Mobile Internet and SIM Cards for Macao in 2025

Mobile communication and internet access are very important for tourists in Macau. They help you stay in touch with friends and family, find places you want to visit, and share your experiences.

In this article, we will discuss all about Macao SIM card options and eSIM Macao for tourists. You will learn where to buy SIM cards in Macau, what Macau prepaid SIM card plans are available for tourists, and how to set up the mobile internet Macao on your phone.

How SIM Cards Work in Macau: Overview

Since 2019, buying SIM cards in Macau requires registration. In Macau, you can find several types of SIM cards:

• Macau Prepaid SIM Card: Prepaid SIMs Macao are ideal for visitors, as they allow you to pay upfront and use data without a contract.
• Macau SIM Card for Tourist: Specifically designed for visitors, these cards often come with special packages.
• Standard SIM Cards: For residents or long-term visitors who need regular mobile service.

When selecting a SIM card in Macau, consider the following:

• Coverage: Check which operators provide the best mobile coverage Macao in the areas you plan to visit. CTM generally offers the most extensive coverage.
• Rates: Compare the available Macau mobile internet plans. Look for a Macau prepaid SIM card that fits your data needs and budget.
• Tethering and VoIP: If you plan to use apps that require internet calls, you'll be pleased to know that both tethering and VoIP calls are allowed. The internet in Macau is also uncensored, offering a free browsing experience, unlike in mainland China.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Macao

You can easily buy a Macau SIM card for tourists at various locations:

• Macau Airport: Self-service vending machines sell unactivated SIM cards.
• Major Ferry Piers: Cards are available at the two main piers for ferries coming from Hong Kong.
• Border Gate Checkpoint: Another location where you can find SIM cards.

Once you get a SIM card, you’ll need to complete the registration process. This requires providing details about the SIM and your ID (or passport) on the operator’s website. If you don’t have an internet connection to complete the registration, we recommend visiting the operator’s shops and outlets. For those looking for convenience, consider the Macao eSIM. It provides instant access to mobile internet without needing a physical SIM card, which can be great for travelers.

How to Use Mobile Internet and Data in Macao

Getting connected to the mobile internet in Macau is easy. First, when you arrive, you can buy a SIM card Macau from local stores or at the airport. After purchasing, simply insert the SIM card into your phone, making sure it’s placed correctly. Once it's in, restart your phone to help it recognize the new SIM.

Next, you’ll want to set up mobile data. Go to the Settings on your phone, find Cellular or Mobile Data, and make sure mobile data is turned on. If necessary, you might need to add specific APN settings provided by your SIM card provider to ensure proper connectivity. Once that's done, try opening a web browser or any app to see if you have internet access.

Sometimes, you might run into issues. If you find that your mobile internet isn’t working, first check that the SIM is inserted correctly and that mobile data is activated. Restarting your phone can often resolve minor connection problems. If you experience a weak signal, moving to a different location, especially away from basements or enclosed spaces, can help.

To save on mobile data, it's a good idea to use Wi-Fi whenever available. Many cafes, hotels, and public areas offer free Wi-Fi, which can help you avoid using up your data allowance. Additionally, consider limiting data usage by turning off auto-updates for apps and disabling background data for those that don’t need it. Monitoring your data usage in your phone settings can also help prevent unexpected overage.

Best Mobile Operators in Macao

Macau has a competitive mobile market with 4 main network operators. These companies provide various services and plans to meet the needs of residents and visitors.

The four main mobile companies in Macau own and manage their own networks, including cell towers and equipment. When it comes to network coverage, speed, and reliability, CTM and China Telecom are usually the best choices for mobile service.

SmarTone has made improvements in recent years, but its coverage isn’t as wide as the bigger companies, especially in rural areas. Many customer reviews and tests show that CTM is often rated as the most reliable network in Macau. If you want dependable service during your stay, CTM and China Telecom are good options to consider.

