Visiting Malaysia in 2025 is a fun experience. From the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the calm beaches of Langkawi, and the history-rich sites of Penang, Malaysia has a lot of activities for tourists. One thing, however, is guaranteed: staying connected is a necessity. A good Malaysia SIM card allows you to have GPS for directions, book online tickets, keep in contact with family and friends, view social media, and even make online payments via phones. With several telecommunication companies, a choice between prepaid, several providers, and digital eSIMs, choosing the perfect SIM card in Malaysia for tourists is a confusing experience. This guide gives extensive information on Malaysia Tourist SIM plans, prices, installation processes, and top picks for 2025.
How to Get a Malaysia SIM Card for Tourists
Purchasing a Malaysia SIM card is easy, but familiarizing yourself with the step-by-step instructions saves time when you are on a trip and could prevent connectivity problems for you.
1. Select a Provider
Malaysia, however, does have a number of telecommunication services for tourists, such as Maxis (Hotlink), Digi, CelcomDigi, Unifi Mobile, Tune Talk, redONE, and eSIM service ZetSIM. For tourists, coverage, data speeds, plan, and physical SIM or virtual eSIM ought to be of concern.
2. Go to a Retail Outlet or Airport Kiosk
The airport kiosks have quick connectivity with SIM cards, authorized retail outlets for varying plans, and quick points of purchase such as 7-Eleven or other convenience outlets. Airport counters are ideal when you need to be connected the first time you get there, but they are somewhat more costly overall.
3. Give Identification
They require a valid passport for registering a SIM card. A few shops accept a photocopy, but original passport is advisable for easy processing.
4. Choose a Plan
They are for tourists on a temporary visit and have high-speed data, local talk, and text messaging. Some of them also have roaming packages or international call packages for tourists who may want to stay connected with home countries.
5. Registration and Payment
Once you have chosen a plan, fill out the registration form with your information and pay for the SIM card and selected plan.
6. Activation
Conventional physical SIMs usually activate inside 15 minutes, but virtual eSIMs like ZetSIM activate instantly when a QR code is scanned, which makes them ideal for tourists for quick access.
Requirements
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Valid current passport for identification purposes.
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The cost for the selected plan and SIM card.
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Biometric authentication might sometimes be needed based on the provider.
Tips for Travelers
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Your phone should be unlocked for a Malaysian SIM.
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Find out if your phone has eSIM capability if you want a virtual solution.
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Select a plan according to your anticipated usage of data, stay, and required connectivity speed.
How Much Does a Malaysia Tourist SIM Cost?
Malaysia Tourist SIM rates vary based on the service provider, duration of time, and data package chosen. The rates are very nominal, enabling tourists to pick a plan based on their pocket and connectivity requirements.
ZetSIM (eSIM) - Digital eSIM plans start at $3.99 USD for 1GB for 7 days, 3GB for 30 days at $8.99 USD, 5GB for 30 days at $12.99 USD, 10GB for 30 days at $21.99 USD, and 20GB for 30 days at $35.99 USD. eSIMs are suitable for tourists requiring activation immediately without using physical locations.
Maxis (Hotlink) - Famous for its coverage across the entire nation, Maxis sells tourist SIMs starting from RM20 for 7 days with 20GB data, 30-day plans ranging from RM30 to RM55 based on data quota, featuring unlimited ones.
Digi - Offers 7-day plans of 15GB data for RM25 and 30-day plans of 50GB to unlimited data for RM45–RM55. Digi is a tourists' favourite because of high-speed urban coverage and easy top-ups via app or website.
CelcomDigi - Offers 7-day plans from RM25 with 15GB data, while 30-day plans from 50GB to unlimited data go for RM45–RM55. CelcomDigi is a good choice for tourists visiting the cities and rural areas because of its good coverage.
Unifi Mobile - Provides 7-day plans with 30GB of data for RM30 and unlimited 30-day plans for RM50. Unifi is best suited for long stayers and remote workers who need rock-solid high-speed internet.
