The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best SIM Card in Malaysia for Internet

Malaysia Travel Sim Card Comparison

Check out the travel SIM card comparison table below. However, note that the Malaysia SIM card prices may have changed since we updated this article in January 2025, so please check the website for the latest price.

What is a Physical SIM Card?  

Physical SIM Cards are the traditional SIM cards we all know. These are the ones that we insert on the SIM card slot on our phones that come with a designated mobile number that we can use for calls and data services. Physical SIM cards in Malaysia come in two types: prepaid local SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, and they’re both available at Malaysian airports or convenience stores.

The Best Physical Sim Cards for Malaysia

Now that you know the two types of SIM cards in Malaysia, here are some of the best value tourist sim cards for mobile operators.

1. Celcomdigi Sim Card Malaysia 

Get 40GB of data and unlimited calls with the Celcomdigi 4G SIM Card. It has a 30-day availability, so it’s perfect for a whole family trip to Malaysia, and it supports hotspot sharing so everyone can stay connected at the same time.

Buy your CelcomdiGi 4G SIM here for RM 35.00 (appr $8). You can pick up the SIM card at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2). Detailed instructions are provided in your purchase confirmation.

2. Tune SIM Card Malaysia

The Tune Talk 4G SIM Card has got you covered for your data needs! Enjoy 15GB or 35 GB of data, valid for 15 to 30 days. It’s available countrywide, with pick-up points from East Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu Airport) or West Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 or 2 and Penang International Airport).

Its fast service can take you anywhere from Malaysia’s lively capital city, Kuala Lumpur, to the majestic mountains of Kelabit Highlands.

The Tune Talk 4G SIM Card starts at RM 25.00 or $5.70 for 15GB with 15 days validity and RM 35.00 or $8 for 35GB with 30 days validity.

3. Drimsim

With Drimsim you don’t have to worry about monthly fees because you only need to pay for what you use. For only €0.1 per MB you can take advantage of hotspot sharing with no limits!

Use the Drimsim app to activate the sim, top-up, and track your data expenses. Meanwhile, club members can get additional benefits such as insurance, cashback, and discounts.

They deliver anywhere around the world so if you love planning ahead, get yours now!

The Best eSIM Cards for Malaysia

4. Saily eSIM for Malaysia

If you’re after an affordable, secure, and super simple way to get connected in Malaysia, we recommend Saily. It’s a great option for families who want instant internet access the moment they land—no SIM card swaps, no fuss.

Here’s how to get started with Saily:

• Download the Saily App: Start by downloading the Saily app to your phone. It’s easy to use and quick to set up.
• Pick Your Plan: Choose Malaysia as your destination and browse the available data plans. Prices start from just $3.99 for 1GB over 7 days—perfect for short stays or testing it out.
• Install Your eSIM: Follow the in-app instructions to install your eSIM. It only takes a few taps and you’ll be ready to go.
• Land and Connect: Once you arrive in Malaysia, your eSIM activates automatically. Just turn on data roaming and you’re connected—no need to lift a finger.

With built-in security features like ad-blocking and protection against malicious sites, Saily offers peace of mind while keeping your family connected on the go. Whether you’re navigating to your next attraction or sharing holiday snaps, Saily makes it simple.

Click here to buy your eSIM today and enjoy 5% discount with promo code KLWK5.

5. eSIM for Malaysia by Airalo

Airalo is another popular eSIM option for travel to Malaysia. With budget-friendly plans and an easy setup, it’s a solid choice for staying connected as a family.

• Download the Airalo App and pick Malaysia as your destination.
• Choose a plan—like 1GB for 7 days or 5GB for 30 days starting from $4.50.
• Install and activate your eSIM by following the in-app steps.

That’s it—you’re ready to go! Airalo is great for skipping SIM card queues and getting online quickly, whether you’re booking transport, finding a restaurant, or uploading your holiday highlights.

6. eSIM for Traveling the World by DrimSim

Traveling beyond Malaysia? Leave the hassle of changing SIM cards every time you travel to another country and get an e-SIM card from Drimsim. We already listed DrimSim as a great options for physical SIM cards, but they also have an e-SIM version of their SIM card.

This virtual SIM grants you reliable internet in 190 countries, and you can access your internet usage and data expenses anywhere in their Drimsim app.

Get your e-SIM within 2 minutes of ordering, just follow these steps:

1: Order the e-SIM on their app
2: Receive an email with the QR code and settings
3: Activate e-SIM on the app
4: Enjoy unlimited internet!

