How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Malaysia?

Planning a trip to Malaysia? You’re probably in the middle of packing and sorting out the final details of your trip. However, you might also want to consider how you’ll be getting around and communicating while you’re away.

To make the most out of your vacation and avoid hefty roaming charges, consider swapping your UK SIM for a Malaysia SIM card. This will also allow you to use translation apps and maps on the go, without relying on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Malaysia and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Malaysia from the UK?

Investing in a Malaysia SIM card is actually a great way to save money, since most UK monthly plans don’t include international calls or data. So, it’s a better deal to buy a local Malaysia SIM card than to pay extra charges from your provider for using your phone abroad.

A Malaysia SIM will make it easier to stay connected with your friends and family while you’re away. You’ll have better network coverage and stay online throughout the day without relying on Wi-Fi. Plus, having a local SIM card will give you access to some travel essentials like translation apps and maps.

If you're still not sure about getting a local SIM card, you could rely on international roaming instead. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that include Malaysia. Others, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Malaysia?

You can get a Malaysia SIM for as little as 6 MYR per week, with monthly plans starting at 25 MYR. Many packages include unlimited data and calls, like U Mobile's U Prepaid 40, which costs 40 MYR.

When it comes to eSIMs, the most convenient options are those with unlimited data. Holafly’s eSIMs, for instance, cost around £3 per day, with lower daily rates if you buy more days.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Malaysia?

You can buy a Malaysia SIM card at official provider stores, at convenience stores and at the airport. If you prefer online shopping, you can order a prepaid SIM online and have it delivered to your address in Malaysia.¹

To register the SIM, you’ll likely need to provide your passport and have your photo taken. Store employees will activate the card so you can start using it right away. Keep in mind that some stores only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to ask if credit cards or debit cards are accepted beforehand.¹

Where can you buy a SIM card for Malaysia in the UK?

You can order a Malaysia SIM card before even leaving the UK so that you’re covered from the moment you arrive. However, you won’t have much of a choice and you’ll likely end up overpaying.

You can find two possible options with SimCorner, both with 6 GB of data. One is a 15-day SIM which costs £29 and the other lasts 10 days and costs £15. If you choose this option, be sure to factor in delivery time to your address.²

Can you buy a Malaysia SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can get a Malaysia SIM card as soon as you land. You’ll find kiosks from Malaysian mobile operators, as well as convenience stores offering SIM cards. Most kiosks are situated in the Arrivals and Baggage Claim areas and are open 24/7.¹

However, there’s a downside to this, since airport stores are usually more expensive. If it’s not urgent, we recommend waiting to purchase a SIM card at a store in the city.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Malaysia

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your vacation in Malaysia.

Maxis

Maxis offers a prepaid service called Hotlink, featuring four monthly SIM card plans. The most affordable is priced at 25 MYR for 60 GB of internet, followed by a 35 MYR plan with 100 GB. For unlimited internet, there’s a 12 Mbps plan at 40 MYR and a 24 Mbps plan at 50 MYR.³

They also offer a daily plan with 3 GB of data for 3 MYR and two weekly plans: 10 GB for 10 MYR or unlimited 6 Mbps for 12 MYR.³

CelcomDigi

If you choose CelcomDigi, their 100 Mbps high-speed packages offer great value. For 25 MYR, you’ll get 40 GB of data, while 39 MYR provides 85 GB. Both plans include unlimited calls and hotspot access.⁴

If you’re staying just a few days, they also offer One-Time Pass deals. For instance, the 3-day package provides 9 GB of data for 6 MYR, while the weekly plan includes 20 GB for 12 MYR.⁵

U Mobile

U Mobile offers a range of unlimited data plans named according to their price: U Prepaid 25, U Prepaid 35, U Prepaid 40 and U Prepaid 50. The U Prepaid 35 plan includes unlimited calls and 3 GB of hotspot access, while both U Prepaid 40 and 50 offer unlimited calls and hotspot.⁶

If you need more from your plan, you can purchase one of their add-ons. For instance, 15 MYR gets you 20 GB of high-speed internet for a week.⁶

Best e-SIM cards for Malaysia

While physical SIMs are a good choice, eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid roaming charges. You can purchase one before leaving the UK and activate it as soon as you arrive.

If your phone is eSIM-compatible, here are some of the top picks for Malaysia.

Hello1010

Hello1010 currently has 12 different eSIMs to choose from. They work in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, making them a great option if you’re visiting multiple countries.⁷

A weekly plan with 5 GB of data costs 21 MYR, while 10 GB is available for 37 MYR.⁷

Airalo

One of the most popular eSIM providers offers plans for both Malaysia and the entire Asian continent. Their Sambungkan plans start at £4 for 1 GB of data lasting a week. The 15-day plan includes 2 GB for £7, while the largest option provides 20 GB of data valid for 30 days.⁸

For comparison, the same plans covering Asia are priced at £4.50 for 1 GB, £8 for 2 GB and £41 for 20 GB of data.⁹

Holafly

All of Holafly’s plans include unlimited data, with pricing based on the number of days you choose. The more days you select, the better the value.

For example, the 3-day plan costs £11, or £3.67 per day. If you need it for 10 days, the price is £30.¹⁰

If you’re travelling with a group, you’ll be happy to know that you can share your Holafly data via hotspot. While hotspot use is capped at 500 MB, it’s still a useful way to save money and split the costs.¹⁰

Spend like a local in Malaysia with Wise

While you’re choosing a Malaysia SIM card for your trip, you might also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Malaysia and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 16-Jan-2025