Being connected to the internet has become an integral part of everyone’s lives, and it’s even more important if you’re traveling in an unfamiliar land.
My goal today is to help you sort out your Malaysian connectivity, so you can sleep peacefully tonight knowing you’ve got internet covered. Then, you can plan the other aspects of your trip.
Read on to find out the SIM and eSIM options in Malaysia.
Telecommunication operators in Malaysia
It’s good to be familiar with the telecommunication companies in Malaysia so you’re able to recognize them when you need to.
The main telecommunication operators in Malaysia are Maxis, CelcomDigi, YES, and U Mobile. There are also less popular operators that offer more budget friendly options: Hotlink and Tune Talk.
SIM or eSIM in Malaysia?
If you’re unfamiliar with an eSIM, it’s basically a SIM card without the physical card. Newer phones will have a built-in function to connect to an eSIM seamlessly. Check if your phone is eSIM compatible here!
The advantage of an eSIM is you don’t need a physical SIM card to work, so everything is done through the provider’s website and your phone’s settings. You can set it up before you land in Malaysia so once you touch down you’ll be connected to the internet immediately. Hotspot sharing works well on eSIMs too.
You won’t need to worry about SIM store’s opening hours to pick up a SIM card if you’re landing at an awkward timing. You also don’t need to remove your existing SIM card so that’s one less item to worry about. If you need a top-up, everything can be done online too.
However, most eSIMs are only limited to data connectivity, but not a local phone number, calls, and text messages. This may be a problem if you want to make emergency calls or reservations. You can still make calls through your original SIM card though, but you will be charged an international rate.
eSIM providers are also usually third party, so you can’t decide which telecommunication operator you prefer service from. From my experience, any of the operators I shared above work fine in the urban areas of Malaysia.
Since eSIM providers are not telecommunication operators, any customer service will be dealt with the third party, and usually online but with quick responses.
You will also have to setup the eSIM yourself, which may be a bit confusing as a first timer, but I’ll share a tutorial below.
For what the eSIM lacks, a SIM card solves most of it – you get a local phone number, both calls and data, physical customer service if needed, but you’ll have to schedule a pick-up and physical installation.
Personally, I prefer travelling with eSIMS because it’s cheap, seamless, can be set up ahead of time, and there’s no need to worry about changing SIM cards upon arrival. In case I need to make emergency calls I still have my original SIM card with me.
Also read: Malaysia’s money, banknotes and currency
How to buy and activate eSIM in Malaysia
Here are two eSIM options on Klook (I highly trust them and have used them multiple times), both having high ratings. One of them is operated by Klook themselves, and the other by NPN Travel.
Both have similar pricing but offers different package. It really is up to you on which you prefer, to have data package by day, or in totality of your trip. Upon purchase, you’ll get details on how to setup immediately in-app or by email.
You can also check out their guides on how to setup the eSIMs respectively. But this is how it generally goes:
Activate the eSIM by clicking a link in-app or by scanning a QR code in the provider’s website. Your phone’s Settings app will open and add the eSIM to your phone. You can then configure the eSIM as your “Travel” line while keeping your original line as “Primary”. You won’t be using the eSIM as long as it’s configured correctly.
Once you arrive in Malaysia, you can then turn on your eSIM in the Settings app again. Switch on Data Roaming too and you will soon see yourself connected to the internet through one of Malaysia’s operators.
Also read: Apps to download before visiting Malaysia
How to buy SIM card in Malaysia
If you still prefer the SIM card, you can get it at any operator’s official store or any mobile stores, which are plenty to choose from when you arrive at KLIA or KLIA2. Just keep in mind of the store’s opening hours.
Alternatively, you can pre-book SIM cards from this CelcomDigi store or TuneTalk store. You just have to show your receipt in store and they’ll help you install your SIM card on the spot. Again, either line works fine in urban Malaysia, but pick the one that has a package that suits your needs. Be aware of the opening hours too.
With this, I hope you’ve made a decision and checked off internet in your packing list for Malaysia!
