Planning your trip to Malaysia and want to stay connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM including a comparison of the best Malaysia eSIMs in 2025.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Malaysia on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2025 including all eSIM specifications.
Find out when and where to order an eSIM for Malaysia, all FAQ about using eSIMs and of course links to directly order your eSIM online.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Comparison of the best eSIMs for Malaysia
- Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Malaysia
- Where to buy an eSIM for Malaysia?
- When to order/activate an eSIM for Malaysia?
- How to activate an eSIM
- Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Malaysia
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Which smartphones support eSIMs?
- Can I trust these eSIM providers?
- Can I keep my phone number from home with a Malaysia eSIM?
- Can I make phone calls with a Malaysia eSIM?
- Does a Malaysia eSIM come with a phone number?
- Can I use 5G on an Malaysia eSIM?
- Are there eSIMs for Malaysia with unlimited data?
- Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Malaysia?
- eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trips to Malaysia I tested the below recommended Malaysia eSIMs for tourists.
Traveltomtom also wrote a guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Malaysia.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Malaysia are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Malaysia read the following carefully:
Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!
1. Ubigi eSIM for Malaysia - 25 GB for $22 USD
- 25 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Malaysia only
- Valid for 30 days
- Operates on the Maxis network
- 4G/LTE
- $0.88 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order an eSIM for Malaysia from Ubigi.
Ubigi has multiple eSIM plans for Malaysia as well eSIMs that are valid in Singapore and Malaysia for similar prices.
2. Airhub eSIM for Malaysia - 7 GB for $7 USD
- 7 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Malaysia only
- Valid for 30 days
- Operates on the Maxis network
- 4G/LTE
- $1 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order an eSIM for Malaysia from Airhub.
Both recommended eSIMs from Airhub and Ubigi are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported.
Is Malaysia one of your stops on a trip to Asia or around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for world travelers or an eSIM for traveling in Asia. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries.
Comparison of the best eSIMs for Malaysia
As of 2025 you can now also buy an eSIM in a phone store in Malaysia from one of the mobile internet providers. But wouldn't it be easy to be online as soon as the plane lands?
Luckily there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell Malaysia eSIMs for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Malaysia from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.
The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!
Ubigi
On Ubigi you always find lots of different eSIMs and sometimes it is hard to figure out the best ones. Read the Traveltomtom's full review of Ubigi with all pros and cons.
For Malaysia I spotted some amazing eSIMs deals and that is why Ubigi is ranked high in this Malaysia eSIM comparison.
Here are the Ubigi eSIMs for Malaysia in 2025:
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $6 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 25 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Malaysia from Ubigi.
The Ubigi eSIMs for Malaysia operate on the Maxis 4G/LTE network and are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. 5G is not supported in Malaysia.
Some of the Ubigi eSIMs are also valid in Singapore, which makes Ubigi the perfect eSIM for visiting Malaysia and Singapore.
The Ubigi 25 GB data plan for just $22 USD is one of the best value eSIM for Malaysia in 2025 and therefore also one of Traveltomtom's first picks.
Airhub
Airhub is a marketplace for eSIMs meaning they sell a lot of different eSIM plans from multiple providers. This means there is much more on offer, but this can also be a little overwhelming.
The Traveltomtom Team wrote an extensive Airhub review for more info on how Airhub eSIMs work.
The Airhub website is a little less user-friendly as you can not filter or sort the available eSIMs and they are not in order of data volume or price, but just randomly sorted.
Here are the Airhub eSIM plans for Malaysia in 2025:
- 4 GB data for 30 days = $5.5 USD
- 7 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
- 12 GB data for 30 days = $10.5 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $10.5 USD
- 23 GB data for 30 days = $18.5 USD
- 38 GB data for 30 days = $26.5 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Malaysia via Airhub.
When you click on the eSIM plan you get more info.
Airhub has some truly amazing data-only eSIMs for Malaysia. The Airhub eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE Maxis network, 5G is not supported. These are data-only eSIMs and incoming or outgoing calls or sms are not supported.
You have to instal the Airhub eSIMs on your phone within 30 days of purchase.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a reputed eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM for Malaysia through SimOptions is done fast and easy.
Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals. Read here the complete SimOptions review of the Traveltomtom Team.
Here are the international eSIM plans from SimOptions for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
- 50 GB data for 60 days = $49.90 USD
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for Malaysia.
All the SimOptions eSIMs are only valid in Malaysia. The best value eSIM from SimOptions is the one with 50 GB for $49.90 which is less than $1 USD per Gigabyte.
