Best eSIMs For Malaysia

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If you’re looking for an eSIM card for Malaysia, it’s important to do your homework to ensure you get the best value without any fuss. This guide covers everything you need to know about the top eSIMs, including pricing, validity, and key details to consider before making a purchase.

We’ve found and compared the top eSIM providers for Malaysia, including ones we’ve trusted for years and even options with unlimited data.

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Why you can trust this article about the best eSIMs for Malaysia

Hi, I’m Victoria and I’m here to help you plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur and the rest of Malaysia.

I spent a year living and working in KL, and now that Bali in Indonesia is my permanent home base, I get to come to this beautiful city several times per year since it’s so close.

Because I was living in Kuala Lumpur permanently, I have a lot more insight into the city than a normal tourist would and I can help you plan your trip there with accurate and up-to-date travel advice.

Whether you’re looking for the best affordable places to eat, the best shopping malls, or guides to attractions like the Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple or the KL Tower, I’ve got you covered.

Since I’m in and out of Malaysia several times per year, I usually don’t bother with a physical SIM, but get an eSIM instead. That means, I’ve compared quite a few companies and can always keep this post up-to-date if new ones come up.

Must-Have Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Accommodation – Agoda or Booking
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator

eSIM vs physical local SIM in Malaysia

Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind if you’re deciding whether to get an eSIM or a physical SIM for Malaysia. I usually recommend an eSIM for convenience and if you want to save time.

Local prepaid SIM cards are technically more affordable, but many tourist shops mark up the prices significantly, making you overpay even if you’re good at haggling. If you do decide to get a physical SIM, try to buy it at the provider’s store directly, which is the most reasonably priced option.

A physical local SIM might be more convenient for longer stays in Malaysia, but an eSIM is better for shorter Malaysia trips.

eSIMPhysical local SIM
Pros– Easy to purchase online
– No need to take out your regular SIM
– Less plastic waste
– Can’t be removed if your phone is stolen, providing added safety
– Fixed price
– Can be more affordable
– Compatible with almost every device
Cons– Can be more expensive
– Not supported on older phones
– Need to purchase at a store, which can take time
– Have to take out your regular SIM card
– Can be removed if your phone is stolen, which can pose a security risk
– Might be lost or damaged
– Might be difficult to find the best price

Best eSIM for Malaysia

Here are my current favourite eSIM cards for Malaysia that I recommend to friends and family. I’ve tried every company below personally multiple times and only share my own honest opinion.

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1. Jetpac – the best eSIM for Malaysia

Jetpac has quickly become my top choice for eSIMs, especially when travelling to Malaysia. I’ve had excellent experiences with them and often recommend Jetpac to friends and family.

What I really like about Jetpac is their affordable pricing for Malaysia. Their rates are consistently lower than those of major network providers. Their customer service is great, and they offer a wide variety of plans to suit different travel needs, including regional options that work across multiple countries.

Jetpac isn’t just my first pick for Malaysia, and it’s also becoming my go-to for many other destinations like Indonesia. Setting up the eSIM is quick and easy, which is perfect for travel. Plans start at just $1 for 1GB, with options for 10, 20, or 40GB. If you run out of data, topping up through their app is simple and fast.

One feature I really appreciate is that their eSIMs remain valid for a full year if you don’t activate them right away. This flexibility is great if your travel plans change. Plus, their SmartDelay feature is a nice bonus. If you register your flight at least two hours before departure and it gets delayed, you get free lounge access while you wait. This thoughtful touch helps make travel delays a bit more comfortable.

2. Holafly

As someone who has travelled to Malaysia a few times, I’ve used Holafly eSIMs and found them reliable. The setup is simple; you can buy it online and either scan a QR code or enter the details manually, which is really convenient.

I like that Holafly offers flexible data plans, ranging from 5 to 90 days, so it’s easy to find one that fits your trip. Most other eSIM companies don’t let you customise your trip length this well, so you end up paying for more days than you actually need. That’s why I like Holafly.

The unlimited data is a big plus for me, especially since I’m often on the move and need reliable internet. Their customer service is available 24/7 in multiple languages, which is reassuring if you have any issues.

However, there are a few downsides. The eSIM doesn’t include calls or SMS, and it’s definitely more expensive than some other options. But, I still think the ease of use and strong support make Holafly worth considering.

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Group tours are an incredibly underrated way to travel and you’ll get to experience Malaysia with new friends without any of the stress of planning. Check out my all-time favourite below.

3. Maya

I used Maya Mobile’s eSIM for my trip to Malaysia, and here’s my take. They offer a range of 30-day data plans from 1GB to 10GB, plus some “unlimited” options. Setting it up was so easy just scan the QR code from your email or enter the details manually.

A downside is that their “unlimited” plans are limited to 5Mbps, and speeds drop to 1Mbps after using 30GB. So, even with unlimited data, the speeds might not be fast enough for heavy use. They do offer automatic refills, which is handy for continuous coverage.

Data sharing with other devices is allowed, which is great. However, the eSIM doesn’t support calls or texts, and there isn’t an app to manage your plan. Customer support is only available through bots, which can be less responsive than talking to a real person.