There are no hidden fees; you only pay for the data you consume (€0.01 per MB -> Click here to learn more about Drimsim’s e-SIM)

7. eSIM for Malaysia by Xplori

You can also get this eSIM for Malaysia by Xplori instead. Get immediate access upon purchase and activate your data plan via email. You can get 600MB of data daily, valid for 3 days at RM 5.70 or $1.30, or unlimited data for 30 days, starting at RM 33.39 or $7.60.

Just make sure your mobile device is e-SIM compatible and follow these steps to set up your e-SIM: Go to Settings > Tap Cellular/ Mobile Data > Tap Add Cellular/ Mobile Plan > Scan the QR code provided in the email.

8. eSIM for Asia

Have a seamless trip to Asia with this eSIM for Asia to get access to the best local services. Covered areas include Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Vietnam.

They have 5 to 15 days of SIM card validity, which you can choose depending on the duration of your trip.

You can get a 500MB/day or 1GB/day data package, prices range from RM 24.55 or $5.60 up to RM 93.95 or $21.40. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive your activation QR code and instructions within one day.

What is an e-SIM Card or a Virtual SIM Card? 

Meanwhile, e-sim cards, also known as embedded sim cards, are completely digital and can be purchased online. It works just like a physical sim card but without the physical aspect of it, as it’s already built-in on the phone. eSIM cards have many benefits, including you don’t have to keep swapping out your SIM card just to switch to a different network provider. Also, it allows you to have multiple active mobile plans, making it more convenient and easy to stay connected.

Where to Buy SIM Cards in Malaysia?

Physical SIM Cards are easily accessible in airports, official mobile network stores, convenience stores, malls, and bus stations. You can also buy them online on sites like Klook. Or, you can buy your Airalo or Drimsim e-SIM directly from the operator.

Click here to buy your Airalo eSIM card online.

Click here to buy your Drimsim eSIM card online.

You can buy your SIM voucher online and redeem it at the pick-up location or get an eSIM for immediate access. For e-SIMs, when you get to Malaysia, it will automatically connect to the local networks, which now allows you to use local services and apps, connect with your family, and browse the internet.

A friendly traveler note: When buying or picking up physical SIM cards, you may have to present your passport or an ID as part of the legal requirements. Airport stores will even ask for your fingerprint sometimes. Once everything is confirmed, they will register the SIM card to your name to activate it, and voila! Just insert the SIM Card into your phone and enjoy the data services.

Best 4G/5G Network in Malaysia

The 4G/5G coverage in Malaysia is excellent. We highly recommend using 4G/5G rather than connecting to Public Wi-Fi because it’s more reliable and has better coverage.

To get the best coverage of 4G/5G network in Malaysia, we recommend the Celcomdigi prepaid sim card Malaysia. According to this 2024 report, Celcomdigi wins first place for having the fastest Download and Upload Speed Experience and the best Coverage Experience.

Why Buy a Prepaid SIM Card for Malaysia?

Buying a local sim card when traveling to a foreign place is always a good decision. Aside from it helps you stay connected to your friends or family while exploring the city, it also helps with convenience and flexibility. How? Find out here.

Here are the benefits if you buy prepaid sim card in Malaysia: 

• Ease of use for local services: A local phone number is helpful, especially if you want to use local services like Grab for ride-hailing services, online food deliveries, or online banking. (You can also setup Grab with your foreign number.)
• Affordable data plans: While Malaysia has readily available free Wi-Fi services, having data packages can be a good backup if you don’t have access to free wifi. The best part is that many sim cards for tourist in Malaysia have affordable local calls, text messages, and data usage plans.
• Saves cost: International roaming charges can be expensive. This is why we highly recommend getting a Malaysia sim card, as it’s more cost-effective since you do not have to pay expensive roaming charges. In addition, prepaid sim cards in Malaysia are affordable, and you’re sure to get your money’s worth with its convenience.
• Better network coverage: An obvious reason for buying a Malaysian sim card is you get better network coverage to most international roaming networks. You’ll experience a much more reliable data service, especially when traveling to rural areas in the country.
• Stay connected: With a Malaysia sim card, you’ll have an easier time staying connected with your loved ones while enjoying your trip to Malaysia. You can also easily use local services like checking Google Maps, looking up opening hours of restaurants and attractions, reading reviews, or checking Kuala Lumpur with Kids for things to do in Kuala Lumpur.