Three Macau

3 Macau operates as the Macau branch of Hutchison Telecom, referred to as 3Group. The company began its journey with CDMA service back in 1996 before moving to more advanced technology. What sets 3 Macau apart is its budget-friendly rates and flexible pay-as-you-go plans, which cater to both residents and travelers.

SmarTone Macau

SmarTone is a prominent telecommunications provider in Macau, offering voice, multimedia, and broadband services through its extensive 4G networks and a fiber optic broadband system.

For those looking for prepaid options, the SmarTone Spot card includes two 30-day plan choices with different data allowances and prices:

• The first plan costs $6.19 and gives you access to the 4G/3G network with a minimum data speed of 256 kbps. You can choose from several data packages: 3GB for $4.71, 5GB for $7.18, 10GB for $9.66, and a 450MB package for $5.94. There’s also an unlimited plan available for $12.14, with a promotional rate of $9.04 for the first month.
• The second plan, priced at $12.39, offers similar access to the 4G/3G network but with a higher minimum data speed of 384 kbps. The available data packages are the same as in the first option: 3GB for $4.71, 5GB for $7.18, and 10GB for $9.66.

Both prepaid plans are valid for 30 days and cater to different data needs, allowing users to choose what works best for them.

China Telecom Macau

China Telecom (中国电信) is a major player in the telecommunications industry, recognized globally for its extensive services. As the largest fixed-line provider in China, it has built a vast network of fiber optic infrastructure that connects hundreds of millions of users throughout the country.

Although its headquarters are in Beijing, China Telecom operates internationally in several regions, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and the United States. This wide reach allows the company to serve a diverse customer base, providing reliable communication solutions across different markets.

China Telecom runs on a CDMA network, which is different from the standards used by most phones in other countries. This means that only specific "global" CDMA phones will be compatible with their network.

For tourists, China Telecom can be a workable option if you have a compatible CDMA/LTE phone. They offer a range of data plans priced between 18 to 88 RMB. It’s important to ensure you have the right handset before you arrive to avoid any connectivity issues.

CTM

Originally known as Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau, CTM is the largest telecommunications provider in Macau, holding a 45% market share. Since launching mobile services in the early 1990s, CTM has built an extensive fiber network and offers services for mobile, landline, and pay TV. Some of their most popular plans include:

• 5G Chill Card: This plan is available for 30 days and provides 12 GB of data for just $11.
• "Online Everywhere in Macau" Prepaid SIM Card: This plan operates on 4G/3G networks and offers unlimited data for three days at $10 or for seven days at $24.

Both plans allow for dual network access, connecting to China Mobile and China Unicom in Mainland China, as well as China Mobile HK in Hong Kong, ensuring stable connectivity while traveling.

Earn €5 for you and €5 for friend!

Invite friends and receive bonuses on purchasesLearn more

Best SIM Cards for Tourists in Macao

There are several SIM card options available for tourists that offer reliable service, affordable data packages, and convenience.

• Three Macau - Special Package offers 10GB of data for just $4.09, valid for 30 days – perfect for travelers needing ample data on a budget.
• SmarTone Macau - 10GB Data Plan is another great choice at $9.66, providing 10GB of data with reliable speeds, ideal for moderate to heavy usage.
• CTM - 5G Chill Card costs $11 and includes 12GB of data, also valid for 30 days, with access to 5G for faster connectivity.

Prepaid SIM cards for Macao

If you're looking for prepaid SIM cards in Macau, several options are available to suit different needs.

• SmarTone offers a SIM card for $100, which includes a $10 activation bonus. The initial data plan costs $78 for 3 days of unlimited use. After this period, options include $38 for 700 MB over 3 days, $58 for 1.5 GB over 3 days, $38 for unlimited data for 1 day, and $78 for another 3 days of unlimited data.
• Three Macau provides the SoSIM 4G International Roaming Prepaid Card for $5.94, featuring 4GB of data valid for 30 days. This plan is budget-friendly and suitable for travelers who need international roaming.
• 3 Macau offers a 3G Low-speed Data Card starting at $100, providing 30 days of unlimited data at throttled speeds (384 Kbps download, 128 Kbps upload). This option includes data packages of 3 GB for $68, 8 GB for $168, and 12 GB for $238, with a default data rate of $0.01 per KB capped at $500 per month on the 3G plans.

