for the best price EVER! (MOST SOLD)

In KLIA, you can also buy SIM cards at 7-Eleven near the exit. But after purchase, you may have to walk back inside the airport to connect to the Wi-Fi to download the mobile application and recharge online because they ran out of recharge cards when we asked.

The staff at the 7-Eleven counter might not know how to activate the SIM card. You’ll have to do it yourself by registering through the mobile application. Just follow the steps given on the back of the SIM card and you’re done.

Other international Airports like Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Penang International Airport, and Langkawi International Airports also have SIM card counters for travelers.

The SIM card prices quoted in the airport are higher in Malaysia than when buying from other places. If you want to connect to the internet immediately after landing in the new country, buy it at the airport.

Official Retail Stores

Official retail stores can be easily spotted in the cities. Numerous shops are spread across the country. Most of the staff speak English and will help you activate the SIM cards.

Although the prices are comparatively cheaper than at airports, buying a SIM at an official retail store is still more expensive.

Convenience Stores

7-Eleven, AEON, Lotus, 99 Speedmart, KK Super Market, MyNews, Lazada, Shoppee, Boost, Touch N Go – all these stores sell prepaid SIM and recharge cards in Malaysia.

The prices are comparatively cheaper when buying a prepaid SIM card at an airport or from the official stores.

Tourist Agencies/ Partner Shops/ Shopping Malls

Unlike in many other countries, purchasing from tourist agencies, partner shops, or shopping malls in Malaysia is the same as buying from official retail stores. Several shops are spread across the country.

We purchased our SIM card in a partner shop and had no problems. However, if the shopkeeper does not ask for your passport while activating your SIM, know they’re unreliable and politely move away.

You can find the official stores here – CelcomDigi, Maxis/ Hotlink, Tune Talk, Unifi, and Yes

Buy the best travel eSIM card in Malaysia online at the comfort of your home and get it email delivered instantly!

How To Activate The SIM Card?

If you buy a SIM card at the convenience store like 7-Eleven, you have to activate it yourself. You pretty much only need to insert the SIM card on your mobile, and that is it. It is THAT easy and simple.

If it is not working, you can try restarting your device. If you’re still facing any issues, follow the instructions given on the card or call customer support.

For the SIM cards bought at airports, official retail stores, or partner stores, the staff will help you with the activation process.

How To Recharge or Top Up?

The easiest way to recharge is to do it online from their official websites. You can also recharge or top up at convenience stores or partner shops. 

Self Service Numbers

The self-service numbers come in handy if you’re unable to check the details on the app or don’t have internet access. To check the balance and remaining data,

• For CelcomDigi – dial *200# and call
• For Maxis/ Hotlink – dial *100# and call
• For U Mobile – dial *118*3*1*3# and call
• For Tune Talk – dial *134# and call
• For Yes – Type BAL<space><Yes mobile number> and send it to 018 330 1111.

How Is The Internet Speed? Is 5G Available In Malaysia?

The internet is excellent in all the major cities in Malaysia. You can expect intermittent network coverage while hiking in the mountains or hills.

5G is available in Malaysia and the coverage keeps expanding every year.

Helpful Tips

• Download your network provider’s designated mobile app to check your current plan’s details or to recharge online.
• Generally, the telephone number of the purchased SIM cards in Malaysia starts with +60, followed by 10 digits.
• The plug adapter of Type G is widely used in Malaysia for charging your device.

If you’ve found this blog helpful, please comment below.

Also, if you have any queries concerning the SIM card in Malaysia, feel free to post them in the comments section below. We’ll do our best to answer them.

And if you’re looking for more detailed SIM card guides, travel tips, tricks, hacks, destination guides, etc., don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.