Tune Talk - Cheaper plans for short-term stayers, RM10–RM20 for 3–7 days with 2–10GB data. Ideal for tourists/backpackers who need little or no data.
redONE - Plans range from RM15 for 7 days to RM50 for 30 days with 10–50GB data. redONE is best for tourists who need value-for-money plans with simple top-ups.
Travel Tips - Compare plan length and cost per GB. For short journeys, tighter data bundles might suffice. For longer or high-volume uses of the web, unlimited plans or large data bundles are ideal.
What is the Best SIM Card in Malaysia
Picking the appropriate SIM card
The top SIM card for Malaysia is a matter of travel style, length of stay, and physical SIM or eSIM preference. The top providers, what they have beyond plans, are listed below
1. ZetSIM – Best Malaysia eSIM for Travelers
ZetSIM is a virtual eSIM for tourists who need same-minute connectivity without a physical SIM card. Available on a majority of eSIM-capable phones, it allows coverage for several countries under a single plan.
Features of ZetSIM
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Instant activation when you step into Malaysia.
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It removes the need for physical SIM swapping.
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Affordable tourism plans that are flexible.
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Supports 4G/5G high-speed data.
How to Install ZetSIM
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Consider Malaysia as a travel destination.
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Select the data plan you desire.
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Redeem now with a scan of QR code.
Data Plans of ZetSIM
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Unlimited 3 days - $5.32 USD
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Unlimited 7 days – $10.83 USD
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Unlimited 10 Days – 14.77 USD
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Unlimited 15 days – $20.67 USD
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Unlimited 20 days – $27.57 USD
ZetSIM suits tourists who prioritize ease, quick pace, and flexibility, thus it is the top tourist Malaysia eSIM.
2. Maxis (Hotlink)
Maxis is Malaysia's largest telecommunication company, which covers the entire country with high-speed data 4G coverage. They have tourist-friendly SIMs with easy instructions for easy top-ups, which are ideal for beginners.
Data Plans for Visitors
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7 Days, 20GB – RM20
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40GB for 30 Days – RM35
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30 days, unlimited – RM55
Economic Benefits
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Good coverage both in rural and urban regions.
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Fast internet for navigation, social networking, streaming.
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Optional roaming and call additions for international countries.
3. Digi
Digi is a fast mobile broadband supplier with good urban coverage. They have tourist-friendly prepaid deals, easy to sign up for and top up via app or online. Data Plans for Tourists:
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7 Days, 15GB - RM25
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30 Days, 50GB – RM45
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30 Days, unlimited – RM55
Advantages for Tourists
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Convenience top-ups on the web.
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Short-term affordable packages.
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Durable long-term urban coverage for streaming, maps, and social media.
4. Celcom
Overview: CelcomDigi has decent coverage even for rural regions of Malaysia. They have a special tourist prepaid SIM with flexible data, call, and text plans.
Data Plans for Tourists
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7 Days, 15GB - RM25
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30 Days, 50GB - RM45
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30 Days, unlimited – RM55
Economic Benefits
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Best for tourists venturing into the countryside.
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It has telephony and SMS capabilities with data links.
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Accurate coverage for rural regions.
5. Unifi Mobile
Unifi Mobile targets providing high-speed unlimited data plans suitable for nomads and travellers. They are especially suitable for long-term travellers who need undisturbed connectivity.
Data Plans for Tourists
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7 Days, 30GB - RM30
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30 days, unlimited – RM50
Advantages for Tourists
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Streaming unlimited data plan, work, and social media.
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Dependable suburban and metropolitan coverage.
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Convenient top-ups through cell-phone application or retail centres.
6. Tune Talk
Tune Talk is a cheap option for backpackers and short-term tourists. Their prepaid plans are cheap and have simple data and call features.
Data Plans for Tourists
3–7 days, 2–10GB – RM10–RM20
Tourist Benefits
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Affordable and simple for short stays.
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Basic SMS and call packages included.
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Easy registration and top-ups at convenience stores.
7. redONE
redONE promotes value-for-money promotions for tourists with limited data usage needs. They have simple prepaid plans which are easy to grasp and go live on.
Data Plans for Tourists
7–30 days, 10–50GB – RM15–RM50
Tourist Benefits
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Affordable short-term plans.