Mobile Internet in Macao: Coverage and Rates

Macau has excellent mobile internet coverage, with both 4G and 5G networks available almost everywhere.

For the best internet plans in Macao with high-speed 4G and 5G connection, we recommend CTM, especially in crowded places. However, SmarTone and Three are also excellent alternatives with good coverage in urban areas and some rural regions.

According to the Speedtest Global Index:

• Macau ranks 10th in the world for mobile internet speeds.
• The average download speed is 127.39 Mbps.
• The average upload speed is 31.53 Mbps.
• Latency is just 15 ms.

Macau offers some of the fastest mobile internet speeds in the world. Tourists can enjoy reliable, high-speed mobile data using major networks like CTM, SmarTone, and Three.

For those watching their budget, getting a Macau SIM card from one of the main providers is a smart choice. If you want instant access to the internet upon arrival, consider getting a Macau airport SIM card. An eSIM for Macau is also a great option for flexibility.

eSIM for Macao: How to Get and Use It

In Macau, eSIM technology is supported by several mobile operators, allowing users to access data services without the hassle of purchasing and inserting a physical SIM. To assist you in staying connected in Macao we have created the table that allows you to quickly access and choose the best eSIM provider for Macao.

eSIMs are especially convenient for travelers who want an easy setup for mobile data during their visit. So, how to buy an eSIM in Macau:

• Make sure your device supports eSIM functionality. Most newer smartphones like iPhones (from XS and later), Google Pixels, and many recent Android models do.
• Select an operator that offers eSIM services. Yesim offers the best virtual SIM card for tourists in Macau
• You can buy an eSIM plan online or at a retail store of the chosen provider. The provider will typically send you a QR code to scan with your device to activate the eSIM.
• Follow the instructions provided by the operator. Generally, you'll go to your device's settings, select “Cellular,” then “Add Cellular Plan,” and scan the QR code.
• Once activated, your eSIM will be ready for use immediately, allowing you to enjoy mobile data services without needing any physical SIM cards.

International Roaming in Macao

Roaming rates in Macau can be quite steep, especially for tourists. Expenses can accumulate quickly, particularly when it comes to data usage, which is often billed per megabyte. In Macau, roaming services encompass calls, SMS, and data, with each service typically charged separately. Rates may vary for local, international, incoming, and outgoing usage.

For a tourist, if we assume an average data usage of 3GB (or 3000 MB) during a week in Macau, the costs would look as follows:

• CTM: 3000 MB x $0.0127 = $38.10
• SmarTone: 3000 MB x $0.013 = $39.00
• Three: 3000 MB x $0.015 = $45.00

The Yesim eSIM plan costs $13 for 3GB for 7 days. This is significantly cheaper than the costs incurred by international roaming when using local mobile networks. By choosing the Yesim plan, tourists can save:

• CTM: $38.10 - $13 = $25.10
• SmarTone: $39.00 - $13 = $26.00
• Three: $45.00 - $13 = $32.00

Using an eSIM for Macau like the one provided by Yesim not only simplifies connectivity but also offers substantial savings compared to high international roaming fees. For tourists who rely heavily on data while traveling, opting for a local plan is often the smartest financial choice.

Stay Connected in Macao

Travelers have different options for mobile internet and SIM cards in Macao. Local providers offer prepaid SIM cards with various plans. Some are budget-friendly with limited data, while others provide unlimited access. If you prefer convenience, consider using an eSIM. Think about how much data you need and choose the right plan for your stay. For an easy and affordable option, go with Yesim for your mobile internet in Macau!

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!