Mobile Internet and SIM Cards for Tourist in Malaysia in 2025

As you plan your journey to Malaysia, you must think in advance about staying connected. If you do it properly, your travel experience will get a 200% boost. Since you will be able to share your experiences and navigate this beautiful country easily.

Fortunately, there is a range of mobile internet Malaysia options and SIM cards in Malaysia for tourists. With reliable 4G and 5G networks and affordable prepaid SIM cards for Malaysia, you can easily stay in touch no matter where you are – exploring the vibrant markets of Kuala Lumpur, trekking through Borneo’s stunning nature, or relaxing on the beaches of Langkawi.

Join us as we explore the best prepaid plans for Malaysia to ensure you stay connected and make the most of your time in this beautiful country!

SIM Cards in Malaysia: Overview

In Malaysia, SIM cards work with various mobile networks. Popular operators include Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and U Mobile. Each provider offers different data plans and coverage. There are several types of SIM cards in Malaysia.

When selecting a SIM card, consider your travel needs:

• Tourism: If you’re visiting Malaysia for a short trip, look for a Malaysia SIM card tourist plan that offers good data and call options.
• Business: For business trips, choose a plan with reliable internet connection in Malaysia, as you’ll need to access emails and use apps regularly.
• Longer Stay: If you plan to stay longer, consider the best prepaid plans in Malaysia that offer more data and better rates.

How to Buy a SIM Card in Malaysia for Tourists

Buying a SIM card in Malaysia for tourists is a convenient way to access mobile internet and make local calls. Whether you need a tourist SIM Malaysia for a short visit or a prepaid SIM card for Malaysia for a longer stay, the process is simple. Let us walk you through where to buy a SIM card in Malaysia:

• Airports: You can buy data plans Malaysia right when you land at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. There are kiosks and shops that sell Malaysia SIM card tourist plans.
• Operator Stores: Visit shops of mobile operators like Maxis, Digi, or Celcom. They offer different data plans for Malaysia and can help you choose the best one.
• 7-Eleven and Other Retailers: You can also find SIM cards at 7-Eleven stores and other convenience shops in Malaysia. These are usually easy to find.

To buy a SIM card, you will need to show your passport. It’s important to have it with you as stores require identification for registration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Activate Your SIM Card in Malaysia

We have broken down the SIM card for tourists in Malaysia activation process into easy-to-follow steps, to ensure that you can quickly enjoy seamless communication and internet access as you explore Malaysia.

• Buy your chosen SIM card and ask for help if needed.
• Put the SIM card into your phone. Use the tool that comes with your phone to open the SIM tray if needed.
• Follow the instructions that come with the SIM card. This usually involves a quick call or text to activate it.
• For mobile internet in Malaysia, you might need to change some settings on your phone. Make sure mobile data is turned on, and enter any APN settings if needed.
• Open a browser or an app to check if your internet connection in Malaysia is working.

Overview of Major Mobile Operators in Malaysia

Malaysia has a competitive mobile phone market, with many companies providing services. These major operators offer good coverage and different plans to suit the needs of everyone, whether you live in Malaysia or are just visiting. Let’s look at the main mobile operators in Malaysia, highlighting their services, coverage areas, and what makes them special for different users.

U Mobile

U Mobile is a mobile service provider based in Malaysia, established in 1998 under the name MiTV Networks. It operates as a fully owned part of Ansat Broadcast Sdn. Bhd., which was previously called U Television. For tourists visiting Malaysia, U Mobile offers various one of the best prepaid plans Malaysia, each valid for one month.

For an extra 15 MYR, you can get 20 GB of high-speed internet for one week. U Mobile also offers a variety of prepaid SIM plans tailored for tourists visiting Malaysia.

One of the most popular options of data and Internet connection Malaysia plans is the 14-day travel pass, which allows travelers to access unlimited data at a speed of 6 Mbps and unlimited local calls for $8.05 USD.

Another choice is the 7-day travel pass, designed specifically for use within Malaysia. This plan also provides unlimited data at the same speed of 6 Mbps and unlimited local calls for $2.76 USD.

Maxis

Maxis is one of the leading mobile internet providers in Malaysia, and their prepaid service is known as Hotlink. They offer a variety of prepaid SIM cards in Malaysia, including:

• Unlimited data (capped at 6 Mbps) and unlimited calls for 7 days for $2.50 USD.
• Unlimited data (capped at 6 Mbps) and unlimited calls for 1 month for $8.50 USD.
• Unlimited data (capped at 12 Mbps) and unlimited calls for 1 month for $10.50 USD.