4. Nomad

Next, we’ll discuss Nomad. I have mixed feelings about this eSIM provider.

Overall, Nomad eSIM cards are a pretty good choice for Malaysia. They offer great value, with rates as low as $0.90 USD per gigabyte. However, one thing I don’t like is that the website is a bit messy, making it hard to find the best eSIM card deals, especially on desktop. Another downside is that Nomad eSIM cards are data-only and do not support incoming or outgoing calls or SMS. None of the Nomad eSIMs for Malaysia support 5G.

The Nomad Malaysia eSIM cards need to be installed on your phone within 60 days. After installation, their validity starts when they first connect to a supported network in Malaysia, which is basically when you land.

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A free walking tour is the best way to explore Kuala Lumpur – click the link below to see the best ones available.

5. Airalo

I found Airalo to be a solid choice for eSIMs when travelling to Malaysia. It was easy to buy and set up their eSIM, and their prices are some of the lowest I’ve seen. They offer various data plans, regional, country-specific, or global, covering 190 countries. Plus, the option to share data and recharge through their app was convenient.

However, I noticed a few cons. The data limits are capped at 20GB, and there are no unlimited plans. Calls and SMS aren’t included, and the plans only last for 7, 15, or 30 days. I also found their customer service a bit slow and not the most reliable at times.

6. SimOptions

I’ve used SimOptions for eSIMs on my trips to Malaysia, but my experience had some downsides. Ordering and setting up the eSIM was simple, but I found a few issues.

While SimOptions offers lower prices than Airalo, they’re still pricier than Jetpac. Their plans range from 1 GB for 7 days at $4.50 to 50 GB for 60 days at $84.90, which is decent value at $1.7 per GB. However, the eSIMs are only valid in Malaysia and don’t include a phone number, so you can’t make calls or send SMS.

All their eSIMs are 5G ready, but they don’t specify which mobile network operator they use, which can be frustrating. The credit starts as soon as you install the eSIM, even if you’re not in Malaysia yet. The lack of a dedicated app for managing your plan might also be a drawback. For more details, you can check out the SimOptions website.

What’s the best eSIM for Malaysia?

If you’re looking for the best eSIM for Malaysia, Jetpac is a great choice. I’ve used it myself, and it was easy and stress-free. Jetpac offers affordable plans with different data options, so you can choose what you need.

The setup is simple, and you can manage your plan easily with their app. What’s nice is that Jetpac’s prices are often lower than other options, and their customer service is dependable.

Does an eSIM for Malaysia have a phone number?

The majority of eSIMs do not have a phone number attached to them as they are purely designed for data use. You will not be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages during your time in Malaysia. For messaging apps like WhatsApp, you will keep your regular phone number.

Malaysia Guide your Travel

Can I keep my phone number with an eSIM for Malaysia?

Whenever you purchase and activate an eSIM, you’re keeping your own phone number and will still be able to receive calls or texts from that. Just keep in mind that you’ll likely be charged roaming charges from your home provider. You can still use WhatsApp with your usual phone number without any issues.

Just a quick reminder: most eSIMs do not come with a phone number and will not replace your old phone number during your time in Malaysia.

Best eSIMS for Malaysia FAQ

Does Malaysia support eSIMs?

Yes, you can get eSIMs for Malaysia from multiple different providers.

Which eSIM is best for Malaysia?

We recommend Jetpac if you’re looking for an eSIM for Malaysia to get the best value for money.

Can I get an eSIM in Malaysia?

You should purchase your eSIM online before you arrive in Malaysia, so you can be connected instantly.

Can I buy an eSIM at Kuala Lumpur Airport?

eSIMs should be purchased online, although you can buy a physical SIM card at Kuala Lumpur International Lumpur (KLIA) airport.

Before you go…

Make sure you’re all set for a great time in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re looking for affordable dining spots, check out these cheap places to eat around KLCC. For those interested in nature, you might want to read up on the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park to know what to expect before visiting.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.

My Most Important Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Hotels – Agoda or Booking
  • Hostels – Hostelworld
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator & Get Your Guide
  • Transport in Asia – 12Go Asia
  • Rental Cars – Discover Cars
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Victoria Heinz

Victoria is the founder of Guide Your Travel and has been a travel writer for ten years. She has a Master of Arts in International Relations and Politics and is a managing partner at a marketing agency in Indonesia, giving her unique insight into local culture and customs. Originally from Germany, Victoria has been living abroad for eight years in countries such as Australia, the UK, Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, she calls Bali her permanent home and helps over 200,000 people plan their trips around the world every month.

Welcome to Guide your Travel!

Hi! I’m Victoria, a travel blogger from Germany and the author of Guide your Travel. I write about my favourite destinations in Europe, South East Asia and digital nomad life in Bali.

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Hi, I'm Victoria

Welcome to Guide your Travel – a blog about South East Asia and how to travel on a budget.

I’m a blogger, writer and photographer and love to introduce my favourite destinations to others and encourage them to see the world.

I’m originally from Germany but spent four years living in the UK, quite a bit of time in Spain and Malaysia, and am now travelling full time with a home base in Bali, Indonesia.

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