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Fast activation and simple top-ups.
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Best for users with light or moderate information needs.
Where to Purchase a Malaysia SIM Card?
You have a number of options for buying a Malaysia SIM card:
Airports - Large airport terminals like KLIA and the Penang Airport have special counters for on-the-spot purchase of SIM cards from major companies. While airport prices are perhaps a tad steeper, flexibility for on-the-spot activation normally warrants the cost.
Retail Stores - Official telco stores and authorized centres in Malaysia have a wide range of plans and SIM cards. Using retail stores could enable you Compare deals and plans.
Online - A few companies, especially eSIM companies such as ZetSIM, enable you to buy and activate a SIM card online even prior to arrival. This helps you save time and enable you to go online soon after arrival.
Pro Tip - Airport SIM counters are best if you desire quick activation and ease of use. For the best rates and promotion, retail outlet stores located in the city are best.
ZetSIM - Best Malaysia eSIM for Travelers
ZetSIM is a state-of-the-art virtual eSIM service uniquely developed for tourists looking for effortless connectivity without the bother of physical SIM cards. Spanning a presence at more than 175 locations, ZetSIM provides a centralized eSIM solution without the necessity of changing SIM cards when crossing borders, making it a perfect solution for tourists visiting Malaysia, given it gives instantaneous local coverage on arrival, allowing you to enjoy coverage across the entire nation without break. Whether on the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur or the picturesque beaches at Langkawi, ZetSIM remains on your side at all times.
Features of ZetSIM
Instant Activation - When a person purchases a plan, he or she receives a QR code which, when scanned, activates the eSIM without any manual setting up.
Global Coverage - With coverage for more than 175 countries, ZetSIM is a global solution for travellers.
Flexible Data Plans - Select from a number of data plans that are appropriate for varying segments of travel and data requirements.
Dual SIM Feature - Use ZetSIM alongside your primary SIM card, allowing you to receive call alerts and messages on your original number but have ZetSIM for your online usage.
No Roaming Charge - Local rates without being charged a high roaming fee.
ZetSIM Installation Guide
Buy a Plan - Learn about a data plan that best fits your travel schedule and data requirements.
Get QR Code - A QR code is issued on purchase, which should be scanned for starting installation of eSIM.
Scan and Go - Use your device's settings to scan the QR code, and the eSIM will be activated at once, providing you with local network coverage immediately.
Data Plans of ZetSIM
ZetSIM provides some plans for data based on different needs:
|
Plan Name |
Duration |
Price (USD) |
|
Unlimited 3 Days |
3 days |
$5.32 |
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Unlimited 7 Days |
7 days |
$10.83 |
|
Unlimited 10 Days |
10 days |
$14.77 |
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Unlimited 15 Days |
15 days |
$20.67 |
|
Unlimited 20 Days |
20 days |
$27.57 |
All plans have enough data for typical tourist usage such as navigation, social media, and calls, so you stay online for the whole Malaysian experience.
FAQ’s
1. Which SIM card is best for Malaysia?
ZetSIM is ideal for on-the-go eSIM activation, while Maxis, Digi, CelcomDigi, and Unifi are for frequent data users.
2. How much does a SIM cost in Malaysia?
The SIMs sell for RM5–RM20, with prepaid tourist plans for RM20 for 7 days with 20GB data.
3. Which card is best for tourists?
ZetSIM for instant activation, Maxis or Digi for heavy data usage, and Tune Talk or redONE for budget-conscious travellers.
4. Can I buy a SIM card at Malaysia airport?
Yes, all major airports have counters selling SIM cards from multiple providers for immediate activation.
Conclusion
It depends on the needs of your travels for which Malaysia SIM card you should choose. ZetSIM eSIM allows for instant online activation and adaptable plans, suited for tourists who need to go online immediately. Maxis, Digi, CelcomDigi, Unifi, Tune Talk, and redONE have good coverage, decent internet, and plans custom-made for tourists. Keeping your stay length, data needs, and physical SIM or eSIM preference in view, you can remain online effortlessly anywhere in Malaysia.