While these plans are marketed as "unlimited," it's important to note that the internet speeds are capped at either 12 Mbps or 6 Mbps depending on the selected package.

In addition to these options, Maxis also provides daily and weekly plans, such as 3 GB of data for $0,70, a weekly option of 10 GB for RM $2,26.

Maxis’s speed is relatively low compared to neighboring Thailand, where mobile data speeds can exceed 300 Mbps. Furthermore, once the high-speed data is depleted, the connection speed is reduced to 512 kbps.

Tune Talk

Tune Talk started as a mobile virtual network operator by using Celcom's network. In 2025, Tune Talk became the first fully cloud-enabled telecom in Malaysia, partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

If you ever need extra data, you can easily top up your Malaysian eSIM card tourist plan for just RM10 to get an additional 10 GB of internet data.

CelcomDigi

In 2022, Celcom and Digi joined together to form CelcomDigi, making it the largest telecommunications company in Malaysia. Previously, Celcom sold prepaid tourist SIM cards under the XPAX brand, but now those are offered through CelcomDigi.

CelcomDigi provides a variety of prepaid plans designed for tourists, ensuring good coverage across the country. Their SIM cards typically last for 30 days and come with high-speed internet (5G/4G), hotspot features, and unlimited calls. To get a CelcomDigi SIM card, you pay $2 USD for registration and then choose one of two prepaid options for tourists:

• 15 GB of data plus unlimited calls for 30 days for $5 USD.
• 65 GB of data plus unlimited calls for 30 days for $8 USD.

For shorter stays, they also have One-Time Pass options. For example, you can get a 3-day package with 9 GB of data for $1,30, or a weekly plan with 20 GB for $3. CelcomDigi’s provide faster data speeds of up to 100 Mbps, compared to only 12 Mbps with Hotlink.

Unify

Unifi is a service provided by Telekom Malaysia that delivers mobile internet plans for Malaysia, VoIP, and IPTV to both residential and business clients in Malaysia. This service utilizes an optical fiber network, offering Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connections for individual houses, as well as VDSL2 for multi-story buildings. For tourists, Unifi offers the following prepaid SIM card in Malaysia.

Note: Unify promises unlimited data, but there is a Fair Use Policy that limits it to 50 GB, so it isn't truly unlimited. Unlike some other providers, Unifi's prepaid SIM cards do not impose data speed restrictions, making them a flexible choice for users.

Yes

Yes is a mobile network operator in Malaysia and ranks fifth in the country. It is based in Kuala Lumpur and is part of YTL Communications, which is owned by YTL Power International Berhad. This company is a key player in Malaysia's infrastructure sector. Yes offers several prepaid SIM card plans that are valid for 30 days.

• 50 GB data + unlimited calls: $4 USD
• Unlimited data + unlimited calls: $6 USD

Yes provides solid 3G, 4G, and 5G network coverage in various locations, including Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Kampung Baru Subang, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, Kuching, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Seremban, Kuantan, Tawau, and George Town.

Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Tourists in Malaysia

CelcomDigi offers the most robust 4G and 5G network coverage in Malaysia. Unifi and U Mobile have significant ground to cover in comparison to Maxis and CelcomDigi regarding their 4G and 5G network strength. This is particularly noticeable when considering travel to Borneo, where the 4G and 5G coverage from Yes, Unifi, and U Mobile is limited.

Best eSIM for Malaysia

The most convenient way to stay connected while traveling in Malaysia is through an eSIM. This eliminates the need to visit a physical store to exchange SIM cards. Additionally, you can keep your home SIM card in your phone, allowing you to maintain your original phone number.

Yesim

Yesim, headquartered in Switzerland, is a leading eSIM service provider that caters to travelers seeking mobile internet solutions. Originally designed for globe-trotters, it has emerged as one of the top providers of travel eSIMs. Yesim specializes in virtual SIM solutions and delivers fast connectivity across mobile digital networks in over 200 countries worldwide.

Yesim’s virtual SIM data plans for Malaysia provides seamless connectivity to the best available network. If any of the mobile operators in your area offers 5G, your eSIM for Malaysia will automatically switch to that network instantaneously!