Unfortunately SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate in Malaysia, but at least all the SimOptions eSIMs for Malaysia are 5G ready.
The SimOptions eSIMs for Malaysia do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in Malaysia. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Airalo
Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.
Why using Airalo? Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs and a very reliable eSIM provider with excellent reviews and costumer service. Traveltomtom has never faced an issue with Airalo eSIMs.
Here are the Airalo data-only eSIM plans for Malaysia for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $10.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Malaysia from Airalo.
The best value eSIM from Airalo is their plan with 20 GB for $40 USD, which is $2 USD per Gigabyte.
The Airalo eSIMs for Malaysia are called Sambungkan and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Maxis. 5G is not supported.
In the best places to visit in Malaysia you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty good these days.
For more info about the best 4G/5G network in Malaysia check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card in Malaysia in 2025, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.
All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider and they do not only offer eSIM solutions but also add a couple other benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac. Traveltomtom has tested, reviewed and approved Jetpac eSIMs for Switzerland.
The Traveltomtom Team wrote a full Jetpac review.
Here are the Jetpac Malaysia eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $4 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $29 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $39 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $58 USD
Click here for more info or to order the Jetpac Malaysia eSIM.
The Jetpac Malaysia eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number and they operate on the Maxis and Celcom 4G/5G network in Malaysia. The Jetpac eSIMs for Malaysia are 5G ready.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Malaysia, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Malaysia or one of the other supported countries. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.
An extra advantage of Jetpac eSIMs is that they provide a free VPN as well as free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. This is a complimentary service that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.
GigSky
GigSky has been around for a long time and is also recommended in my list of the best international eSIMs for traveling the world in 2025.
The Traveltomtom Team tested GigSky and was positively surprised. Check out our complete GigSky review with all pros and cons.
Here are the GigSky eSIM plans for Malaysia in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $3.99 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $7.99 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $7.99 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12.99 USD
- Unlimited data* for 7 days = $21.59 USD
- Unlimited data* for 15 days = $39.19 USD
*FUP is 2.5 GB high speed data per day, then reduced data speed at ??? Mbps.
Click here to order a GigSky eSIM for Malaysia.
Downside of GigSky is that they do not provide much info about their eSIM plans. So it is unclear on which network they operate in Malaysia, neither if these eSIMs support 5G.
There is also no info about the of the reduced data speed after you reached the FUP of 2.5 GB data. Unfortunately some essential info is missing and therefore is GigSky not my top pick for Malaysia eSIMs.
Nomad
Although having some great eSIM deals for tourists, the Traveltomtom Team has reported some mixed reviews about using Nomad eSIMs lately. Most of the feedback was good, but some reported some issues with installing the Nomad eSIMs.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Malaysia:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
- 50 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Malaysia from Nomad.
Nomad eSIMs for Malaysia have great value and their rates go as low as $0.90 USD per Gigabyte.
Some of the Nomad eSIM plans are 5G ready, some not. They operate on the Maxis and CelcomDigi network in Malaysia.
The Nomad Malaysia eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Malaysia. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other providers they work with eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until it resets.
Here are the Holafly eSIM plans for the Malaysia with unlimited data per day:
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6.90 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $9.90 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16.90 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $24.90 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $47.90 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD
The Holafly eSIMs for Malaysia are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Maxis and CelcomDigi.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIMs for Malaysia, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Malaysia.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Malaysia?
The cheapest eSIM for Malaysia is just $1 USD. No eSIM provider can beat this offer from Jetpac. You get 1 GB data for 4 days.
The next best is then a Jetpac eSIM again with 3 GB data for just 4 USD.
Another cheap eSIM for Malaysia is an Airalo eSIM for just $4.5 USD, but most other eSIM providers offer this plan with 1 GB data for 7 days for the same price.
Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Malaysia
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Malaysia in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Malaysia without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Malaysia with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Malaysia, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Malaysia so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.
Traveltomtom also wrote specific and in-depth guides for buying eSIMs in: New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Asia, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, USA, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling!
Overseas data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Malaysia there is 4G/LTE available.
And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the eSIMs for Malaysia are.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Malaysia. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM for Malaysia?
Online
You can buy an eSIM for Malaysia on the internet through an eSIM provider. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the ones mentioned in this guide are the best eSIM providers in 2025.