Hello1010

Hello1010 provides travel eSIMs for 142 countries. Each eSIM card comes with a designated amount of high-speed data that will be disabled once the data limit is reached. The validity periods for these plans are 5, 10, or 15 days, beginning from the first use until midnight (GMT +8).

• 1 GB daily for $2.00 (RM9)
• 5 GB for 5 days for $4.50 (RM19)
• 10 GB for 5 days for $8.00 (RM35)
• 10 GB for 10 days for $8.75 (RM39)
• 10 GB for 30 days for $11.50 (RM49)
• 20 GB for 30 days for $15.50 (RM69)

Hello1010 offers a variety of eSIMs that are compatible in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. This makes them an excellent choice for travelers planning to visit multiple countries.

Airalo

Airalo offers data-only SIM cards that are valid exclusively in Malaysia and operate on the 4G/LTE network of Maxis.

SimOptions

SimOptions eSIMs for Malaysia are exclusively valid within the country and support 5G connectivity. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number and do not support incoming or outgoing calls or SMS services.

• 1 GB for 7 days: $4.50 USD
• 3 GB for 30 days: $5.90 USD
• 5 GB for 30 days: $6.90 USD
• 10 GB for 30 days: $12.90 USD
• 20 GB for 30 days: $24.90 USD
• 30 GB for 30 days: $31.90 USD
• 50 GB for 60 days: $49.90 USD

The validity period for all eSIMs is 1 year, and the data credit becomes active immediately upon installation, regardless of your location.

Holafly

Holafly data plans for Malaysia provide unlimited data, with pricing based on the selected duration. Generally, choosing a longer validity period results in better value. Holafly eSIMs for Malaysia are designed for data use only; they do not support voice calls or text messaging and do not include a phone number. These eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE networks of Maxis and CelcomDigi.

You can use a hotspot with the Holafly eSIMs in Malaysia, but it's limited to 500 MB per day.

International Roaming in Malaysia

Various operators offer international roaming services, allowing visitors to maintain an internet connection while exploring the country. Major telecommunication providers in Malaysia, including Maxis and CelcomDigi support international roaming. Depending on the operator, travelers can choose from a range of prepaid SIM card plans that suit their data consumption patterns, whether for a short visit or an extended stay.

To minimize expenses associated with international roaming, consider the following tips:

• Review your home carrier’s international roaming offerings before traveling to Malaysia. Some carriers provide competitive rates for mobile internet in Malaysia.
• Purchasing a prepaid SIM card in Malaysia for tourists can be a more cost-effective solution. Look into mobile internet Malaysia options, including tourist SIM cards that offer generous data plans.
• For those using compatible devices, an eSIM for Malaysia can provide flexibility without the need for a physical SIM card. This option is particularly convenient for iPhone users looking for an eSIM Malaysia solution.

Keep an eye on data consumption to prevent unexpected charges. Using Wi-Fi when available can also help conserve data on your Malaysia SIM card for travel.

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Troubleshooting Mobile Internet Issues in Malaysia

Travelers in Malaysia may experience mobile internet connectivity issues, whether using a tourist SIM card or an eSIM. To address these problems, follow these steps:

• Check Your Data Plan: Ensure you have an active plan; top up if necessary.
• Restart Your Device: A restart can often resolve connectivity issues.
• Enable Mobile Data: Make sure mobile data is turned on in your settings.
• Check Network Settings: Ensure your device is connected to the correct local network.
• Verify APN Settings: Confirm that your Access Point Name settings are correct based on your carrier.

Common issues include weak signals, SIM card incompatibility, and network maintenance. To enhance connectivity, consider exploring other local SIM options, keep your device updated, and utilize Wi-Fi when available.

With these troubleshooting tips in mind, travelers can resolve most mobile internet problems in Malaysia, ensuring a successful stay. If issues persist, contacting your service provider for assistance is recommended.

Conclusion

To sum up, having access to mobile internet in Malaysia is essential for travelers. Whether you're looking for a SIM card in Malaysia for tourists or considering eSIM options, there are plenty of choices available. The right prepaid SIM card for Malaysia can ensure you stay connected and have a smooth journey.

If you're looking for reliable and affordable mobile internet solutions, Yesim data plans for Malaysia are worth checking out. They offer great value and simplicity for tourists. Make your travel experience easier by staying connected with Yesim!

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