When buying an eSIM for Malaysia through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Malaysia
There are 5 main mobile internet provider in Malaysia: Maxis/Hotlink, CelcomDigi, U mobile, Yes, Unifi/Bebas. As of 2025 most of the operators offer eSIMs for tourists, it depends on the phone store.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Malaysia in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Malaysia, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
Flying into Malaysia and landing at Kuala Lumpur Airport then you can buy a tourist sim card for Malaysia on arrival at the airport. Although you will find many sim card shops all over the airport you can only buy a physical prepaid sim card, tourist eSIMs are not available at Kuala Lumpur Airport.
When to order/activate an eSIM for Malaysia?
You can order an eSIM for Malaysia pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Malaysia or before. When in Malaysia you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Every international airport in Malaysia has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.
My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Malaysia before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.
How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Malaysia around 15 times over the last years and traveled all around the country to many of its amazing places to visit.
Traveltomtom also wrote a blog about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Malaysia in 2025 and there is also a vlog on my YouTube channel about my arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM plan for Malaysia you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Malaysia eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Malaysia eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Tips for how to get around Malaysia
Let me help you find the best bus, boat, train and flight tickets when traveling in Malaysia. Check out the search engine for public transport and be amazed what they find. Try it below yourself.
Powered by 12Go system
At 12Go Asia you will get all the modes of transportations all in one overview.
Bus, boat, ferry, train and flights are all displayed together with travel time, prices, available seats, etc. and the best thing is that you can directly book your ticket online and instantly get a confirmation on your phone.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Malaysia
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Malaysia eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Malaysia. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Malaysia or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Malaysia and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Malaysia.
However, you can still order a sim card for Malaysia on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Malaysia in 2025 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Malaysia recommended in this guide are reputed eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Malaysia.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.
On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Malaysia eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Malaysia.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Malaysia eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Malaysia. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Malaysia eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with a Malaysia eSIM?
No, all of the eSIMs for Malaysia are data-only. This means calling and texting is not included.
If you buy a prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in Malaysia in a store or at the airport then you get a sim card including calls and sms.
Most hotels/bars/restaurants etc. in Malaysia have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for calling minutes.
Does a Malaysia eSIM come with a phone number?
No, none of the Malaysia eSIMs that you can buy on the internet come with a phone number which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.
Can I use 5G on an Malaysia eSIM?
As of 2025 most of the eSIMs for Malaysia do not support 5G yet.
All the SimOptions and Jetpac eSIMs are 5G ready, the rest only supports 4G/LTE.
Are there eSIMs for Malaysia with unlimited data?
Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Malaysia include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.
Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited? Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Malaysia and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very concerning!
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Malaysia eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!
Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.
Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Malaysia with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM.
However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
Nomad has eSIM plans for Malaysia with up to 50 GB data. There is no real need for an eSIM with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to Google Drive or iCloud via 4G/LTE instead of WiFi.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Malaysia?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Malaysia, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Malaysia:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip.
Malaysia prepaid sim cards offer bigger data plans than tourist eSIMs you order online. In fact local prepaid sim cards with data are very cheap for tourists in Malaysia.
A local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Malaysia in a phone store or at the airport but NOT on the internet.
Another big difference is that local prepaid sim cards have the advantage that they come with a phone number and mostly with calling minutes and sms bundles. That means incoming and outgoing calls are supported.
More info about the best Malaysia sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Malaysia in 2025.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Malaysia. Some of them are great for Malaysia as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Malaysia you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Malaysia and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Malaysia directly online.
eSIMs
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Malaysia in a mobile internet provider store
As of 2025 eSIMs are available for prepaid tourist sim cards in Malaysia.
Traveltomtom personally shopped around in Malaysia to find out if eSIMs were available for tourists and in most phone stores they answered positive, but some phone stores still only had physical prepaid sim cards only.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Malaysia, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Malaysia. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Malaysia.
As soon as the plane lands, you are online!
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare the prices for Malaysia eSIMs with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Malaysia, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable as you get many more Gigabytes for the same price.
In fact, for around $10 USD you can already get a prepaid sim card with unlimited data for 1 month. This is however not on max data speed. There are restrictions, so when buying a prepaid sim card in Malaysia always ask about the exact data speed.
For more info check out my article about the best tourist sim cards for Malaysia in 2025.
But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Malaysia on arrival in a sim card shop or at the airport and a tourist eSIM for Malaysia can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet.
Remember that some of the eSIM plans for Malaysia also go down to only $0.9 USD per Gigabyte.
After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With eSIMs you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands. For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Malaysia in the comparison above.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Malaysia. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Malaysia sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Malaysia were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Malaysia right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Malaysia!